This FLEX class is a creative, theme based class in which we will utilize a fun project (designing a cupcake shop) to explore topics such as creating a budget, making advertising plans, accounting for expenses, researching recipes (and even baking your recipe for homework if so desired!), planning business hours, and more. Students will receive a unit packet they can print out for use as I guide them each week through various topics of discussion for their business.

Each week, students will be tasked with various components of their shop. Topics will include making their own business cards and flyers, creating a business name and logo, thinking through menu items, discussing different types of businesses and locations (like a physical location vs. a home based cottage bakery), researching costs, and even baking a batch of cupcakes (or their chose treat). 

Week 1: Video will discuss the importance of a business name and logo, what a business card is/what is on it, and what is the purpose of advertising. I will share and walk students (via screen share) through a website called CANVA, which is wonderful for creating business resources. Students will be tasked with creating their own business name, logo, and business card, as well as figuring out how they will advertise their business. Students will go on a "hunt" this week for logos that are recognizable without their business names attached. Students will use a designated thread to share and discuss their logos/business cards/etc.

Week 2: Video will discuss business expenses, types of stores (store front vs. food truck vs. home based) and their expenses, and a basic understanding of how to price their items. Students this week will need to pick a recipe to utilize for baking (in week 3) and the math portion for this week. Students will do the math for the cost of their chosen recipe and decide how much they would sell them for. Recipes will be shared via our recipe thread. Students will hunt together for reputable online recipe sources and share the results with each other.

Week 3: Video will discuss deciding what to sell in your store, and other factors to consider. Students this week will decide on their menu, and bake a sample batch of their cupcakes. Students may chose from a few different tasks this week, such as creating a menu in Canva, or even selling their baked cupcakes to people they know! Photos of the finished cupcakes will be shared in our cupcake photos thread. Students will also be challenged to hunt for menus as they are out and about this week, and to compare their findings. 

Week 4: This week, the video will touch a little on all topics previously discussed as we bring it all together to present our cupcake shops!  We will also discuss how to check local licensing for legal questions regarding selling baked goods, and safety tips for young entrepreneurs. Learners may choose from presenting photos of their cupcake shop business plan, or even a video of themselves presenting their business plan/shop via our classroom thread. Students will interact and give feedback on their presentations and businesses, as well as ask questions of one another.

I am available via email throughout the week, as well as in the classroom for edits, feedback, and questions.

Students will have creative freedom with this project, meaning they can do anything from hand drawing their flyers to typing them up in resource apps like Canva. I've had live section students make poster boards, and others make whole websites. Each student will be encouraged to create, build, and dream in a way that is natural and enjoyable for them. 

FLEX classes are great for students with busy, changing schedules, or for those who maybe do not prefer the live format. Videos will be posted on Mondays, and students can watch them at whatever time they chose to do so during the week. 

This class is open to all students ages 13-17, and no experience is required.