Name: _______________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Class/Period: _____________
Miss Kulik – Economics 2014-2015
Introduction to Unit II: “Shark Tank” Business Project
Main Goal: You and your partner(s) (maximum 3 people per group) will create a new
business idea/concept that you will present to a “Shark” (an investor/venture
capitalist). You want this “Shark” to invest their money into your business. This is the
end product. Keep this end product in mind as you go through the entire process.
The following are elements you must include in your business project:
1) A Business Plan: To create a successful business, you need to have a plan to follow.
Develop a business plan that outlines what your business will do, your staffing needs
(labor), your sales and marketing approach and how much start‐up financing you will need
(how much $$ to start everything). Once you have your business plan, you can follow it to
create your successful business and use your business plan to interest investors in your
company (aka the “Sharks”).
Note: Be sure that your financing is reasonable and realistic. If not, the “Shark” will not consider investing in your business, which
would be detrimental to your business (and your grade!).
Business Plan Resources: (just some places to start)
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http://www.allbusiness.com/writing-small-businessplan/16689921-1.html
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/startingmanaging-business/starting-business/writing-business-plan
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http://www.ehow.com/list_7199584_tips-writing-businessplan.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Tips-To-Writing-A-GoodBusiness-Plan&id=5507982
2) Type of Business: What type of business do you and your partner(s) plan to create? Spend some time researching the different
types of businesses to see the advantages and disadvantages of each. Then, based on what you discover about the different business
types (there are 3 main categories) decide what type of business you will create and explain the reasoning behind the decision.
Terms you need to know for this section/element:
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Sole Proprietorship
Partnerships
Corporations
Conglomerates
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Franchises
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Non‐profit Organizations
Multinational Corporations
3) Market, Industry, and Competition Analysis: When you start a business, you need to look at the market in which you are
entering. If there are already a lot of competitors in your market, it may be hard to start a new business in that market. Also consider
what makes your product/service stand out compared to others (what sets it apart from the rest?) so that people will demand your
products or services. Your task for this element is to analyze your industry (if you want to produce beer you are in the beer market, if
you want to create a store that sells designer clothes you are in the retail market) and your competition. What kind of competition
exists in the market and what would you need to get your business started in this market?
Terms you need to know for this section/element:
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Monopoly
Oligopoly
Barriers to Entry
Monopolistic Competition
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Perfect Competition
Price Fixing
Collusion
4) Financing: How much money do you need to start this business venture? After the initial money (which you hope to get from the
“Shark”) to receive, how else are you going to finance your business? Research all the different options you have to finance your new
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business and keep it sustained for the long‐term. Also, determine how profitable your business is going to be.
Here are some links to help:

http://www.myownbusiness.org/s8/index.html
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http://www.ehow.com/how_107753_finance‐business‐
idea.html
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http://www.wikihow.com/Finance‐Your‐Business
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http://www.investinternals.com/2011/06/things‐to‐know‐
before‐starting‐business.html
Terms you need to know for this section/element:
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Cost‐benefit analysis
Revenue
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Profit
Debt Financing
5) Marketing, Advertising, and Product Distribution: How will you get people to know your business exists, how will you market
your product/service and advertise it to your target audience? This could be part of your business plan but if it is not you MUST
include some marketing and advertising strategies in this project.
Here are a couple of resources (you should research more):
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http://www.foothilltech.org/rgeib/english/media_literacy/advertising_techniques.htm
http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/5marktech.htm
Terms you need to know for this section/element:
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Short‐term financing
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Intermediate‐term financing
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Long‐term financing
Test Marketing
Market Research
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Wholesalers
Consumer Sovereignty
Channels of Distribution
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E‐Commerce
Retailers
6) Operation (the “Nuts and Bolts”): How is your business going to be set up? Will your business be set up in a specific location or
will it be online (E-commerce)? Questions such as who will be hired, how much will you pay them, what hours will you be open, who
will manage your inventory/finances, how will people pay for products/services, etc. are ones to focus on to figure out how your day
to day operations are going to work (your investors will want to know this to see if you are prepared). Also, you need to be prepared
for the unknown, and operational “pitfalls” so that if something happens that hurts your business you have a plan to bounce back and
recover (potential investors also want to know about this).
