Your Challenge
Design a small business or money-making idea that solves a problem around you.
Words to Know
These words can help you understand the challenge and spark ideas for your project:
- Entrepreneur – Someone who starts and runs their own business or big idea, instead of working for someone else.
Business – A plan for making, selling, or doing something that helps people and earns money.
Community – A group of people who live, learn, or play together (like your school, neighborhood, or town).
Customer – A person who buys or uses what your business makes or does.
Profit – The money you have left over after you pay for everything it costs to make or sell your product.
Decent Work – A job or way of earning money that is fair, safe, and treats people well.
What to Think About:
Did you know that 3 out of 4 kids ages 8–12 believe they could successfully start their own business if they worked hard at it? That’s a lot of future kidpreneurs — maybe including you!
Imagine you could start a small business or money-making idea that solves a real problem for people around you. It can be as small or as big as you want. Even a simple idea can make a real difference.
To help you think about your idea, here are some questions you can ask yourself:
Who is having a problem?
Think about your family, friends, classmates, or neighbors — who deals with a problem you could help solve?
What problem are they having?
Maybe something takes too much time, costs too much money, or is just hard to do alone.
What solution could help?
You could offer a small service, like a pet-sitting or errand-running club. Or you could make and sell something people need, like reusable snack bags or handmade cards.
How would we know it is working?
If people are buying, using, or asking for more of what you made — or telling their friends about it — your idea is making a real difference!
How Aflatoun is Empowering Young People to Create Change in their Communities
Real World Examples
Other kids, schools, and communities have already come up with amazing ideas to make sure no one feels left out. Here are a few examples to inspire you:
Gabby Goodwin — GaBBy Bows
At age 7, Gabby was frustrated that her hair clips kept slipping out — so she designed a double-snap barrette that grips better. Her idea grew into a global brand.
Moziah Bridges — Mo’s Bows
At age 4, Mikaila needed an idea for a kids’ business competition — she turned her great-grandmother’s lemonade recipe into a company that also supports honeybee conservation.
Kojo’s Bikes
Kojo has turned his life around with one idea: renting out his bike and saving the money for his education. Kojo’s business has quadrupled ever since. He now has four bikes and plans on having bike shops all across Africa one day.
Now it’s your turn!
What can YOU design to solve a real problem for people around you?
