Entrepreneurship Programme for School Students

OBJECTIVE:

To equip school students with entrepreneurial skills and confidence to start their own side hustle, while also enhancing their university applications through practical training, leadership experiences, and unique accomplishments over 4 weekends. The program also emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial skills as essential life skills.

Programme Structure:

Total Duration: 18 hours
Format: 4 weekends, 4.5 hours per weekend
Target Audience: School students aspiring to learn and practice entrepreneurial skills and enhance their university applications

Weekend 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship (4.5 hours)

Session 1: Understanding Entrepreneurship (1.5 hours)

• What is Entrepreneurship?: Introduction to the concept of entrepreneurship and its importance.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Understanding the qualities and mindset of successful entrepreneurs.
• Examples of Young Entrepreneurs: Inspiring stories of young entrepreneurs and their journeys.
• Life Skills Connection: Discuss how entrepreneurial skills such as creativity, resilience, and problem-solving are vital for personal and professional success.

Session 2: Idea Generation and Validation (1.5 hours)

• Brainstorming Techniques: Fun and interactive methods for generating business ideas.
• Market Research Basics: Learning how to validate ideas through simple surveys and market research.
• Selecting an Idea: Criteria for choosing a viable business idea.
• Critical Thinking: Emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in evaluating and selecting ideas.

Session 3: Goal Setting and Planning (1.5 hours)

• Setting SMART Goals: How to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
• Creating a Simple Business Plan: Key components of a business plan and how to create one.
• Time Management: Tips for balancing schoolwork and a side hustle.
• Personal Development: Highlighting how goal setting and planning are essential skills for achieving personal and academic success.

Weekend 2: Building the Business (4.5 hours)

Session 4: Business Model and Value Proposition (1.5 hours)

• Business Model Basics: Understanding different types of business models.
• Value Proposition: How to create a value proposition that stands out.
• Business Model Canvas: Introduction and practical exercise on filling out a simplified Business Model Canvas.
• Adaptability: Learning to adapt and pivot business models as necessary, an important life skill.

Session 5: Branding and Marketing (1.5 hours)

• Creating a Brand: Basics of branding, including name, logo, and brand identity.
• Marketing Fundamentals: Introduction to marketing concepts and strategies.
• Social Media for Business: How to use social media platforms to promote the business.
• Communication Skills: Enhancing communication skills through effective marketing and branding.

Session 6: Setting Up Online Presence (1.5 hours)

• Website Basics: How to create a simple website using free tools like Wix or WordPress.
• Social Media Profiles: Setting up and optimizing social media profiles for the business.
• Content Creation: Basics of creating engaging content for the website and social media.
• Digital Literacy: Developing essential digital skills for the modern world.

Weekend 3: Operational Skills (4.5 hours)

Session 7: Financial Management (1.5 hours)

• Budgeting Basics: Simple methods for creating and managing a budget.
• Pricing Strategy: How to set prices for products or services.
• Keeping Track: Basics of keeping financial records.
• Financial Literacy: Building a foundation of financial knowledge and management skills.

Session 8: Legal and Administrative Aspects (1.5 hours)

• Business Registration: Simple steps for registering a small business.
• Legal Considerations: Understanding basic legal requirements and intellectual property rights.
• Contracts and Agreements: Basics of creating simple contracts and agreements.
• Attention to Detail: Importance of being detail-oriented and understanding legalities.

Session 9: Product Development and Service Delivery (1.5 hours)

• Creating a Product/Service: Steps to develop a product or service.
• Feedback and Improvement: How to gather and use feedback to improve offerings.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring quality in products or services.
• Innovation and Creativity: Fostering innovation and creativity in developing solutions.

Weekend 4: Launch and Growth Strategies (4.5 hours)

Session 10: Preparing for Launch (1.5 hours)

• Launch Planning: Steps to prepare for launching the business.
• Marketing Campaign: How to create a simple marketing campaign for the launch.
• Launch Day Checklist: Final preparations and checklist for a successful launch.
• Project Management: Learning to plan and execute projects effectively.

Session 11: Customer Acquisition and Retention (1.5 hours)

• Attracting Customers: Strategies to attract the first customers.
• Customer Service: Importance of good customer service and how to provide it.
• Building Loyalty: Tips for retaining customers and building loyalty.
• Interpersonal Skills: Enhancing interpersonal skills through customer interactions.

Session 12: Review and Next Steps (1.5 hours)

• Reflecting on the Journey: Reviewing what has been learned and achieved.
• Future Planning: Setting goals and planning for the future of the side hustle.
• Celebration and Sharing: Sharing experiences and celebrating successes with peers.
• Self-Reflection: Importance of reflecting on experiences and learning from them.

Enhancing University Applications

1. Personal Statements:

• Unique Experiences: Highlight participation in the program and the entrepreneurial journey in personal statements.
• Leadership and Initiative: Emphasize the initiative taken to start and manage a side hustle, demonstrating leadership and proactive learning.

2. Recommendation Letters:

• Mentor Endorsements: Obtain recommendation letters from program mentors, highlighting the student’s dedication, skills, and accomplishments.

3. Portfolio Development:

• Business Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing the business plan, marketing materials, and other project-related documents.
• Achievements: Include any milestones, customer testimonials, and financial successes of the side hustle.

4. Extracurricular Activities:

• Resume Building: Add the entrepreneurial project to the extracurricular section of university applications.
• Skills Acquired: List specific skills gained, such as financial management, marketing, and customer service.

5. Interview Preparation:

• Talking Points: Prepare to discuss the entrepreneurial experience and what was learned during interviews.
• Impact and Learning: Focus on the impact of the program on personal growth and career aspirations.

Importance of Entrepreneurial Skills as Life Skills

• Problem-Solving: Learning to identify problems and develop creative solutions.
• Adaptability: Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot strategies when needed.
• Resilience: Developing the ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
• Financial Literacy: Gaining essential skills in budgeting, pricing, and financial management.
• Leadership: Building confidence and leadership abilities through real-world experience.
• Communication: Enhancing communication skills through marketing, customer service, and team collaboration.
• Time Management: Learning to balance multiple responsibilities and manage time effectively.
• Digital Literacy: Developing proficiency with digital tools and online platforms.

Programme Features:

• Hands-On Activities: Each session includes practical exercises and interactive activities to apply learned concepts.
• Mentorship: Access to mentors for personalized guidance and support throughout the program.
• Networking Opportunities: Opportunities to connect with fellow participants and successful entrepreneurs.
• Resource Materials: Access to templates, guides, and tools to aid in the development and growth of the side hustle.
• Support Groups: Formation of small groups to encourage peer support and collaboration.

Expected Outcomes:

• Confidence Building: Increased confidence in starting and managing a side hustle.
• Practical Skills: Development of essential entrepreneurial and life skills through hands-on experience.
• Actionable Plan: A clear, actionable plan for launching and growing a side hustle.
• Enhanced Applications: Stronger university applications through unique entrepreneurial experiences and accomplishments.
• Support Network: Establishment of a supportive network of peers and mentors.

This adapted programme not only imparts entrepreneurial skills but also significantly enhances school students’ university applications by providing them with unique experiences, practical achievements, and documented accomplishments that can be highlighted in their applications. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial skills as essential life skills, preparing students for personal and professional success.

Please send an email to Ms Malak Jaber at malak.j@ureka.co.uk to setup a zoom meeting to discuss this opportunity. You may reach her at +971 50 207 3899.