Cupertino FBLA Launches Youth Business Program

Project Inspire partnered with the Cupertino Library to hold a three week entrepreneurship program in the month of January for students ranging from ages 13 to 17. The program consisted of two workshops followed by a Shark Tank simulation to display what the students learned. The workshops focused on aspects of entrepreneurship that are relevant and unique to the modern business world including digital marketing, graphic design, and public speaking. Each group was then tasked to create their own business that was complemented by a business plan, social media accounts, and graphic design supplements that all promoted their business.

The first workshop focused on introducing students to the factors that compose a business plan. To ensure students completely understood the factors that create a strong social media presence each group did a SWOT analysis on an existing business account. It was emphasized that digital marketing relies heavily on graphic design which was introduced to students during this lesson. There was time allocated for students to practice each concept learned through hands-on activities and discussions.

The second workshop delved deeper into how each group can create appealing graphic designs in the form of logos, event posters, and other promotional material. The main application students used to design the material was through a web application called Canva. More advanced students used a design software called Gravit. Students were also introduced to the business tools on Instagram including follower insights, and networking features.

Mimicking the regulations of the popular television show Shark Tank, each group used what they learned over the past two three-hour-workshops to present the supplements they have for their business. The three judges included the FBLA chapter advisor Mr. Tsai Norman, Director of Communications at Cupertino Chamber of Commerce Mr. Rick Kitson, and Teen Librarian Coordinator Mr. Matt Lorenzo. After each group presented their business, the judges consulted and reached a consensus that the most astounding business was “FETCH.”

The winning business idea was “FETCH,” a product that allows everyday people to get along with their day at ease without the worry of losing personal items. The spherical robot helps locate items through a search, scan, save method that allows the user to save time in a busy, fast-pace society.