Cadettes
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Cadette Business Creator Badge Activity
Spark A New Idea
Think like an entrepreneur as you come up with a technology solution.
Activity Details
Time needed: 30–45 minutes
Materials needed:
- Phone, tablet, or computer with internet access
- Notebook or journal
Setup:
Entrepreneurs are innovative problem solvers. They know how to collaborate and get critical feedback to make their ideas even better. Entrepreneurs brainstorm, often work with teams, set goals, face failure, and try again.
You are going to practice thinking like an entrepreneur. You’ll be coming up with an idea for a new or improved product, service, or technology solution to solve a local, national, or global problem.
Activity:
An entrepreneur is a person that solves problems in order to make our lives better. Throughout this activity, try to think like an entrepreneur this is called having an entrepreneurial mindset. To develop an entrepreneur mindset remembering these three things:
- Be curious. Ask “how,” “why,” and “what if” often.
- Embrace challenges, even when things are difficult.
- Try again when things don’t work.
For the first part of this activity, go online and search for websites that talk about social, economic, educational, and environmental challenges that the world—or your community—faces. Focus on issues that interest you and dig in to really understand the issue. Find the answers to questions like:
- Why is this happening?
- What kind of help is needed in my neighborhood? What about at a national or worldwide level?
- What are people already doing?
Now, look at what you’ve learned. Did it spark any ideas for a product, service, or new kind of technology that might help solve the problem? Pull out your notebook or journal and develop your idea further, capturing your thoughts, goals, and feedback.
Here are some things to include:
- Your ideas, problems, and solutions
- Goals you want to meet
- Feedback about your ideas
- Brainstorming notes
- Changes you want to make
- People you admire (entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators)
- Inspiring quotes
- Names and contact information of people you are working with
- Names and contact information of people who have helped you (or may help you in the future)
And here’s a tip: you don’t just need to write in your notebook. You can also add sketches, photos, diagrams, song lyrics, poetry, or quotes that might be able to help you really think about and explain your idea.
Reflection
Think about these questions:
- Is there a female entrepreneur you can talk to about how she developed her idea for her product or business?
- What from this experience can you take into other parts of your life?
- How can you share what you’ve learned with other girls?
Troop Leaders: The instructions for all badge steps are available free of charge in your Girl Scout Volunteer Toolkit.
Girl Scout Activity Zone activities have been adapted from existing Girl Scout programming.
Adapted from Step 1 of the Cadette Business Creator badge. Purchase the badge booklet to complete all requirements and earn the badge.
Made possible by a generous gift from Susan Bulkeley Butler, author of Become the CEO of You, Inc.
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