Generating Business Ideas - Gardening Guides for Students + Teachers + Organic School Gardens` For more information, Please see websites below: ` Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ` Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ` Free School Gardening Art Posters http://scribd.com/doc/239851159` ` Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ` Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ` City Chickens for your Organic School Garden http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ` Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide http://scribd.com/doc/239851110

1. A49 Generating business ideas
Good business ideas combine three elements that, when done well, have
potential to fund the school garden or other food related projects. A good
idea suggests a product/service that no-one else can do or do as well locally,
eg great vegetable plants to sell. A good idea is realistic, eg you have the
skills to deliver. And lastly, you have people with the passion and dedication
to deliver.This activity suggests ways of encouraging good ideas.
Resources
• Pen, paper, whiteboard/flipchart
Activity
1 Ask the following questions.
a What do we do well, eg healthy plants, herbs all year round, etc.
b What are we asked for a lot, eg spare plants, produce, advice, etc.
c Who and where are potential customers, eg pupils, parents, teachers, allotment groups, etc.
d Is there something that other businesses are doing that we could do better, eg faster service, bigger
range, etc.
e What are the skills/knowledge of people in the group, eg excellent seed sowing, good at talking to
people, knows someone useful, etc.
2 Write down every idea, however unusual. This makes everyone feel involved and avoids the risk of
throwing away a good idea too soon.
3 Group ideas together, discounting the unrealistic and developing other ideas. Discuss short listed ideas.
Could you deliver? Do they need more ‘market research’, such as asking customers if they would want
your service/product and for how much?
Extended activities
1 Develop ideas further, eg prepare business plans with details of how the idea would work and who, and
what, would be needed. Decide if the idea is feasible.
2 If your idea is feasible, seek approval from the head teacher and make a start.
Health &
Safety
Monitor businesses carefully, eg personal safety, ensuring adult supervision.
Further
information
G2.3 Displaying and selling
See also Health and Safety Guidelines (Section SG1.2)
G2.4 Developing business enterprise
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