Startup Project Sheet
Project Description:
Instagram. Facebook. Google. Apple. All of these companies began with a great idea for how to solve a problem. Have you ever thought, I want to start my own company or make my own app, but just didn’t know where to start or how to do it? Well during our 7-week Startup Project, you will work with a team of students and professionals to launch your own companies. To get inspiration we will share our favorite apps, websites and companies. We will also visit startups in the San Diego area, talk with local entrepreneurs about how they started their own businesses, and watch shows like Shark Tank to learn what we need to do to be successful. With that inspiration, you will all pitch your ideas for a company that you would like to start. Then you and your classmates will vote for the best ideas, and the winners will form teams or 2-4 students that will work to make that dream a reality. You will work with your team to create a 5-10 minute presentation and slideshow as well as a prototype of your product, which you will present to a group of business leaders and investors from the community at a Demo Day. If they like the ideas they may help you to actually launch your company!
Essential Question: How can we create a successful company that solves a real-world problem?
Guiding questions for project:
Instagram. Facebook. Google. Apple. All of these companies began with a great idea for how to solve a problem. Have you ever thought, I want to start my own company or make my own app, but just didn’t know where to start or how to do it? Well during our 7-week Startup Project, you will work with a team of students and professionals to launch your own companies. To get inspiration we will share our favorite apps, websites and companies. We will also visit startups in the San Diego area, talk with local entrepreneurs about how they started their own businesses, and watch shows like Shark Tank to learn what we need to do to be successful. With that inspiration, you will all pitch your ideas for a company that you would like to start. Then you and your classmates will vote for the best ideas, and the winners will form teams or 2-4 students that will work to make that dream a reality. You will work with your team to create a 5-10 minute presentation and slideshow as well as a prototype of your product, which you will present to a group of business leaders and investors from the community at a Demo Day. If they like the ideas they may help you to actually launch your company!
Essential Question: How can we create a successful company that solves a real-world problem?
Guiding questions for project:
- What’s the problem you’re trying to solve?
- Who’s the user?
- Who’s the customer?
- How do you know this is a problem from the customer?
- What’s your solution?
- What are people currently doing to solve this problem?
- How do you know your solution adequately addresses the problem?
- How do you make your business sustainable? (revenue model)
