make

e t h i ng
som
new

Business
Starter Kit
Design your
own business
 TABLE OF
CONTENTS

Welcome to
Intro: What is an entrepreneur? 3

the start of Section 1: Develop your big business idea

Activity 1: Turn your hobbies into ideas
4
5

your adventure! Activity 2: Brainstorm your business idea 6

Section 2: Make a business plan 8

This kit has been Activity 1: Find your target customers 9

optimized for Activity 2: Set your business apart

Activity 3: Create your action plan
10
10
digital use Activity 4: Craft your vision 11

It’ll work best if you use it as a guide on your Section 3: Design your brand 12
mobile device or computer, no internet
Activity 1: Name your business 13
connection required, and do all your work in a
notebook or sheets of paper, with a pen or pencil. Activity 2: Create a logo 14

Section 4: Make marketing magic 15

Activity 1: Create a print ad 16

Section 5: Share and tell 17

Activity 1: Present and share your business 18

2
What is an SPOTLIGHT ON
entrepreneur?
The Gill Brothers: Collin (13), Ryan (11), and Austin (8)

When the three Gill brothers asked their parents With the help of their parents, the brothers make
for money to buy Nerf Blasters and a PlayStation and sell their products online*. Those products
An entrepreneur is someone who makes money by running their own business. 4, their Mom and Dad didn’t just hand over the have now expanded to include room sprays and
Some entrepreneurs sell products like candles, jewelry, and notebooks. Other cash. Instead, they said, “Get a job — or start a soaps too. The business’s success has allowed
entrepreneurs make money by doing tasks and services, like DJs and dog walkers. business.” The boys decided to start a business the boys to buy their own toys and learn valuable
And some make money by creating content, like YouTubers hand-making and selling candles, and Frères life skills, like public speaking and empathy (they
Branchiaux (which is pronounced “Frair bron- donate some of their profits to the homeless).
Most of the entrepreneurs you know are likely adults, but you can build a shee-oh” and means Gill brothers) was born. And Mom has even added business lessons to
business at any age. Running your own business is a fantastic way to earn your their homeschool schedule.
own cash. Throughout the kit, you’ll read stories from young entrepreneurs who
started their own successful businesses while still in school.
*You must be 18 years of age or older to be an account owner on Shopify.

“We get to make our

own money, and we’re
our own bosses, too.”
- Collin

Frères Branchiaux
www.freresbranchiaux.com

3
 Section 01

Develop
your big
business idea
Transform your interests into a business!

Start exploring your

interests, and think about
how they could help you
come up with a business
idea from scratch.
 Activities: Interests: Products:

Baking Animals Accessories

Activity 1 Camping Astrology Beauty
Coding Astronomy Board games
Cooking Construction Books
Crafting Engineering Building blocks
DJing Geography Cellphones

Turn your hobbies Dancing

Doing yoga
Health
Inventing
Collectibles
Fashion
into ideas Goal: Drawing Nature Haircare
Identify your favorite Gardening Pets Plants
hobbies
Hiking Podcasts Puzzles
What are you passionate about?
Time it will take: Journaling Pottery Robotics
About 30 minutes Listening to music Science Skincare
Start by thinking about what you enjoy doing
the most in your free time (after school, on the Making videos Tech Toys
You’ll need:
weekends, before school, etc.). Painting YouTube Video games
• A pen or a pencil
Do you play sports? Do you make awesome art? Or • Paper Playing an instrument
do you have the most fun in the kitchen whipping up Playing sports
delicious treats?
Playing video games
Whether your favorite hobbies are playing sports,
Reading
creating art, or cooking — you can use your interests
as inspiration for your business. Running
TIP:
Sewing
What you identify will help you Skiing
Directions: create a business concept in
Snowboarding
Activity 2. Focus on choosing
Step 1: On your sheet, write down the activities you activities, interests, and Surfing
enjoy the most. Feel free to write down anything else products that you think could Swimming
you love doing that’s not on the list. become business ideas.
Taking photos
Step 2: Once you’ve identified your favorite activity, Volunteering
sketch it out. Walking
Watching sports
Writing
5
Activitty 2 Activity 2 Activity 2 Activity 2 Activity 2 Activ
Directions:

Brainstorm your Step 1:

Use the mind map here as a guide to draw

business idea your own on paper. Draw one circle in the

center, with six smaller, surrounding circles,
and two circles each connected to each of the
surrounding circles.

