Entreprenuer Class
12 Week Course:
Week 1 – What Is Entrepreneurship?
Focus: Mindset & Opportunity
Students explore what it means to be an entrepreneur and how creativity can become a business.
Activities
• Discussion: artists as entrepreneurs
• Case studies of successful clothing brands
• Brainstorming product ideas
• Personal goal setting
Skills
• Self-awareness (CASEL)
• Growth mindset
• Creative thinking
Outcome
Students define their personal business vision.
Week 2 – Identity, Culture & Brand Voice
Focus: Meaningful Brand Creation
Students explore identity, culture, and storytelling in branding.
Activities
• Brand personality exercises
• Exploring cultural symbolism and messaging
• Brave Spaces dialogue about identity in fashion
• Draft brand mission statement
Skills
• Social awareness
• Cultural storytelling
• Responsible decision making
Outcome
Students create a brand name and mission statement.
Week 3 – Design Fundamentals
Focus: Visual Communication
Students learn basic graphic design principles for apparel.
Activities
• Typography and symbolism
• Sketching logo concepts
• Color psychology
• Visual storytelling
Skills
• Artistic design (VAPA)
• Creative expression
• Visual literacy
Outcome
Students sketch 3–5 T-shirt design concepts.
Week 4 – Digital Design & Mockups
Focus: Production-Ready Artwork
Students translate sketches into digital designs.
Activities
• Introduction to digital design tools
• Creating shirt mockups
• Logo refinement
• Peer design critiques
Skills
• Technical creativity
• Collaboration
• Constructive feedback
Outcome
Students complete 1 finalized shirt design.
Week 5 – Intellectual Property
Focus: Protecting Creative Work
Students learn how ideas are legally protected.
Activities
• Trademark vs copyright lessons
• Research existing brands
• Intellectual property case studies
• Naming and slogan protection
Skills
• Responsible decision making
• Ethical entrepreneurship
Outcome
Students develop protected brand identity ideas.
Week 6 – Cost Analysis & Pricing
Focus: Financial Literacy
Students analyze production costs and pricing strategies.
Activities
• Materials and production cost breakdown
• Profit margin calculations
• Pricing strategy discussions
• Break-even analysis
Skills
• Financial literacy
• Analytical thinking
Outcome
Students complete basic business cost sheet.
Week 7 – Business Plan Development
Focus: Strategic Thinking
Students develop structured business plans.
Activities
• Writing a short business plan
• Defining target audience
• Distribution planning
• Market positioning
Skills
• Strategic planning
• Communication
• Entrepreneurship
Outcome
Students produce a one-page business plan.
Week 8 – Marketing & Branding
Focus: Promotion Strategy
Students learn how to market products creatively.
Activities
• Social media marketing basics
• Creating promotional graphics
• Brand storytelling techniques
• Influencer & grassroots marketing
Skills
• Communication
• Media literacy
• Creativity
Outcome
Students design a marketing campaign concept.
Week 9 – Production Planning
Focus: Manufacturing & Workflow
Students learn how clothing production works.
Activities
• Screen printing vs print-on-demand
• Production workflow planning
• Quality control discussion
• Sustainability in fashion
Skills
• Project management
• Systems thinking
Outcome
Students develop production plan for their shirts.
Week 10 – Sales & Customer Experience
Focus: Real-World Business Skills
Students learn selling strategies and customer interaction.
Activities
• Sales pitch exercises
• Customer service role-playing
• Setting up pop-up shop concepts
• Retail presentation
Skills
• Relationship skills (CASEL)
• Confidence
• Leadership
Outcome
Students prepare product sales pitch.
Week 11 – Launch Preparation
Focus: Product Launch
Students finalize products and marketing.
Activities
• Printing shirts or prototypes
• Preparing marketing materials
• Finalizing pricing
• Rehearsing presentations
Skills
• Collaboration
• Time management
• Professional presentation
Outcome
Students prepare for business showcase.
Week 12 – Business Showcase & Reflection
Focus: Real-World Launch
Students present and sell their products.
Activities
• Pop-up marketplace or showcase
• Product presentations
• Sales experience
• Reflection discussion
Skills
• Leadership
• Communication
• Entrepreneurial confidence
Outcome
Students launch student-created clothing brands.
Final Student Outcomes
Students will:
• Create an original clothing brand
• Design and produce T-shirts
• Develop a basic business plan
• Practice marketing and sales
• Understand intellectual property and pricing
Aligned with:
*VAPA (Visual & Performing Arts Standards)
-Design, creativity, visual communication
CASEL 5 - Social Emotional Learning and Competencies
*PBIS - Positive collaboration and leadership behaviors
Brave Spaces - Respectful dialogue, identity expression, inclusive creativity
*California Prop 28 - Expanded Arts Education access