Introduction

"Over the years, the U.S. economy has shown a remarkable ability to absorb shocks of all kinds, to recover, and to continue to grow. Flexible and efficient markets for labor and capital, an entrepreneurial tradition, and a general willingness to tolerate and even embrace technological and economic change all contribute to this resiliency."

-Ben Bernanke
Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

In this year’s creative expression contest students channel their creativity by developing a unique business idea and writing a persuasive letter to secure financing to get the business up and running.

Creative Expression Topic

Since 2007, the American public has been inundated with distressing news over rising unemployment, falling home prices, and market volatility. Recently, however, economists have reported seeing “green shoots,” signs of economic recovery. As a result, you decide that now is the perfect time to start a business.  Since getting a business off the ground requires seed money, you need an investor.

You decide to solicit funding from an angel investor who has invested her own money in start-up companies in the past.  Since your potential angel will be out of the country for the next 6 months, she advises you to outline your case in a letter.   As you make your case, include information from the following questions:

• What type of business do you plan to start?
• Why might this be a good time to open this new business?
• How will your business be organized?
  (Type of business organization)
• Who are your customers?
• Who are your possible competitors?
• What is your marketing and sales strategy?
• How would providing capital for your business benefit an investor?
• What is the potential impact on the economy and you?
• What is the potential impact (risk/return) for the investor?
• Discuss the impact on the community...job creation, tax revenues, housing, schools, etc.

Instructions

• Use appropriate letter format.
• The letter is limited to a minimum of 2 pages, maximum of 3 pages typed using Times New Roman 10/12 point font. The reference page is not included in the page count.
• Cite three references in a separate work cited page using APA or MLA guidelines (do not use Wikipedia)
• Utilize either parenthetical references or end notes to cite sources within the body of the letter.
• Remember that your rationale and supporting information should be engaging and encourage your angel investor to read the letter to the end.