Goal: Step 2:
Have fun making money. Create a mind map and

Now you have a list of your favorite hobbies and

identify a business In the center circle, write out the name of
activities. It’s time to think about how you could
concept your favorite activity.
turn the thing you love most into a business.
Time it will take: Step 3:
Using your favorite interest, create a mind map by 30 minutes – 1 hour
Use the smaller circles to write ideas that
following the steps on the next page.
You’ll need: connect to the activity you chose. Include
• A pen or pencil the gear, tools, and accessories you need for
• Paper your chosen activity. For example, if the word
• Pencil crayons, markers, in the middle circle is “painting,” you might
or crayons (optional) draw smaller circles related to painting, like
brushes, canvases, painting classes, and
sample supplies.

Step 4:

As you fill out the circles, ask yourself, “What

else can I add to the map that relates to this
activity?” Use each connection line to think of
more ideas. Notice how one idea can
lead to another.

6
 More business ideas
Are you feeling stuck? No worries, here are some business ideas
to get you started. There are so many things you could try:
Step 5:
Bake cupcakes and cookies to sell to your neighbors, family,
Use your mind map to pick out and organize your top business ideas.
and friends.
Organize your ideas by drawing stars in this kit:
Buy items and resell them for a higher price. Host a garage sale to
• Draw green stars on products you could sell
sell some of your old toys and clothes. Or check out second-hand
• Draw orange stars on services you could create stores to find affordable items to resell.
• Draw pink stars on themes you could use for recording content for a podcast or YouTube
channel (things like sports, fashion, or crafts). Note: Make sure you have your parents’ Make natural beauty products like homemade lip balms and soap.
permission to use social media before creating or posting any content on social media. Need help creating your beauty products? There are a lot of great
• Draw yellow stars on the ideas you like best tutorials online.

Step 6: Help take care of your friends’ and families’ pets.

Put it all together! Write down your favorite concept for a business idea and use anything
Create handmade gifts like candles or greeting cards.
you have handy (stickers, pencil crayons, markers) to dress it up. Now, you’ll use this
business idea to build a plan for your very own business.
Wash cars for neighbors.

TIPS:

Your big business idea can be a Tip:

service, product, or content idea.
If you’re having trouble developing your business idea,
Your business idea doesn’t have remember that the best businesses help people solve a problem.
to be brand new. It’s okay if For example, washing cars helps your neighbors transform their
your idea already exists — many cars from dirty to clean, and creating greeting cards help people
entrepreneurs start businesses celebrate important events.
to improve existing products, like
creating a softer stuffed animal or
candles with different scents.

7
 Section 02

yes
you
can

Make a
business
plan
The blueprint for your business

Clarify your idea, research

your ideal customers and
your competitors, and build
your confidence.
Activitty 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activ
tiviity 1

Find your target

customers
Who are your customers? Goal:
Create a picture of who
your customer is and
To make money, you need customers. It’s easier
what they’re like
to get customers when you get to know them and
understand what they want and need. Outlining
Time it will take:
who your customers are and what they like makes it
30 – 45 minutes
easier to make products or services that they’ll like
and advertisements that will grab their attention.
You’ll need:
• A pen or pencil
Directions: • Paper
• Stickers

Step 1: Use the image on the right to draw your

own version on paper. Draw a circle in the middle
of your page, then draw a line from the middle top
straight down without breaking the circle. Draw a
line from the middle left across the page without
breaking the circle.

Step 2: Think about who your perfect customer is

and draw their face in the center of the diagram.

Step 3: Answer the questions about your customer

around their picture.

9
Activity 2 Activity 3

Set your business apart Create your plan of action

What makes your business special? Let’s get down to business.
1. My business idea is:
A unique selling proposition (USP) is what makes a business
stand out from competitors. For example, think of how many Goal: Goal:
Find out what makes your
2. My product/service is: Design a detailed plan for
different juices are at the grocery store. These companies all
sell the same product (juice), but they stand out in different business unique by your business
3. What will make my business stand out from others?
ways. Some juices are organic, some have bright and fun learning
packaging, and some contain low sugar. USPs can include eco- about your competition 4. Who are my target customers? Time it will take:
friendly ingredients, cool packaging, and healthy ingredients. 1.5 hours
Time it will take: 5. Where can I advertise? (I.e., on social media, the local
You can make your business stand out by researching your 1 – 1.5 hours newspaper, posters?) You’ll need:
competitors. Learn more by searching online, or by talking to • A pen or pencil
friends and family about them. You’ll need: 6. Where will I sell? • Paper
• A pen or pencil
• Paper 7. How much will the product or service cost?

