Project by: Stella Propp (10th Grade)
Project Advisor: Jessica Prohias Gardiner
Student(s)’s Advisor(s): Jessica Prohias Gardiner

For my T1 honors project, I created a 9-page business paper (see T1 update be about my business that I started, AJCS Treats. This trimester, I want to put my plan into action… Campaigning on social media, incorporating my goals into my selling tactics, and the whole time I do those things, I will be documenting it. I will be writing what I’ve accomplished and taking photos and videos, etc.

Reflection: 

During T1 I worked incredibly hard on creating a detailed business plan that would help AJCS Treats thrive. I realized that now that I had a business plan, I should put it to use. That is exactly what I did. In T2 I put that plan into action. The results my sisters and I got were amazing. Our sales increased, we had blogs and press releases written about AJCS Treats, we were able to sell our treats at an event with over 100 guests, and we acquired about fifteen volunteers who advertise and sell for us as well as make purchases from us. Upon reflection, I realized that outlining what your goals are and then following them is the best way to do things. In putting my business plan into action AJCS Treats has grown beyond measure. I will continue to come up with ways to improve my business and hopefully, succeed. Documenting AJCS Treat’s progress has been so rewarding and I am happy to be closing out T2 with an improved business and mindset.

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TRIMESTER 1 UPDATE:

Over the summer, I started a business with my two younger sisters and our friend. Since we are all competitive horseback riders we decided to start baking horse and dog treats. We originally wanted to bake and sell from time to time and donate our profits to charity. After a few weeks of selling, our business took off. Soon, we were selling 100 to 200 packs each weekend at our competitions. A store that specialized in horse products recently expressed interest in purchasing some of our treats. We just closed our first deal and are now being carried in a local tack shop in Bedford, NY. We decided that in order to keep this business afloat, we need to donate half of our profits to charity and the remainder will be used to purchase all the necessary supplies. For my honors project, I created a formal written business plan, created an updated logo, and worked on various marketing strategies to continue to grow my business.

You can visit us on: 

Reflection:

When beginning my business plan, I was nervous that I would not come up with any ideas that would truly benefit my business. I was wrong. In researching other businesses, I was inspired. I realized that in order to double our profits, we could search for at least four volunteers to work for free. In doing so, we would have more time and more of a chance of selling to as many customers as possible. I also discovered that my sisters and I could get involved in our chosen charity (The Equus Foundation), and possibly sell at one or more of their events. With my business plan now completed, I feel confident in AJCS Treat’s future and look forward to testing out my business plan and putting it into action!!

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TRIMESTER 2 PROPOSAL

Please write a description of the project you are proposing. Why do you want to take this on, and what do you hope to learn?

For my T1 honors project, I created a 9-page business paper about my business that I started, AJCS Treats. This trimester, I want to put my plan into action… Campaigning on social media, incorporating my goals into my selling tactics, and the whole time I do those things, I will be documenting it. I will be writing what I’ve accomplished and taking photos and videos, etc.

Critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and courage are essential LREI learning values. Explain how you’ll draw on at least one of these values to complete your proposed project?

Citizenship will be a value in my project because all treat proceeds go to a charity, The Equus Foundation. The Equus Foundation supports and rescues horses in need and my business is constantly in contact with them.

What is your proposed outcome? How will you be able to demonstrate successful completion of this Project? How do you plan to share your learnings with the larger LREI community (e.g., exhibit of work, poster of learnings, performance, etc.)?

As I said above, I will be writing detailed accounts of my new and improved way of selling my treats. I will also be documenting my progress through photos and videos.

Please provide a general outline that indicates your work plan for the trimester? What are some of the key project benchmarks (i.e., goals that will help to ensure that you finish the project)?

I will be selling treats at all the horse shows I am going to. I am also going to try to get my business involved in some of the Equus Foundation’s event. Throughout, I will be keeping track of my progress by writing about my accomplishments and showing them visually.

When do you plan on meeting?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the mornings

 

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ORIGINAL PROPOSAL:

Project by: Stella Propp (10th Grade)
Project Advisor: Jessica Prohias Gardiner
Student(s)’s Advisor(s): Jessica Prohias Gardiner

Please write a description of the project you are proposing. Why do you want to take this on, and what do you hope to learn?

Over the summer, I started a business with my two younger sisters and our friend. Since we are all competitive horseback riders we decided to start baking horse and dog treats. We originally wanted to bake and sell from time to time and donate our profits to charity. After a few weeks of selling, our business took off. Soon, we were selling 100 to 200 packs each weekend at our competitions. A store that specialized in horse products recently expressed interest in purchasing some of our treats. We just closed our first deal and are now being carried in a local tack shop in Bedford, NY. We decided that in order to keep this business afloat, we need to donate half of our profits to charity and the remainder will be used to purchase all the necessary supplies. For my honors project, I would like to complete a formal written business plan, create an updated logo, and work on various marketing strategies to continue to grow my business. If you would like to see more information on this business, you can check out our Instagram account and website (@ajcstreats). (The link to our website is in the Instagram bio).

What is your proposed outcome? How will you be able to demonstrate successful completion of this Project?

My outcome will be a completed written business plan, updated logo, new marketing strategies, and register as a small business.

When do you plan on meeting?
During x-block on Wednesday and in the morning on Tuesdays and Wednesdays