THE CANON AKTASHIF 2.0 PROGRAMME

MODULE 2: START YOUR CREATIVE PASSION

Now that you’ve found your creative voice, this module will take you through the development of your business concept.

Why you need a business concept.

Having a business concept is an essential step in the process of launching your creative career.

A business concept is a document that describes the most basic parts of a business: what you’re selling, who you’re selling to and how you plan to achieve your business goals. Committing your ideas to paper is a clarifying process. Writing a business concept will help you make decisions, create an action plan and even come up with new ideas. But a business concept isn’t just for you. Business concepts are also necessary if you want to pitch your business to investors or explain your business to future employees.

What you need to do.

Becoming a successful photographer, videographer or printer, a strong business concept is needed. What value, services or products will you offer your customers? How will you attract and retain customers? This module will challenge you in defining your business’ objectives and strategies. The business concept of two to three pages in length should include the following five sections:

1. Product: The product or service that you will offer
2. Market: The size and demographics of your target market
3. Marketing Plan: Your plan for marketing your services and reaching customers
4. Competition: Research on your competition’s strengths and weaknesses
5. Operations: What you will need in order to operate your business

By logging into your Aktashif account here, there are 4 videos for you to watch to complete Module 2 and progress into the programme.

Video 1: Passion Made Business

Video 2: Express Your Authentic Power

Video 3: Actioning Your Creative Idea

Video 4: Sustaining Your Creative Business Operations

Module 2 submissions include the following:

• 2-3 page business concept for your creative career (File Format: PDF)
• Two-minute video pitch of your business (Video Format: mp4)
• Submissions in English and Arabic will both be accepted.

Upload your work through your Aktashif account by logging here no later than 11:59 PM GST on 31st January 2022.

What the judges are looking for

A panel of photographers, printers and other creative professionals will assess the strength of your business concept based on the following criteria:

1. Product or Service: How compelling is your mission statement and your description of the value you offer?
2. Marketing Strategy: Do you have an effective plan for reaching customers and achieving your sales goals?
3. Competition: Have you researched your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses? Do you have a competitive advantage?
4. Operations: Have you considered what you will need in order to operate your business (e.g., staffing, equipment, space, etc.)?
5. Usefulness: Is your business concept going to help you launch your business?

We’re happy to help.

Got questions? Send us an email at aktashif@canon-me.com and the AKTASHIF team will contact you.