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Launching ECHO
Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Business Plan Competitions
WHAT DO STUDENTS ACTUALLY DO?
Students work in teams to take an idea from concept to competition.
01
IDEATE
Identify a problem and turn the solution into a business idea.
02
BUILD
Prototype the idea and develop it into a business model and plan.
03
PREPARE
Develop a business plan, pitch presentation and practice the pitch
04
PITCH
Submit your plan and pitch your start-up to business professionals
05
COMPETE
Compete for cash awards based on your business plan and pitch.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BRING ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO LIFE
Launching ECHO gives educators the curriculum, resources and support to deliver a meaningful real-world entrepreneurship experience.
READY TO USE CURRICULUM
Activity-based lessons, student workbooks and resources guide students from idea to business plan and pitch.
PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Students work in teams to solve real-world problems, develop business ideas and turn those ideas into actionable business plans.
TEACHER TRAINING & SUPPORT
Professional development, onboarding and ongoing support give educators the tools to confidently deliver the program.
FLEXIBLE IMPLEMENTATION
Designed for approximately 20–40 hours and adaptable for classrooms, clubs, enrichment and summer programs.
REAL-WORLD MENTORS
Background-checked business professionals help student teams develop their ideas and strengthen their business plans.
BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
Students can pitch their businesses to professionals and compete for recognition and cash awards.
“Project ECHO gave us an outlet for creativity while helping us build collaboration, public speaking, networking and critical-thinking skills.”
~ Team Simply Pill, St John Bosco High School, Business Plan Competition Overall Winner
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE COMPETITION
Launching ECHO culminates in the opportunity for students to take their learning beyond the classroom at Project ECHO’s annual Teen Entrepreneurs’ Business Plan Competition.
My students loved sharing their business pitch with a panel of judges and their peers. The competition allowed them to network with students from other schools and created a truly memorable experience
~ Natalie Cook - Teacher at Charter Oak High School
Photo: l. to r.: Natalie Cook, 2024 Teacher of the Year,
with Diane Quast, Executive Director