Business Plan Basics

Grade Level

9th Grade

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

25 Students

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Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – English Language Arts:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues.

Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Georgia Standards:

• CTS-BST-1: Understand the key components of a business plan.
• CTS-BST-2: Develop a basic business plan.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define key terms related to business plans: Business Plan, Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Financial Projections.
2. Explain why a business plan is important for starting a business.
3. Analyze the key components of a business plan.
4. Begin creating a basic business plan outline relevant to their interests.

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Materials Needed

• Notebooks or Composition Books (lined, no jagged edges)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector/Smartboard (optional)
• Pens/pencils
• Business Plan Vocabulary Handout (printed)
• Sample business plan overview (brief, age-appropriate)

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Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-up and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Engage students with a real-life relatable question written on the board or smartboard:
  • “Imagine you want to start a small business selling something you love. What steps would you take to make it successful?”
• Have students briefly discuss with a partner for 1-2 minutes.
• Ask 2-3 volunteers to share their ideas aloud.
• Transition: “Today, we’ll learn how a well-crafted business plan can help turn your ideas into a reality.”

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2. Vocabulary & Definitions (10 minutes)

• Direct Instruction:
  • Introduce and explain the five key definitions:
    1. Business Plan
    2. Executive Summary
    3. Market Analysis
    4. Marketing Strategy
    5. Financial Projections
• Use simple, clear explanations tailored for 9th graders.
• Project or write these definitions on the board and distribute the vocabulary handout.
• Notebook Activity:
  Students will copy the definitions neatly into their notebooks.

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3. Why a Business Plan? (7 minutes)

• Discuss the importance of a business plan using the teacher's key point: “a roadmap for your business.”
• Write these questions on the board for students to answer in their notebooks (quick writing):
  • Why do you think having a clear business plan might help someone start a business?
  • How might a business plan help attract investors or lenders?
• Allow 5 minutes for writing, then briefly discuss 2-3 student answers.
• Emphasize how planning reduces risk and clarifies goals.

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4. Group Activity: Identify Key Components (10 minutes)

• Divide students into 5 groups of 5.
• Assign each group one key component of the business plan.
• Provide a very short sample business plan summary (or create a simplified one for the lesson).
• Each group reviews their section and writes 2-3 bullet points in their notebooks on what their component should include.
• Groups briefly share their ideas with the class.
• Teacher records a master set of key attributes on the board.

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5. Guided Practice: Start Your Business Plan (10 minutes)

• Students will choose a hypothetical business they might enjoy starting (selling custom sneakers, a café, a tutoring service, etc.).
• In their notebooks, students draft an Executive Summary for their business.
• Prompt for their writing:
  • What is your business name?
  • What product or service will you offer?
  • Why do you believe your business can succeed?
• Teacher circulates, offering support and encouraging detail.

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6. Wrap-Up and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Ask students to share one interesting thing they wrote in their executive summaries.
• Summarize the lesson’s key points.
• Assign as homework:
  Begin thinking about the Market Analysis section for their chosen business—who would be their customers and why?

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Assessment

• Evaluate notebooks to check for accurate and complete vocabulary definitions.
• Review students’ written responses on the importance of a business plan.
• Assess executive summary drafts for clarity and relevance.
• Participation during group discussions and activities.

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Extensions / Modifications

• For advanced students:
  Encourage writing a brief marketing strategy or financial projection outline for homework.

• For students needing support:
  Provide sentence starters for notebook writing and allow oral responses in place of written if needed.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Did students remain engaged when linking business concepts to their interests?
• Were notebook entries thoughtful and aligned to vocabulary learning goals?
• Consider introducing digital tools next lesson for creating visual business plan drafts once core concepts are in place.

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This lesson plan blends inquiry, collaboration, and writing to meet Common Core standards, while actively engaging students using notebooks to develop essential business literacy skills tailored to youth interests.