Share a Pitch for #EntrepreneursDay
Create a simple business pitch and a small prototype using paper, markers, and recycled materials, then practice presenting your idea to friends or family.
About this activity
Create a simple business pitch and a small prototype using paper, markers, and recycled materials, then practice presenting your idea to friends or family.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials on a clear table so you can reach everything easily.
- 2
Step 2
Think of a problem that people have that you want to solve and keep it in your mind.
- 3
Step 3
Choose a fun name for your business that matches your idea.
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Step 4
Write one short sentence that explains what your product is and how it helps people.
- 5
Step 5
Sketch a simple picture of your product on paper to show how it looks and works.
- 6
Step 6
Pick the recycled pieces you need to make a tiny model of your idea.
- 7
Step 7
Build a small prototype using the recycled pieces and tape or glue to hold parts together.
- 8
Step 8
Make a one-page pitch card or poster on an index card with your business name price and key benefit.
- 9
Step 9
Practice saying your one-sentence pitch out loud two times in front of a mirror or a toy.
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Step 10
Present your pitch and show your prototype to a friend or family member.
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Step 11
Ask them for one thing they liked and one idea to make it better.
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Step 12
Make one change to your prototype or your pitch using their feedback.
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Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I help my child create a simple business pitch and prototype for Entrepreneurs Day?
Start by brainstorming a simple product or service—what problem does it solve? Have your child sketch the idea on paper and write a one-minute pitch: name, what it does, who it helps, and one key benefit. Build a small prototype from recycled materials using tape, glue and markers. Practice presenting to friends or family, time the pitch, ask for questions, and revise the prototype or script based on feedback. Keep steps short and encourage creativity.
What materials do I need to make a paper-and-recycled prototype and practice a pitch?
You'll need basic craft supplies: paper or cardstock, markers, pencils, scissors, tape and glue, plus recycled boxes, bottles, cardboard, or fabric scraps for prototypes. Add sticky notes or index cards for a short script, stickers for decoration, and a ruler. Optionally use a smartphone or tablet to record the presentation and measure the one-minute pitch. Always supervise scissors and small parts for safety. Keep materials inexpensive and easy to reuse.
What ages is this Entrepreneurs Day pitching activity suitable for?
Generally suitable for ages 5–14, with different expectations: ages 5–7 need adult guidance to choose an idea, cut materials, and practice a short sentence pitch; ages 8–10 can design a clearer prototype, write a brief script, and present to family; ages 11–14 can create a more detailed business idea, test variations, and record a practiced one-minute pitch. Adapt complexity and supervision to each child’s abilities and attention span.
What are the benefits of having kids make a business pitch and prototype?
Doing a mini business pitch builds confidence, communication, creativity, and problem-solving. Children learn to focus on a key benefit, organize ideas into a short pitch, and accept feedback when testing prototypes. It also encourages teamwork if done with friends and teaches reuse of materials. For safety, supervise cutting, small pieces, and screen use when recording. Turn feedback into one small change to reinforce growth and keep the activity positive.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have recycled pieces, tape, or glue?
Use clean cardboard, cereal boxes, fabric scraps or plastic lids in place of recycled pieces and fasten parts with a stapler, paper clips, or masking tape instead of glue so you can still build your small prototype.
My prototype keeps falling apart when I pick it up—how can I fix that?
Reinforce weak joints by increasing the surface area where pieces meet, add extra layers of tape or glue, let glue dry fully before handling, and assemble on a flat clear table to stabilize the small prototype while you work.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, focus on choosing a business name, sketching the product, and building a chunky model with large recycled pieces and adult help for cutting, while older kids can add measurements, set a price on the index card, and record a timed one-sentence pitch after practicing in front of a mirror or toy.
How can we extend or personalize the pitch and prototype after making the first version?
Enhance your project by designing a logo and simple packaging on the index card, filming a short demo of the prototype to share on DIY.org, or collecting feedback from three people and making another change to the prototype or one-sentence pitch.