BEN02 Planning and Presenting a Micro-Enterprise Idea BTEC Level 1/2

Instructions

This assessment may be given to learners as soon as it is received. It is for use with the May 2025 – June 2025 moderation series. Please refer to the Administrative Support Guide for further information and mark submission deadlines.

Instructions to Learners

You should read carefully the information given in the vocational context and each task section of this assignment before starting work. Tasks often link to one another, so it is important to make sure you understand all tasks before starting the assignment.

The assignment will take approximately:

  • 4 hours of monitored preparation and 5 hours of formal supervision to complete Task 1.
  • 2 hours of monitored preparation and 2 hours of formal supervision to complete Task 2.

These timings are for guidance only but should be used as an indication of how long to spend on each task. Your teacher will advise you when it is time to move from one task to the next.

You will have 6 hours of monitored preparation time prior to undertaking Tasks 1 and 2. Your teacher will tell you when you should complete the monitored preparation and when formal supervision for the tasks will begin.

Based on your preparation, you may produce notes to refer to when completing Tasks 1 and 2. Your notes may be up to six sides of A4 paper. They must be digital or hard copy and may be handwritten or typed. If word processed, the font size must be 10 point minimum.

Your notes should be in bullet or annotation form and cannot include:

  • Completed or part-completed business plans
  • A completed or part-completed break-even calculation, profit and loss statement or cash-flow forecast
  • Full paragraphs or extended sentences.

For completion of the profit and loss, cash-flow forecast and break-even calculation to be included in your business plan, your notes can include the following figures:
• forecast sales quantity
• price per item
• list of all variable costs
• list of all fixed costs
• sources of funding.

You must work independently and should not share your work with other learners. All work must be your own and you must sign a declaration of authenticity to confirm this. If group work or collaboration is permitted, you must produce your own independent responses and evidence for the tasks.

Any sources of information, ideas, text, audio and/or visual assets created by others that you include in your work must be clearly identified and referenced. Using the work of others as your own or without proper acknowledgement is considered plagiarism and can result in disqualification from the assessment.

You may ask your teacher for support if you have questions about the requirements of tasks, what evidence you need to produce and any resources you are allowed to access such as access to the internet to source audio/visual content. They cannot give you feedback about how to improve your work or guide you to solutions to any questions or problems in the tasks.

Vocational context

You have thought about becoming an entrepreneur and now is your chance to prove your entrepreneurial skills! You will need to be creative and come up with two new and exciting ideas for your own micro-enterprise activity.

Your ideas must come from at least one of the following categories:

  • writing and publishing
  • cleaning and maintenance
  • food and drink.

Your ideas must meet the following requirements:

  • fit within at least one of the categories above
  • be within the budget of £50 (this does not need to be repaid and you must be able to start and run your micro-enterprise idea using this amount)
  • be appropriate for a 14–16 year old to carry out.

This assignment will help you choose one of your ideas, plan for the one idea you have chosen and then review it.

Tasks

Task 1

Task 1a – Choosing an idea

Conduct your own research to generate two realistic ideas for your own micro-enterprise.
Using your research, you need to choose one idea and reject the other. Produce a report that considers your two micro-enterprise ideas that meet the requirements.

Your report must include:

  • two micro-enterprise ideas that fully meet the requirements listed above
  • detailed reasons for the likely success of both micro-enterprise ideas
  • supported judgements, using relevant research, as to why you have chosen one micro-enterprise idea and rejected the other.

Task 1b – Planning your chosen micro-enterprise idea
Using further research into your chosen idea, complete the Pearson business plan template for your chosen micro-enterprise idea, ensuring all sections are complete, accurate and realistic.

