Activity: The Real-Life Business Challenge – Start a Mini Venture

Perfect for: Indoors or outdoors

Best for: Kids aged 8+ (teaches entrepreneurship, creativity, money skills, and responsibility)

Activity Description:

Give your child the chance to create their first real-world business—on a tiny, manageable scale. Whether it’s selling lemonade, handmade cards, dog walking, garden help, or online designs, the goal is to turn an idea into action. You’ll guide them through brainstorming, planning, pricing, and offering their “product” or service. It’s a confidence-building way to teach initiative, problem-solving, and value creation.

1. Brainstorm Ideas That Match Their Interests

Ask:

• “What do you enjoy making or doing?”
• “What do other people need or love?”
  Help them list fun mini-businesses like:
• Custom bookmarks, art, bracelets, origami
• Baking and selling cookies to neighbors
• A tidy-up or organizing service
• Funny greeting card or comic sales
• Doing kind deeds for donations to charity

Make sure it feels fun, not like work.

2. Create a Name and Plan

Give the business a cool name. Help them plan:

• What to make or offer
• Where and how to sell (driveway stand, door-to-door flyers, online page with help)
• Materials needed and startup costs
• What price feels fair

Let them decorate a sign or design a logo!

3. Launch It for Real

Help them set up:

• A stall at a local market or park
• A weekend mini-shop at home
• A service for neighbors or family
• An “order form” with payment jar or online requests

The key is: people actually use or buy it. That makes it real and exciting.

4. Reflect and Grow

After the first “sales,” ask:

• What did you enjoy most?
• What could make this even better?
• What would you love to try next?

Maybe they reinvest in better supplies or start a second venture!

5. Celebrate Their Effort

Whether they earn 50p or just a smile, celebrate it big. They’re learning the foundations of value creation, communication, and initiative—skills that will serve them for life.

Type n when you’re ready for the next meaningful, fun, and smart activity!