Future Entrepreneurs - Banyule Nillumbik Tech School

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

The Introduction to Entrepreneurship introduces students to the methodologies used in startups globally: the value proposition and business model canvases. Students’ progress through key stages from problem identification to ‘getting out of the building’. By the end of the program students will have experienced a full cycle of how to test a ‘business idea’.

Problem Ideas

Students will be guided through a series of activities to identify an everyday problem or opportunity that could be used to generate a new mini-startup.

Value Proposition

Using the Tech School Simplified Value Proposition canvas, students will explore the key drivers that motivate potential customers to desire a product or service.

Ideation

Based on hypothesis results, students will then creatively come up with possible solutions to address the problem.

Prototype

Students will create a prototype that incorporates earlier discoveries.

Launch

Students will have the opportunity to pitch to an internal panel of experts.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• I can identify problems or opportunities for a startup.

• I can use the value proposition to create and test a hypothesis.

• I can ideate solutions for my idea based on the findings from the hypothesis test.

• I can create a first-version prototype.

• I can create communication material to get my idea ‘out of the building’.

CURRICULUM FOCUS

• Enterprise

• Digital Technologies

• Humanities

• Business Studies

CAPABILITIES

• Creative Thinking

• Collaboration

• Critical Thinking

TECH KNOWLEDGE

• Venture Design

• Prototyping

• Iterative Design

INDUSTRY FOCUS

• Entrepreneurship

FUTURE CAREERS

• Fusionist

• Innovation Manager

• Behaviour Prediction Analyst

Student Startup Pre-Accelerator

The Pre-accelerator is multi-week program run over a term or semester. Students get custom support from tech school facilitators to iterate on their prototype, refine their marketing and test how desirable their solution is to their prospective customers.Students will have the opportunity to pitch to internal and/or external stakeholders or combine their showcase at a school marketplace or other showcase.

Prototype Iterations

Students will build out their prototype from concept to sketch to digital to production. They may be required upskilling in various tech for 3D printing, laser cutting, garment printing, game design or app design.

Testing their Idea

Students will complete the value proposition, business model canvas and conduct customer interviews and other surveying to discover if their problem and solution is desirable for their earliest adopters.

Marketing

Students will create or update marketing materials, landing page, branding, posters, flyers or any other collateral required to validate their idea or display in their final showcase. They will have digital and print solutions at the Tech School to create a brand experience.

Launch

Students will have the opportunity to pitch to an internal panel of experts and exhibit their products/services at their school’s marketplace.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• I can run tests to validate my value proposition.

• I can iterate my minimum viable prototype.

• I can create and execute a go-to-market strategy.

• I can use the value proposition canvas and business model canvas.

• I can prepare and deliver a pitch

Testimonials

“I think it was a great way to do the program online and wish that my classes at school used similar techniques.”

“I personally liked this program as it didn’t require much intense work as it was very laid back with plenty of time given to all elements.”

“My overall experience was awesome i really enjoyed the class. The teacher made me feel welcomed into this class and I really loved the experience. Thank you very much for this experience”

“I really enjoyed this program and liked the approach that it took towards providing students with developing an idea.”

“The Introduction to Entrepreneurship Program provided our students the knowledge and skills to engage in the entrepreneurship process within a supportive and collaborative learning environment. They were able to identify, share and explore their business idea within a start-up framework from ideation through to a 2 minute pitch presentation using the latest online tools; Miro, Canvas, CAD.

The program allowed them to develop an MVP as they received personalised expert guidance and advice on their business idea. They enjoyed the applied learning experience and gained valuable IT, communication, problem-solving and presentation skills. An overall, great introduction into entrepreneurship that fosters student voice and agency in learning.”

Nadia Tomarchio

Student Leadership, Voice and Agency Coordinator, Northern College of the Arts and Technology