Creative Business Ideas

Curriculum Area and Level

Year Level: Year 6
Curriculum Area: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
Content Descriptor:
Australian Curriculum – Economics and Business

• ACHASSK151: Why businesses exist and the different ways they provide goods and services.
• ACHASSI124: Analysing findings and proposing actions or solutions.

General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy, Personal and Social Capability.

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Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the purpose of a business and how it meets customers' needs through goods and services.
2. Brainstorm and develop creative business ideas focusing on solving a real-world problem within their local community or school.
3. Work collaboratively to conceptualise and present their business idea.

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Lesson Overview

• Introduction (5 minutes): Engage students by discussing businesses they interact with daily.
• Activity 1 (10 minutes): Small group brainstorming to create a business idea.
• Activity 2 (10 minutes): Design a mini "business plan" using a guided template.
• Conclusion (5 minutes): Share and reflect on ideas as a class.

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Resources Needed

• A3 sheets of paper (1 per group)
• Coloured markers/pencils
• Pre-prepared "Business Plan Template" handouts (1 per group)
• Whiteboard or Smartboard for brainstorming as a class

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Lesson Details

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Hook: Start with an engaging question: “What’s your favourite shop or business in your community, and why?” Write some ideas on the board (e.g., bakery, hairdresser, sports shop).
2. Highlight that all these businesses solve a problem or provide something people need or want.
3. Briefly explain the key purpose of a business: providing goods or services to meet customers' wants or needs.

Example local context: “Imagine if our school didn’t have a canteen. What problem would that create for students or teachers? Could a business idea solve it?”

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Activity 1: Brainstorming Business Ideas (10 minutes)

1. Group Work Setup: Divide the class into groups of 5 (6 groups in total).

   • Encourage groups to think about problems in their school or local community that a business could solve.
   • For example:
     • Helping students manage lost property.
     • Providing healthy snacks for after-school activities.
     • Organising sports gear or school supplies rentals.

2. On the whiteboard, write these brainstorming prompts for groups to consider:

   • What problem are you solving?
   • Who will be your customers?
   • What kind of goods or services will your business provide?

3. Groups should then share one or two standout ideas with the class for quick feedback.

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Activity 2: Mini Business Plan (10 minutes)

1. Distribute the Business Plan Template to each group. The template should include the following sections:

   • Business Name
   • What problem are we solving?
   • Goods or services we will provide.
   • Who are our customers?
   • Why will people choose our business?

2. Guide students to add creative touches, e.g., drawing a basic logo for their business or imagining a catchy slogan.
   For example: "Stay Cool, Stay Smart – School Supplies On-the-Go!"

3. Encourage thinking about Australian values like fairness and sustainability in their plans. Ask: Could their business use recycled materials or support inclusivity within the school?

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Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Share and Reflect:

   • Select one or two groups to present their business idea (1-minute pitch).
   • Other groups give positive feedback or ask a question about the idea.

2. Link to Real-World Thinking: Finish by highlighting that businesses always start small, and even kids can be entrepreneurs. Mention an age-appropriate example, like kids starting lemonade stands or selling handmade crafts.

3. Draw attention to how creativity and teamwork helped shape their ideas, which are key skills in business and life.

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Homework Extension (Optional)

Ask students to consider what they might need if they were to actually launch their business idea. Could they write a menu for their healthy snack shop or create a flyer to promote their lost property solution?

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Assessment Suggestions

• Informal observation of group collaboration during the activities.
• Evaluate completed Business Plan Templates for creativity and understanding of core concepts.
• Student participation in class discussion and reflective feedback.

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Teacher Notes

• Consider tying the brainstorming activity to school-specific issues or current events (e.g., upcoming sports carnivals, special charity drives).
• Encourage quieter students to contribute by assigning rotating roles (e.g., scribe, presenter) in group work.