The idea was solidified. The MVP had been thinned. The features had been clarified. This was the week that we could finally get to business.

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As exciting as the process had been up until this point, we knew that things were about to get a little dry. It was time to get to the nitty-gritty of taking an idea from scratch, and slowly converting it into something a little more real. The only problem is that step one is actually getting the business onto paper, and business plan writing is something no one likes, including high school students.

We had to do what we do best: simplify the entrepreneur’s journey. So, we took the concept of a business plan, and broke it down to just a few intuitive components. First and foremost, a little brand work was necessary. No, we didn’t have the kids design color schemes and logos, but we had them start with a key essential: a name. They loved it. In what seemed like a flash, our whiteboard was filled to the brim with different ideas.

It wasn’t a secret to us that creativity comes naturally to the students. A name was easy for them, and we finally landed on “Present.” Since our app would offer rewards (or presents) for students showing up to class (or being present), we were pretty thrilled with what the class came up with.

With the name secured, we wanted to at least teach the kids the basics of every business plan. This led us to dive into the mission and vision behind Present. Although we didn’t envision this being the most engaging part of the class, the kids really tuned into the overall goal behind the product. They saw the global impact it could make in academia, and condensed it to a few powerful statements.

The students considered Present an opportunity to not only to increase student attendance, but also student engagement, which in turn would impact societal output and lead to a more educated and inspired workforce. To put it lightly, we were blown away by the philosophical intent of these young entrepreneurs.

We spent the rest of the class touching up on some previous marketing strategies we had discussed, while also determining who exactly the target market is for a product like Present. We were shocked to see the kids so engaged with the lessons. Learning by doing continues to be a uniquely effective way to influence the younger generations.

With all the logistical work out of the way, we can now really have some fun. Next class, we’re bringing our designer in to start showing the students how an idea really comes to life.

Stay tuned.