ENG4C – Course Culminating Activity
Mr. P. Langevin
THE LOMAN BROTHERS SPORTING GOODS
OR DUDE RANCH
(Biff and Happy from Death of a Salesman start their own business)
“Wait a minute! I got an idea. I got a feasible idea. Come here, Biff, let’s talk this
over now, let’s talk some sense here...I thought of a great idea to sell sporting
goods...You and I, Biff-we have a line, the Loman Line...The Loman
Brothers...Baby, we could sell sporting goods!”
Overview: In Death of A Salesman, Willy Loman’s sons, Biff and Happy, dream of
opening their own sporting goods business. Unfortunately, they have no idea how to
go about starting a business. Your job is to help make their dream a reality.
Task 1: The Business Letter
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You will write a ONE-PAGE business letter to Bill Oliver requesting the funds
needed to start your own business.
You will write this business letter from the perspective of Biff Loman.
Therefore you must break down his character traits and work history of the
character.
In the business letter you must (A) provide an overview of the business in
relation to the historical context of 1949 and why this business will succeed;
(B) give an overview of Biff’s experience and why he is capable of turning this
business into a success; and, (C) state what you are looking for from Bill
Oliver and what it will be used for.
For reference, read the business plan examples (especially the Kamiko
example) outlined at
http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/startingabusiness/planning-yourbusiness.html
Task 2: The Executive Summary
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Locate a business plan template using one of the following web sites:
www.canadabusiness.ca/eng
www.entrepreneurship.com
http://www.bdc.ca/EN/solutions/financing/Pages/fs_start_business_general.aspx
http://www.scotiabank.com/cda/content/0,1608,CID11260_LIDen,00.html
http://www.cibc.com/ca/small-business/startup.html
www.tdcanadatrust.com
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Review the purpose of each section a business plan
Biff and Happy are experiencing problems writing the Executive Summary
of their business plan. They have asked you to write it for them. Write the
Executive Summary of the Business Plan for Biff and Happy.
Refer to the
“Business Plan – Executive Summary” evaluation
ENG4C – Course Culminating Activity
Mr. P. Langevin
Task 3: The Pitch
 You will create a 2-5 minute pitch where you will attempt to sell your idea to
Bill Oliver. This pitch must include one of the following:
 45 second video advertisement
 a print advertisement
 a mock up of a billboard poster
 a brochure for the business
 Your pitch should take the following order:
 give request for a certain amount of funding in return for a certain
percentage of equity in the business
 describe the opportunity (why is this such a great idea, what research
supports it, etc.)
 show the visual (video, poster, mock up, brochure, etc) and explain its
appeal
 conduct a question and answer (Q&A)
 conclude by thanking your audience and tell them what you look
forward to in the future regarding your request
 Read the following for resources regarding the pitch:
http://articles.bplans.co.uk/starting-a-business/the-business-pitch/407
Important Dates
Work Periods: June _________________________________________________________________
Due Date for all materials: June 12
Presentations: June 15-17. A presentation list will be posted. If you miss your
date, you must come in either after your exam or the make-up exam date.