The purpose of this project is to engage students in a real-world, hands-on learning experience that blends business strategy, marketing, and community impact, with fun, competitive daily activities to enhance engagement. Students will explore the locksmith industry through innovative growth strategies while designing their own business plans and promotional materials. By working in teams, students will participate in competitive challenges, promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Through interaction with community partners and local businesses, students will develop problem-solving skills as they analyze market challenges and propose creative solutions, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and seeing the practical application of their skills in meaningful ways.

Students will gain content expertise by conducting empathy interviews with the locksmith business owner to identify growth opportunities and applying findings in the development of comprehensive business plans. In fun, competitive team-based activities, they will enhance research and critical thinking skills by analyzing struggling companies' Google ratings and devising improvement strategies. They'll bolster problem-solving abilities by designing logos, creating marketing materials, and developing an interactive website for a community partner. Reflective sessions will explore potential internship opportunities and how new skills can benefit personal and professional growth.

Students will engage in daily activities designed to foster teamwork and creativity, including competing in teams to develop a compelling radio advertisement and/or TV commercial for Door Jamb on Rt 28. Each student will craft their own business plan and logo for a hypothetical locksmith company, while collaboratively creating an interactive website for the locksmith's storefront based on research and community feedback. Visual artifacts showcasing the locksmith’s work and student insights will be prepared for an exhibition, culminating in a dynamic 'Keys to Growth Showcase' event.

Begin the project with a 'Brand Builders Workshop,' where students are divided into teams to design logos and marketing materials for the locksmith business. Invite a local graphic design expert to guide the teams through a series of six daily activities, such as brainstorming sessions, sketching logo drafts, and drafting initial marketing pitches, all in a fun, competitive format. This immersive launch will establish a collaborative and creative environment, setting the stage for students to engage deeply with the project and contribute meaningfully to the locksmith's growth goals.

Students will participate in a dynamic 'Keys to Growth Showcase,' organized as a friendly competition where teams display their visual artifacts demonstrating the locksmith's work alongside their project achievements. Each team will present detailed business plans with unique logos and marketing materials through multimedia presentations like radio ads or TV commercials. The interactive element of the exhibition will involve guests using and evaluating student-developed website prototypes, providing direct feedback on engaging solutions for enhanced business growth. Encourage community members to cast votes for the most innovative marketing strategies, fostering a lively and collaborative finale to the project.