Example
A dog walking business’ competitors are:
• Other dog walkers
• Local doggy daycare
• A dog walking app TIP: Other things to think about:

A good rule is to set your price at least twice the • The cost of advertising your business
amount it takes to create your product. If you • The cost of paying people to help you
provide a service, think about the cost of any with your business
supplies you need to do your job and how long
it will take to complete your task.
Once you’ve found two competitors, 1. What do they do well?
draw a chart and answer these 2. What don’t they do well?
questions about each:
3. What can I do that is better or different

10
 ivity 4 Activity 4 Activity 4 Activity 4 Activ

Craft your vision

Build the business of your dreams.
Now that you have your big business idea, Your board can include:
create a vision board.
• Products you might sell
A vision board is a collection of images, • Colors you like
illustrations, and words representing your
• Why you are excited to start your
goals and dreams. Vision boards are a great
business
way to stay inspired as a business owner.
• Anything else that fits the vibe of your
business grab their attention.

Goal:
Create a vision board for your business

Time it will take:

1 – 2 hours

You’ll need:
• Pens, pencils, crayons, and markers
• Stickers

Extra materials (optional):

• Magazine clippings
• Printed images
• Color, pattern, or fabric samples
• Tape or a glue stick

11
 Section 03

Design
your brand
Build something special

Creating a memorable
brand is important because
it helps connect what you’re
selling with who you’re
trying to reach.
 Directions:
Activity 1 Step 1: Use the picture below, to draw your own on
paper. Start with a circle in the middle of the page.
At the top of that circle, write “Name ideas and
combinations.” Draw a bigger circle around the first

Name your one, and write “Adjectives” at the top of that circle.
Finally, draw a bigger circle around the second one,

business
and write “Nouns” at the top of that circle.

Step 2: Write out nouns (person, place, or thing) that

describe your business (if you were selling gems,
these words could be rocks,
Create a business name Goal: gems, stones).
customers will remember. Find out what makes your
Step 3: Write out adjectives (words
business unique by learning
about your competition that describe the nouns like cool,
Your business name is one of the most
creative, sweet, salty, vibrant) to
important branding pieces of your business
Time it will take: describe what you will sell.
because it’s the first thing customers will see
30 minutes - 1 hour
and hopefully recognize. Step 4: Look at all the words and
You’ll need:
develop creative ways to combine
TIPS: • A pen or pencil
your nouns and adjectives. Play
around with different adjectives
until you find a name you love!
• Your business name should be simple so
that customers can easily remember it.

• Your business name should be easy to

pronounce, spell, and search for.

• Avoid making your name too specific. For

example, the name “Taj’s Cupcakes”. Taj’s
Cupcakes is a great business name, but what Select the best option for
your business name and
if you eventually want to sell more than just
write it on paper.
cupcakes? Maybe the brand name becomes
“Taj’s Baked Goods.” Giving your business an You can use stickers and
inclusive name helps set your business up markers to add emphasis.
for the future.

• Your brand name should be unique to your

business and stand out.
13
 Directions:
Activity 2
Step 1: Write your business name. Now, write
your business name in different layouts by
stacking the words and/ or letters. Another way

Create a logo you can get creative with your logo is by putting
the words on a curve or around a shape (such
as a circle, rectangle, or square).
It’s time to get visual and
TIP: Play with different fonts for your logo.
design a logo. For example, you can use block letters, bubble
letters, or cursive if you think the style relates
The key to creating a good logo is well to your brand.
NEED SOME INSPIRATION?
making it unique and simple enough for
customers to remember. A well-designed Check out some of your favorite brands
logo connects with your business and online and look at their logos. Examine
helps people remember and recognize it. the colors, words, shapes, and images,
and ask yourself why you think they chose Step 2: Draw some symbols and shapes that
In this activity, you’ll sketch a few different those specific details. What can you learn represent both your business idea and the words
versions of your logo before designing and borrow from their designs? in your business name.
the final one. You’ll flex your creative
muscles and spend some time dreaming
TIP: You can use different symbols and shapes
up as many different options as possible.
to represent ideas. For example, you can use a
sketch of the sun to express “bright” and “happy”
thoughts and feelings.
Goal:
Create a logo for your business

Time it will take:

1 – 2 hours
Step 3: Put it all together! Combine your favorite
You’ll need: design for your business name with the symbols
• A pen or pencil and shapes you like best. Try putting the logo
• Paper inside a container shape, like a square or circle.
• Colored pencils or Once you’ve created a logo you love, feel free to
markers (optional) add some color to it.

