Biz Kids Buzzwords
Business
A company that makes and sells products or services.
What you use to buy things.
Money
I’m not the first of my kind, but I’m better, cooler, or more fun. I take something old and give it a twist—like adding wheels to shoes so you can skate while you run! What word am I?
Innovation
Scenario:
Ethan started a snack stand and told himself, “I want to earn enough money to buy a new bike.” He worked hard every weekend to make it happen.
Question:
What do we call something you’re working toward, like Ethan saving for a bike?
Goal
Scenario:
Carlos wanted to buy a popcorn machine for his movie night business, but he didn’t have enough money. His uncle gave him $50 and said, “You can use this now, but you have to pay me back later.”
Question:
What do we call the money Carlos borrowed that he has to return?
Loan
Customer
Someone who buys a product or service.
The money a business makes after paying expenses.
Profit
Tyler had a big lightbulb moment while brushing his teeth. “I should sell toothpaste that tastes like bubblegum!” What did Tyler just have?
Idea
Scenario:
Lila made 10 friendship bracelets and sold them all at the school fair. At the end of the day, she counted the money she earned from each bracelet she sold.
Question:
What do we call it when someone sells something and gets money for it?
Scenario:
Maya doesn’t sell anything you can hold or eat, but she walks dogs in her neighborhood and helps her neighbors carry groceries. They pay her for helping out.
Question:
What do we call the kind of work Maya does to help others?
Service
Market
Where buyers and sellers come together to trade.
Money spent on running a business.
Expense
"I worked hard all summer and finally got my new scooter!" –What word describes what she got for all her hard work?
Reward
Scenario:
Noah used his own money to buy art supplies so he could sell paintings at the park. He wasn’t sure if anyone would buy them, but he gave it a try anyway.
Question:
What do we call it when someone takes a chance and might lose something, like money?
Risk
Scenario:
Jayden wants to open a cookie shop, but he needs money to buy ingredients, an oven, and a sign. His grandma gives him $100 to help him get started. Now he can finally begin baking!
Question:
What do we call the money Jayden used to start his cookie shop?
Capital
Entrepreneur
A person who solves problems for profit.
A plan for how to spend and save money.
Budget
Liam wants to sell cookies. He makes a plan to start at lunchtime, give free samples, and use colorful signs. What is Liam making?
A) Reward
B) Strategy
C) Innovation
B) Strategy
Scenario:
Every time people see a pink star with sparkles, they know it’s from Ava’s cupcake shop. It’s on her boxes, her signs, and even her apron!
Question:
What do we call the special name or logo that helps people remember Ava’s business?
Brand
Scenario:
Lena opened a lemonade stand on a hot day. By lunchtime, she had only 3 cups of lemonade left. A big group of kids walked over, but Lena said, “Sorry! I don’t have enough left for everyone.”
Question:
What do we call the amount of lemonade Lena still has to sell?
Supply
Product
Something made to be sold.
Money a business earns from selling products or services.
Revenue
How it works:
Pick 2 volunteers.
Tell the class: “You both are selling the same thing—fuzzy pencils!”
Give them each a pretend sign or just have them stand and act out how they would sell it. One might shout, one might dance, one might show it like it's super fancy.
Let the rest of the class vote: “Who sold it best?”
After the fun…
Ask the class:
“What’s it called when two businesses try to get more customers than the other?”
Competition
Scenario:
Emma started selling rainbow slime at school. By the end of the week, almost every kid wanted one! She had to make more just to keep up—everyone was asking for it!
Question:
What do we call it when lots of people want to buy the same thing?
Demand
Scenario:
Sofia runs a small toy shop. Before opening each morning, she checks her shelves to see how many stuffed animals, puzzles, and games she still has left to sell.
Question:
What do we call the items Sofia has in her shop ready to be sold?
Inventory