Option A: Do you know a successful entrepreneur in your community? Chances are there are many business owners and entrepreneurs in your area you could interview. If you choose this option, be sure to get approval from your parent or guardian before you conduct the interview. View this helpful activity for tips on conducting an interview. You'll need a photo of your entrepreneur for your profile. Don’t forget to bring a camera or request a photo from your interviewee. Option B: Select an entrepreneur from the list below to research. You may choose to research another entrepreneur who interests you. Be sure to seek approval from your parent or guardian and your instructor before choosing someone who is not on the list. Mary Kay Ash—cosmetics Ben Cohen—ice cream Michael Dell—computers Henry Ford—automobiles Debbie Fields Rose—cookies Bill Gates—computer software Jerry Greenfield—ice cream Ariana Huffington—media Chad Hurley—online videos Daymond John—fashion Blake Mycoskie—shoes Jeno Paulucci—frozen foods Michael Thompson—beekeeper Joseph Unahue—packaged foods Vera Wang—fashion George Washington Carver—agriculture Oprah Winfrey—media Research the entrepreneur. If you choose to interview a local entrepreneur, you will ask questions to learn about the person. If you are not able to conduct an interview, then you will complete Internet research to learn about your chosen entrepreneur from the list above. You may find the Virtual Library helpful in your research. Whether you choose to conduct an interview or research a famous entrepreneur online, be sure to learn as much as you can about the person. His or her background, motivation to start a business, and efforts to grow the business are all important pieces of information. Choose a format for your profile. You may use the Online Entrepreneur Profile template. This would create a social networking page that tells all about your chosen entrepreneur. Or if you are more artistic, your may choose a Song. Remember, you want to grab the attention of and inspire other students like you. In your profile or song, be sure to include the following facts about your entrepreneur: personal background
the business idea
motivations and incentives to start the business
how the entrepreneur kept the business competitive
how the business has grown and spread to more people
why you chose the entrepreneur
the most interesting thing you learned about the entrepreneur
why you think this entrepreneur was so successful