This assignment is asking for the story of your personal search for information, as well as what you are learning about the topic in terms of what do you know vs what don’t you know.
I have been horseback riding for about 12 years now and I wanted to do something more for the equestrian community. I started this horse treat business called AJCS Treats with my two younger sisters and it did better than we ever imagined. We wanted to donate our proceeds to make a change. I wanted to pursue this project because this amount of time is a gift that can help me grow my business, learn more about how to run a business, and get involved with my chosen charity of the year, The Hunter Circuit Foundation. I know that my business has the power to make an impact in this world and more specifically, young, talented, and underfunded equestrians. The money I earn goes to help this cause.
As I start this process, I bring with me my business knowledge thus far and curiosity that will help guide me through this process. I already have a wonderful group of people and resources to help me throughout this project process. I am excited to finally dive in and see what I learn and how I can grow my business to help others.
There are, however, a lot of unknowns in this project. I want to know how in times of economic crisis, COVID-19, how my business can stay strong and continue to grow. COVID-19 has affected my business and the money that we have made. It has been discouraging because less income = fewer people that we can help. I want to interview entrepreneurs and seek advice and newfound knowledge to help me and my business.
I need to explore how different people run a variety of businesses for inspiration; I need to analyze my business more closely by focusing on products, numbers, PR, etc. I don’t know what I’ll uncover, but I am eager to find out.
The other lurking questions under my essential question are:
- What are strategies that can help my business grow in the time of COVID-19 and further down the road?
- How can my newfound business knowledge further help me support these young equestrians and the movement in which I choose to take part?