💡 Week 1 – Idea Generation

Every business starts with a problem that needs solving.
Great entrepreneurs don’t wait for inspiration — they notice things that others ignore.

Think of this lesson as a game of curiosity.
You’ll look around, ask “why,” and slowly connect dots that could become your first business idea.

🔍 Step 1 – Start with Problems, Not Ideas

When you look at your school, city, or even your daily routine — what feels inconvenient?

Long lunch lines?
Students losing their homework?
People wanting eco-friendly snacks but not finding them?

Each frustration is a seed of opportunity.

A student looking at everyday problems like long lines or messy desks, with lightbulb icons above each issue. — Every problem hides a potential idea — entrepreneurs simply look closer.

🧠 Step 2 – Ask ‘Why’ and ‘What If’

Good ideas are built by asking simple questions:

Why does this problem exist?
What if we could make it easier, faster, or cheaper?

Example:

The lunch line is long.
Why? Only one register.
What if students could pre-order lunch in the morning?

Boom — that’s a business idea forming.

🎨 Step 3 – Sketch Your Idea

Don’t overthink — draw or jot down how your solution works.
Even simple doodles help your brain imagine possibilities.

A colorful classroom whiteboard covered with sticky notes and quick sketches of apps, food stands, and delivery ideas. — Early ideas look messy — that’s good! Creativity grows from rough sketches.

🧩 Step 4 – Combine Your Skills and Interests

Ideas work best when they fit you.
Ask yourself:

What do I enjoy doing?
What am I already good at?
Who could benefit from it?

If you love art — maybe custom stickers or T-shirt prints.
If you enjoy coding — a mini-app for your classmates.
If you like helping others — an after-school tutoring club.

That’s your personal advantage.

🚀 Step 5 – Test Your Excitement

The best ideas make you say: “I’d actually try that!”
If it sounds boring, others will feel the same.

Ask two friends:

“Would you use this? Why or why not?”

Note their honest feedback.
You’ll refine your idea later during Market Research Week.

A small group of students sharing ideas and laughing, sticky notes on the wall labeled 'Try It', 'Too Hard', and 'Cool!'. — Sharing early ideas helps you spot what excites others — and what needs work.

✅ Mini Challenge

Pick one of your ideas and give it a name.
Try a short line like:

“QuickLunch — pre-order your school meal in one tap.”

That’s your first elevator pitch.

🧭 What’s Next

In the next lesson, we’ll validate your idea:
find out if real people need it, and how to check competitors.
👉 Continue to Market Research →