TIP: You may want to sketch a few different

options before landing on the final version of your
logo. Take your time and have fun with the designs!
14
 Section 04

Make
marketing
magic
Attract customers for your business

Let the world know your

business exists so you
can find new customers and
make some sales.
 Activity 1

What does marketing mean? Create a print ad

Marketing includes different activities and methods designed to promote and grow your
business. Marketing is key to attracting customers and letting people know your business How do you want your print
exists. Marketing activities include making print and web ads, posting flyers, sending
emails, and more. ads to look and feel? Goal:
Create a print ad

Create a print ad designed to attract new

Time it will take:
customers. The format and where you want to post
1 – 2 hours
them are up to you. After all, you are your own
boss! Think about where your print ad could attract
SPOTLIGHT ON
KAMARLA WARREN (12)
the most customers. Some ideas could be your
local newspaper, on a community mailbox, local
You’ll need:
• A pen or pencil
• Paper
bulletin boards, or think big and create a
billboard ad.
When Kamaria was looking for role models, strong Black women and girls were hard to find Extra Materials
in pop culture. She decided to do something about it — and started a business. (if you have them):
Create your ad with markers, magazine clippings,
or whatever materials you have available. Use the • Colored pencils
space provided as a canvas for your ad. • Markers
“Go for your wildest • Paints
dream. Do whatever TIP:
• Magazine clippings
• Printed images
you want to...” • Photos
Don’t forget to include your brand name, logo, and
• Stickers
- Kamarla brand colors. If you’d like, get creative and write
some headlines to include in your ads.
Brown Girls Stationery
www.brown-girls-st ationery.myshopify.com

With the help of her mom, Kamaria launched Brown Girls Stationery, a brand of school
supplies featuring faces that reflected her own — and other kids from underrepresented Directions:
communities. Between jazz, acro, and musical theater, the busy 12-year-old is learning to
be a boss, too. Use a piece of paper to sketch out some ideas
for your poster and/or magazine ad. Use a couple
pages as a workspace to play around.

16
 Section 05

Share
and tell
Show off your brand new business

You’ve built the foundation

of a great business. Now, it’s
time to share your idea with
family and friends.
Activity 1

Present and share

your business SPOTLIGHT ON
Riley Kinnane-Petersen (11)

It’s time for show and tell! Goal:

When Riley was five years old, she loved playing dress-up. Her two dads asked friends
Share your business
and family to donate their old necklaces for her to play with. But Riley did something
YOU MADE IT! CONGRATULATIONS unexpected: she took them apart and designed her own. That’s when her family had the
ON COMPLETING THE BUSINESS Time it will take:
idea to sell them at Riley’s annual lemonade stand.
1 – 2 hours
STARTER KIT.
When Riley’s dad John posted photos to Instagram, his friends asked where they could
You’ve put in the work and created a concept, You’ll need: buy her necklaces. So he set up an online store called Gunner & Lux. Six years later,
branded your business, and developed creative • This Kit Riley’s still in charge of design, and now she has staff helping her make jewelry and ship
work for print ads. • Digital slides (optional) thousands of orders to people worldwide. That leaves Riley with plenty of time to swim and
read and to, well, just be a kid.
Now it’s time to present your brand to those
around you. Gather your parents, guardians,
siblings, and pets, and walk them through all “When I grow up,
the work you’ve done. Make sure to bring your I want to continue
business cards and merchandise!
my business. But
If you want to host a digital presentation for a if not, then I might
wider audience, create some digital slides, host become a chemist.
a video call, and schedule the presentation with
more of your family and friends.
Or a vet.”

What’s next now that you’ve completed your kit? - Riley

Great job completing all of your activities; now, Gunner & Lux
the rest is up to you — whether you’re ready to www.gunnerandlux.com
dream up another business idea or start putting
this business plan into action. Good luck, and most
importantly, have fun!

18
ABOUT
SHOPIFY
Shopify is built for the next generation of dreamers. This company
was created by a young entrepreneur named Tobi who wanted to sell
snowboards online. He couldn’t find the right tools to create an online
store, so he ended up writing software to build his own. Tobi realized
that his software could help a lot of other people sell online, too, so
he made it available to other people, and he called it Shopify. That
technology now powers more than 1.7 million businesses worldwide,
helping them sell their products online and in stores.

Shopify’s goal is to make entrepreneurship available to more people so

they all have the chance to be their own boss.

19