Lesson Plan

• Describe the ten key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
• Compare traits of successful and less successful entrepreneurs.
• Analyse how each characteristic contributes to business success.
• Apply at least two characteristics by creating a brief business plan and risk‑assessment.
• Reflect on personal strengths and devise an action plan to develop entrepreneurial traits.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout with characteristic comparison table
• Business plan template worksheet
• Risk‑assessment worksheet
• Case‑study packets of notable entrepreneurs
• Networking simulation cards

Begin with a short video clip of a well‑known entrepreneur to spark interest. Ask students to recall any qualities they associate with successful businesspeople, linking to prior lessons on enterprise. Explain that today they will identify and evaluate the specific traits that differentiate successful entrepreneurs, and they will be assessed on their ability to describe, compare, and apply these traits.

1. Do‑Now (5'): Quick brainstorm – list three qualities they think an entrepreneur needs.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the ten characteristics using slides and a mind‑map diagram.
3. Comparative analysis (10'): In pairs, examine the provided comparison table and discuss differences between successful and less successful entrepreneurs.
4. Business‑plan vision activity (15'): Students draft a one‑page vision statement and basic outline for a simple business idea using the template.
5. Risk‑assessment worksheet (10'): Complete a risk‑assessment for their idea; share key risks with the class.
6. Leadership role‑play (10'): Small groups act out a delegation scenario; peers give feedback on leadership skills.
7. Case‑study discussion (10'): Analyse a short case of a famous entrepreneur, identifying which characteristics were evident.
8. Exit ticket (5'): Write one characteristic they will focus on developing this week.

Summarise how the ten characteristics interrelate and why they matter for business success. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: students write a personal action plan outlining steps to strengthen one chosen entrepreneurial trait over the next week.