The Final Product – YOUR BUSINESS PROPOSAL: You and your partner(s) will create a final business proposal, as seen on the
television series, “Shark Tank.” In this proposal, you will include ALL of the elements (#1‐6) listed above. But don’t forget to be
creative!
You have two options as to how you can present your business proposal to the “Shark”:
(1) Make a video of your proposal to present, or
(2) Present your business proposal live via PowerPoint, Prezi, or another presentation device
Remember:
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Both types of proposals should be prepared in the style of a “Shark Tank” proposal. Refer to the examples shown in
class for help.
The proposal should have:
o A clear “intro,” or hook
o Address all six elements discussed
o An interesting and summative closing
Technology must be used for this final business proposal to the “Shark.”
No posters – this project requires more in-depth analysis than a poster presentation could accomplish.
(Note: All website resources will also be provided for you on our EdModo class page.)
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Grading Procedure/Rubric
The “Shark” Evaluation will be based on:
a) Ability to collaborate (work together); this includes in class and outside of class collaboration
b) Knowledge of the business world and business competition (based on what you have learned/researched)
c) Quality of presentation and business proposal
o Does your proposal actually make the “Shark” want to invest in your business?
o Is your proposal’s invention/concept and financing realistic?
o Is it interesting and creative? Does it make the audience want to buy your product or want to know more
about your business ideas and ventures?
d) Class participation
o Your group will be expected to ask each entrepreneur at least one question as though you are a potential
investor/“Shark.” Be sure to pay attention to the other groups’ proposals. Take notes on their advantages,
as well as their possible flaws, in order to be fully prepared to inquire about their product/proposal.
Your Proposal Presentation will be graded using the following rubric:
PRESENTATION
CONTENT
ORANIZATION
Superior -- 5
Completely covers all
six required parts of
the topic providing
multiple details and
examples from
various resources.
Unfolds naturally
around a central
argument or thesis.
Intro, main body and
conclusion are readily
apparent and natural.
BODY
LANGUAGE
(POSTURE, EYE
CONTACT AND
VOICE)*
POWERPOINT
SLIDES/VISUAL
AIDS*
Stands up straight,
looks relaxed and
confident.
Establishes eye contact
with the audience
during the presentation.
Advanced -- 4
Covers all six
aspects of the topic.
Ample detail and
examples provided.
Is well organized
around a central
thesis. Intro, main
body and
conclusion are
present and
connect well with
one another.
Stands up straight
and establishes eye
contact with most
of the audience
during the
presentation.
Speaks clearly and
distinctly at all times.
Appears relaxed and
confident.
Speaks clearly and
distinctly.
Slides/visuals are
superb in their
content, creativity and
style.
Slides/visuals are
clear, well
designed and aid
the presentation.
They significantly
contribute to the
presentation.
Visuals are creative
and show
considerable effort.
Proficient -- 3
Covers most
aspects of the
topic. Details and
examples
provided.
Needs Improvement - 2
Is missing some aspects
of the topic. Details and
examples missing.
Little evidence that
resources were used.
Unacceptable - 1
Covers little of the
topic.
No evidence that
resources were
used.
Is well
organized. Intro,
main body and
conclusion are
present and
connected.
Has little obvious
organization.
Has no clear
organization.
Viewers are unsure as to
the purpose and
structure.
Usually stands up
straight and
establishes eye
contact.
Poor posture and/or
does not look at
audience during most of
the presentation.
Can be heard by all
members of the
audience.
Sometimes cannot be
heard by all members of
the audience.
Slides/ visuals aid
the presentation.
Slides/visuals are
present, but do not
enhance the
presentation.
Visuals are neat and
readable throughout
the room.
Poor posture,
reads from
notes/no eye
contact, cannot be
heard.
Slides/visuals are
missing or
distracting.
*Note: For those who choose to make a video proposal, these two sections of the rubric will be graded based on your
performance in the video, as well as the overall quality and clarity of the video as a visual aid in and of itself.
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