Judge Preparation
Constructive Criticism
Please keep in mind that these are middle and high school students, not adults. Please provide criticism that is gentle and constructive rather than harsh and discouraging. Here are some tips:
- Focus on the situation – Suggest actions to improve their business, not character traits.
- Be specific – Whatever you suggest, be sure to make it as specific as possible.
- Don’t make assumptions – If you’re not sure where a student is coming from, ask so you can understand their motivation and reasoning.
- Suggest how to improve – Make sure to suggest specific actions to take.
Judge Expectations and Reminders
Students participating in the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Series rely on you as part of the learning process. Below are some expectations and reminders for you as a judge:
- Remember that these are students, not adults. Have respect for them
- Pay careful attention to each business you judge
- Avoid distractions such as texts, phone calls, etc.
- Make your feedback to students quick and concise
- Make comments that are to-the-point and easy to understand
- Engage students in conversation and ask questions
- Provide written feedback about each business you view
- Students can keep this for future reference instead of relying on memory
- Be patient with students who are shy or anxious
- Make your criticism constructive
Put instructions in VentureDash
If there are any of these details you would like to remind your judges when they are judging, don't forget you can customize the message that the judges see when scoring in VentureDash!
We recommend that each judge ask the student(s) at least one question. This will help the student get as much as they can out of this learning experience.
Background
- What talents do you possess that have helped you in your business?
- What are the most/least important characteristics a person needs to start a business?
Business structure
- What is the business entity type?
- Who will help you run the business? What aspects of the business will they manage?
- When did you become interested in entrepreneurship?
Organization/Planning
- What is the problem you are trying to solve? How did you come up with your idea?
- What is the first step you will take to implement your idea?
- How will you make the business grow in the future?
Marketing
- How do you plan to market your product or service to potential customers?
- What distinguishes your company from your competition?
- Who will buy your product or service? How will you reach those people?
Financials
- How much money will you need to start? Are you seeking a loan?
- What is your projected first year revenue? How did you come to that conclusion?
- How much does it cost to make the product or provide the service?
- How much profit do you expect to make?