Introduction: Our team took part in the One Million Founders event organized by Consat Orahi. The objective was to develop an innovative business idea and present it in a pitch format to a panel that included senior board members and the CEO. Our concept focused on supporting local fruit and vegetable vendors by creating a digital platform that connects them directly with customers—similar to an on-demand service for fresh produce. As a team, we collaborated on research, planning, and designing the presentation. By the end of the event, we received a certificate in recognition of our participation and effort.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth: This experience helped me identify my strengths in communication and creative thinking. I found that I am confident in presenting ideas clearly to an audience. However, I also realized the need to strengthen my technical understanding, particularly in areas such as market analysis and application design. While I could explain the concept effectively, I struggled with detailing how the platform would function. This highlighted specific areas for improvement and future learning.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process: One of the main challenges was developing a practical and well-structured business idea within a limited time frame. We had to consider aspects such as marketing strategies, pricing models, and real-life issues faced by vendors. This required a combination of creativity, research, and collaboration. Through this process, I improved my brainstorming abilities, learned how to allocate tasks efficiently, and gained experience in preparing a professional pitch. I also enhanced my problem-solving skills by addressing real-world business concerns.

LO3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience: Our team planned the entire project independently. We identified the problem we wanted to solve, divided responsibilities for research, and structured the flow of our presentation. Each member was assigned a specific role, such as introducing the problem, explaining the solution, or delivering the conclusion. This structured approach ensured clarity and organization. The experience taught me how to take initiative, plan systematically, and manage a project from start to finish.

LO4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences: Preparing for the event required continuous effort and teamwork. We met multiple times after school to refine our idea and practice the presentation. Even when initial drafts were not strong, we worked on improving them. I remained dedicated because I wanted our idea to be meaningful and impactful. This process showed me that persistence and consistent effort lead to better results.

LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively: Teamwork was essential throughout this activity. Each member contributed different strengths, such as research, design, or presentation skills. We learned to value each other’s perspectives and combine our ideas effectively. Collaboration not only improved the quality of our work but also made the process more engaging and less stressful. It reinforced the idea that strong teamwork leads to more creative and successful outcomes.

LO6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance: Our idea focused on a globally relevant issue—supporting small-scale vendors and encouraging sustainable local businesses. Many vendors face challenges due to competition from large supermarkets and online platforms. By proposing a system that directly connects them with customers, we aimed to promote fair opportunities and community-based economic growth. This helped me understand how entrepreneurship can contribute to solving real-world problems.

LO7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions: We ensured that our proposed solution was ethical and beneficial for all stakeholders. We considered fair pricing strategies for both vendors and customers and emphasized transparency in transactions. Our focus remained on inclusivity, honesty, and sustainability. This experience showed me that ethical thinking is an essential part of building business ideas that genuinely benefit society.

Conclusion: The One Million Founders event was a valuable learning opportunity that encouraged both creative and practical thinking. I developed new skills, strengthened my ability to work in a team, and gained insight into how innovation can address social and economic challenges. Presenting our idea to professionals boosted my confidence and inspired me to continue working on ideas that create positive impact. This experience contributed to my growth as both a learner and a responsible individual.