Your business plan must include:

 

  • Aims of the micro-enterprise, features and pricing of your product
  • Methods of promotion and target market
  • The physical, financial and human resources required
    (12 marks)
  • Financial planning, forecasting and records
  • A risk assessment
  • A judgement of the viability of your plan.
    (12 marks)

Learning outcome covered

Outcome A: Choose an idea and produce a plan for a micro-enterprise idea
Checklist of evidence required
Produce both of the following:
• a written response on your choice of idea of approximately 1–2 pages of A4, which can include supporting images
• a business plan for the micro-enterprise idea.
Resources needed
• Pearson business plan template.
• Research notes.
• Appropriate software with no access to the internet during the formal supervision.
Supervised hours to complete the tasks
You will need approximately 5 hours to complete Task 1.
(Total for Task 1 = 36 marks)

Task 2

Task 2a – Presenting your business plan
Produce and deliver an electronic presentation that summarises all elements of your business plan.
The production of your presentation must include:
• A summary of all elements of your business plan with a focus on the most
important information
• An accurate use of business terminology and a visual
• Presentation that is appropriate to the micro-enterprise idea.
The delivery of your presentation must be visually recorded, and you must use accurate and effective verbal communication and engaging non-verbal communication.
(12 marks)

Task 2b – Reviewing the presentation
Watch the recording of your presentation delivery. Produce a report that reviews the production and delivery of your presentation and recommends improvements.
Your report must include:
• detailed and supported judgements about the strengths of the production and delivery of your presentation
• detailed and supported judgements about the weaknesses of the production and delivery of your presentation
• detailed and supported recommendations for improvements you could make to the production and delivery of your presentation.
(12 marks)

Learning outcomes covered
Outcome B: Present a plan for the micro-enterprise idea to meet specific requirements
Outcome C: Review the presentation of the micro-enterprise idea to meet
specific requirements
Checklist of evidence required
Produce all of the following:
• multimedia presentation of the business plan of approximately 6–12 slides
• visual recording of the delivery of the presentation
• written report on the production and delivery of the presentation.
Resources needed
• Completed business plan from Task 1.
• Recording equipment, e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop etc.
Supervised hours to complete the tasks
You will need approximately 2 hours to complete Task 2.
(Total for Task 2 = 24 marks)

sample answer of unit: BEN02 Planning and Presenting a Micro-Enterprise Idea BTEC Level 1/2

Question : Conduct your own research to generate two realistic ideas for your own micro-enterprise.
Using your research, you need to choose one idea and reject the other. Produce a report that considers your two micro-enterprise ideas that meet the requirements.

EXample Answer do not copy its plagrised  

Report: Evaluation of Two Micro-Enterprise Ideas

Introduction:

In today’s dynamic business environment, micro-enterprises have emerged as valuable players in contributing to local economies, fostering innovation, and meeting specific market needs. The goal of this report is to evaluate two potential micro-enterprise ideas based on research and analysis, in order to select the most viable and sustainable option. After conducting thorough research, two ideas have been proposed: a mobile pet grooming service and a local artisan candle business. This report will assess both ideas in terms of market demand, feasibility, startup costs, and long-term potential, ultimately selecting one idea to move forward with.


Micro-Enterprise Idea 1: Mobile Pet Grooming Service

Description:

A mobile pet grooming service provides convenience to pet owners by offering grooming services at their doorstep. This service would include bathing, trimming, nail cutting, and other grooming services for dogs, cats, and other pets. The service can be offered through a customized van that comes equipped with grooming tools, water supply, and a safe space for pets.

Research:

  1. Market Demand:

    • The pet care industry is experiencing rapid growth, especially with more people adopting pets. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet industry spending in the U.S. reached $103.6 billion in 2020, with a significant portion allocated to grooming services.
    • Many pet owners are increasingly looking for convenience, and mobile grooming services offer flexibility and time-saving benefits, especially for busy pet owners or those with mobility issues.
    • There is a rising trend in the demand for premium pet care services, including organic or eco-friendly grooming products.
  2. Feasibility:

    • Startup Costs: The main costs involve purchasing or leasing a van (approximately $20,000 - $40,000 for a used van), as well as outfitting it with grooming equipment and plumbing for water (estimated $5,000 - $7,000).
    • Staffing: A mobile pet grooming service could start with just one or two groomers, which keeps staffing costs low in the initial phase.
    • Location: This service can operate within a specific geographic region, such as a city or suburban area with a high concentration of pet owners.
    • Legal Considerations: The business will need to comply with local regulations regarding pet care services and transport, including licensing and insurance requirements.
  3. Revenue Potential:

    • The average price for a grooming session can range from $50 to $100 depending on the size and breed of the pet.
    • The ability to service multiple customers per day increases potential profitability. Assuming the service operates 5 days a week, this could generate significant revenue, especially with repeat customers.
  4. Challenges:

    • Initial investment in the van and equipment can be high.
    • Seasonal demand fluctuations may occur, with some periods having fewer grooming appointments.
    • Managing a mobile business with transportation logistics might add complexity.

Micro-Enterprise Idea 2: Local Artisan Candle Business

Description:

A local artisan candle business focuses on creating high-quality, hand-poured candles made from eco-friendly materials such as soy wax, beeswax, and essential oils. The candles can be sold through local markets, an online store, or via partnerships with local boutiques and gift shops. The focus will be on sustainability and customization, offering unique scents and designs.

Research:

  1. Market Demand:

    • The candle industry has seen consistent growth, especially among consumers who are looking for natural, eco-friendly products. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global candle market size was valued at $3.45 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5% from 2021 to 2028.
    • Many consumers are becoming increasingly interested in handmade, locally-sourced, and sustainable products.
    • Personalized or custom candles (e.g., for weddings, events, or gifts) have a strong appeal, which adds an additional revenue stream.
  2. Feasibility:

    • Startup Costs: Starting a candle business requires much lower initial investment compared to a mobile grooming service. The main expenses include purchasing wax, fragrance oils, wicks, molds, packaging materials, and basic equipment like pouring pots and a heating element. Estimated startup costs are between $500 and $2,000.
    • Staffing: This business can be operated by a single individual or a small team. With minimal staffing required, it can remain low-cost in terms of labor.
    • Location: The business could operate from a home-based studio, reducing overhead costs. Candles can be sold through an online store, at local craft fairs, or through local retailers.
    • Legal Considerations: Basic business licensing and insurance, as well as adhering to safety regulations regarding product labeling and material usage.
  3. Revenue Potential:

    • Artisan candles can be sold at a premium price. A single candle may range from $15 to $50 depending on size, materials, and customization options.
    • Selling online allows for broader reach, and creating limited-edition or seasonal candles can drive customer interest.
    • Offering subscription services for monthly candle deliveries is another potential revenue stream.
  4. Challenges:

    • The market for candles can be competitive, with many established brands and new entrants.
    • Scaling the business might require investment in marketing and inventory management.
    • Candles have a relatively low price point, meaning a larger volume of sales may be needed to achieve substantial profits.

Comparative Analysis:

CriteriaMobile Pet Grooming ServiceLocal Artisan Candle Business
Market Demand Strong demand, especially among pet owners seeking convenience Steady growth with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products
Startup Costs High ($25,000 - $47,000) Low ($500 - $2,000)
Revenue Potential High, with repeat clients and high-margin services Moderate, with potential for high margins on premium candles
Feasibility Requires a mobile van, equipment, and potential logistics Home-based business with minimal overhead
Challenges High initial investment, logistics management Competitive market, scaling challenges

Conclusion and Decision:

After considering both ideas, the local artisan candle business is selected to move forward for the following reasons:

  • Lower Startup Costs: The initial financial commitment is far lower, allowing for a quicker start with less risk.
  • Market Opportunity: While both ideas cater to growing markets, candles align with current consumer trends for sustainable, locally-made products, and offer easier market penetration through online platforms.
  • Feasibility: The candle business can be run from home with minimal equipment and no need for expensive transportation or logistical challenges.
  • Profitability: Though the mobile pet grooming service offers high revenue potential, its higher initial costs and complex operational requirements make it less viable in the early stages.

Thus, the artisan candle business is chosen as the most realistic and sustainable micro-enterprise idea, with a clear path for growth and profitability.

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