Req 4 — Brainstorming Business Ideas
The entrepreneur you interviewed in Req 3 started with a single idea. But that idea probably was not the first one they ever had — it was the one that survived scrutiny. This requirement puts you through the same process: generate many ideas, narrow them down, and defend your best pick.
How to Brainstorm Like an Entrepreneur
The worst thing you can do during brainstorming is judge your ideas too early. The goal of the first step is volume, not quality. Write down every idea that crosses your mind, no matter how silly or impractical it seems. You will filter later.
Here are four proven brainstorming techniques:
Problem-first thinking. Walk through a typical day and notice what annoys you, wastes your time, or could be done better. Every inconvenience is a potential business idea. Does your neighbor struggle to find a pet sitter on short notice? Is there no convenient way to get healthy snacks at school? Problems are opportunities in disguise.
Skills-first thinking. What are you genuinely good at? If you are great at math, a tutoring business could work. If you bake excellent cookies, a custom dessert service might be your path. If you can fix bikes, a mobile repair shop could fill a gap in your area.
Audience-first thinking. Pick a group of people — young kids, senior citizens, busy parents, fellow Scouts — and ask: “What does this group need that nobody is providing?” Sometimes the best ideas come from serving a specific audience rather than solving a general problem.
Trend-watching. Pay attention to what is popular right now. Sustainability is a growing trend — could you start a business that upcycles old materials? Remote work is widespread — could you offer a service that helps home offices?
Narrowing Down to Three
Once you have a long list (aim for at least 10–15 ideas), it is time to filter. Evaluate each idea against these criteria:
| Question | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| Is there a real demand for this? | Market — Will people actually pay for it? |
| Can I realistically deliver it? | Feasibility — Do I have (or can I learn) the skills and resources? |
| How much would it cost to start? | Capital — Can I afford to get this off the ground? |
| Who is the competition? | Competition — Is the space crowded, or is there room for me? |
| Am I excited about this? | Passion — Will I stick with it when it gets tough? |
Go through your full list and score each idea on these five questions. The three ideas that score highest across all five are your finalists.
Choosing Your One Best Idea
From your three finalists, pick the one you will develop into a full business plan in Req 5. When you explain your choice to your counselor, cover these points:
- Why this idea over the other two — What makes it the strongest opportunity?
- Who your customers are — Can you name specific people or groups who would buy?
- Why you believe it can succeed — What gives you confidence? Is there unmet demand? Do you have a competitive advantage?
- What makes you the right person — Do you have relevant skills, knowledge, or connections?
Ideas to Get You Started
If you are struggling to fill your brainstorming list, here are some categories to spark your thinking. Do not copy these directly — use them as springboards for ideas that fit your skills, your community, and your interests:
- Outdoor services: lawn mowing, leaf raking, snow shoveling, garden planting, pressure washing
- Pet services: dog walking, pet sitting, aquarium maintenance, homemade dog treats
- Tech services: website building, social media management, phone/tablet tutoring for seniors
- Creative products: custom artwork, handmade jewelry, photography, calligraphy cards
- Food products: baked goods, specialty snacks, meal prep kits, lemonade stand operations
- Educational services: tutoring, music lessons, sports coaching, homework help