What does an empty lot have to do with entrepreneurship? Everything. This session will explore a framework that connects civics and entrepreneurship through one deceptively simple question: what should go there? Participants will learn how to guide students through real demographic research, neighborhood business analysis, and civic inquiry – then channel that research into a genuine business development challenge. Using publicly available data, zoning maps, and local geography, students identify an empty lot or vacant storefront, investigate why it’s empty, and design a business that serves the actual needs of the people who live nearby.
Please contact Robin Palmer if you have any questions related to this workshop.
All attendees will receive:
- Classroom-ready instructions to carry out this project with students.
- 1 hour of professional development credit