The American Dream Project

The Builder's Workbook

Name: Date:

1 · Your idea

A business is a problem you solve for someone who pays.

I help with .

Working business name:

Talk to at least 5 real potential customers. What did they say?

1. —

2. —

3. —

4. —

5. —

A price must cover cost, pay for your time, and leave a margin.

Cost per unit $ + Your time value $ + Margin $

= Your price $

Find your idea — a real problem someone will pay to solve

Validate it — talk to at least 3 real customers

Make it real — set your price and the lawful steps (rules vary by state)

First customer — make a clear offer, ask, deliver, repeat

Open a separate place for business money

Keep every receipt; log money in and out weekly

Check my state/city for needed licenses or permits

Set aside ~25–30% of profit for taxes

Ask 5 people for their honest feedback

Earn my first dollar and post it on the wall

Ask my first happy customer for a referral

Set a goal for next month

I will earn my first dollar by:

Signed: