deca business plan rubric

Competitive Events

Find Your Event

Competition Success

Online Practice Exams

Vocabulary Flipcards

Performance Indicator Flipcards

Video Library

Chapter Name

Business Growth Plan

The Business Growth Plan involves the idea generation and strategy development needed to grow an existing business. Participants in the Business Growth Plan will analyze their current business operations and identify opportunities to grow and expand the business.

Career Opportunities

Snoopslimes

Snoopslimes in a limited liability corporation founded in 2017 that provides slime — a sensory, tactical, stress-relieving toy — to customers all around the world. The goal is to provide satisfying, high-quality slimes to customers around the world while inspiring other young entrepreneurs to chase after their dreams.

Sample Exams

Exam blueprint.

The chart below shows the number of items per instructional area for the 2024-2025 exams used at the district level, chartered association level and the International Career Development Conference.

EXAM STRATEGIES

The exam blueprint is your best friend.

Use the exam blueprint to focus your preparation efforts. You may prioritize studying instructional areas with the higher number of questions listed the blueprint.

Keep Expanding Your Knowledge

As you advance in competition, exam items become more specialized to the Career Cluster. Therefore, you should start with an understanding of general business concepts in the Business Administration Core and build on the knowledge within the Career Cluster of your competitive event.

Review Your Work

Don’t just take the exam! After you take the exam, compare your answers to the exam’s key. If you incorrectly answer a question, re-read the question, note the correct answer, and then read the descriptive key. The descriptive key explains the correct answer and why the other answers are incorrect. This will also help you understand the performance indicator addressed in the exam question.

Focus Your Efforts Where They Need To Be

Each exam question is linked to an instructional area. For each incorrect answer, tally the instructional area it matches. If you are noticing a pattern of incorrectly answering questions within particular instructional areas, spend more time learning the knowledge and skills within those instructional areas. Spend more time reviewing the performance indicators under those instructional areas.

Form Study Groups

Because there are only seven DECA exams, chances are high that some of your fellow chapters are taking the same exam as you, even if they are in a different competitive event. Use this opportunity to form study groups. You could consider taking the exam together and discussing the questions and answers. You could even divide and conquer to prepare study materials to help understand performance indicators.

Get In The Mode

Recreate the testing scene. Find out from your chapter advisor the setting for your exam during competition. Will you be taking the exam online through an electronic device prior to the competition, or  using pencil and paper on-site during the competition? Find out how long you will have to take the test. Then try to replicate the setting using a practice test and using the same time frame you are given in competition.

Develop a Study Schedule

Make sure to study and prepare on a regular basis. Plan a study schedule and calendar leading up to your competition. Do not study right before you take the test. Instead, concentrate on being calm and confident in yourself when taking the exam.

Test Taking Techniques

When taking the exam, use these general test taking techniques:

• Familiarize yourself with the format.
• Read the question. Think about the answer.
• Read all choices before choosing your answer.
• Eliminate choices you know aren't correct.
• If you get stuck, circle and come back.
• Always take an educated guess.
• If time allows, review your work. ‍

Remain Positive!

Be confident. Refrain from engaging in negative discussions with other members prior to the exam, such as “I’m so nervous – I don’t know if I studied enough.”

Sample Role-Plays

Instructional areas.

Each role-play focuses on a primary instructional area. For each role-play, a majority of its performance indicators will focus on that primary instructional area. The following instructional areas may be used in this event's role-plays.

ROLE-PLAY STRATEGIES

Key elements.

The following key elements are always a part of each role-play scenario. Understanding the format and style of the role-play will help you become familiar, feel comfortable and easily identify the key elements so you can maximize your time developing your solution.

• Participant Role
• Company and Brief Description
• Deliverable
• Instructional Area

Performance Indicators

• Meeting Location

The performance indicators are your guide to a focused presentation! Apply them to the situation because they are always based on a real-life situation. Use industry knowledge that you have researched before competition to supplement what you know about your performance indicators. This helps demonstrate your proficiency.

What's the Ask?

At the end of any role-play situation, you are presented with what the judge is looking for from you. Make sure you address what the judge is asking while incorporating the performance indicators. You will want to wow your judge with your solution while explaining it by incorporating the performance indicators.

Communication is Key

Speak clearly so that the judge can understand what you are sharing with him/her. You have time to talk about your performance indicators within the situation—don’t rush and take the chance a judge didn’t hear you talking about something. Be natural and comfortable in your role in the situation. Nonverbal communication can be just as important as verbal communication. Smile and be confident to help demonstrate your professionalism.

Be Creative and Stand Out

Be calm, be professional and be enthusiastic. Don’t be scared of your competition. There are many creative ways to approach a role-play, and no one way is necessarily right, so focus on adding your own creative twist to what you do. Don’t just have a “Plan A”; exceed expectations by having options for your judge to select from if the situation calls for it. Setting yourself apart through innovation, creativity and quality ideas is the key way to stay in a judge’s mind long after all the competitors have finished presenting. What can you bring to the presentation that no other competitor will show your judge?

Connect with the Judge

Take time to make sure your judge is following your thoughts. You can ask your judge questions to make sure he or she has understood what you have shared. Near the end of the role-play, the judge will likely ask you questions. When you are preparing your presentation for the role-play, you may anticipate what questions the judge may ask. However, if you need a minute to consider the questions before answering, say so in a professional manner. This reflects your respect of his or her position and your desire to share an informed answer.

Speak the Language

When speaking with the judge, be as professional as possible, while still being personable and accessible. This means using accurate industry terminology when the situation calls for it. Do not be afraid to use sophisticated or rich vocabulary—with­out sounding like you’re just trying too hard to impress, because, of course, you still want to be relatable, friendly, and down-to-earth.

Make a Good Impression

Be friendly, make eye contact and give a firm handshake when you first meet your judge. Do not wait for them to introduce themselves; rather, take the initiative. While you might be nervous and feel awkward, taking initiative shows that you truly are mature, confident and comfort­able. Also, adhere to the dress code, because you come across as much more professional if you really do look like a business executive. You may also consider the career area in which you are competing. For example, as a competitor in Apparel and Accessories Marketing, you may want to wear something that will reflect an interest in fashion or a more creative point-of-view, without being outrageous. You want to leave a good impression with the judge, and of course, be rememberable.

WRITE IT LIKE  YOU MEAN IT

Participants in the Business Growth Plan will prepare a written proposal identifying opportunities to grow and expand the existing business which is owned by a current DECA member. Options may include franchising, expanding into new markets, opening a second location, licensing agreements, merging with or acquiring another business, diversifying product lines, forming strategic alliances with other businesses, expanding to the internet, etc. All participants must be documented owners/operators of the business. The body of the written entry must be limited to 20 numbered pages, including the appendix (if an appendix is attached), but excluding the title page and the table of contents. Sufficient documentation of ownership must be included. Pages in this section do not count towards the 20 numbered pages. Do not number these pages.

WRITTEN ENTRY GUIDELINES

The written entry must follow the specifications provided in the Written Entry Guidelines section of the DECA Guide for the competitive event. In addition to the Written Entry Guidelines, participants must observe all of the standards on the Penalty Point Checklist. These standards are designed to make competition as fair as possible. Additionally, the Written Event Statement of Assurances and Academic Integrity Form must be signed and submitted with the entry.

Sample Written ENTRY

Written entry strategies, content is king.

The written entry is the foundation of your competitive event. It's your outline for your project or plan, and represents your process to achieving your outcome. Choosing the right written event and the right company, event, idea, product or topic is so important, because you want to be passionate about the work you will endeavor in this process. Be thoughtful when making your decisions using some of these key considerations:

• Is there enough data accessible?
• Can I get information I need from the company or about the product, event or idea?
• Are there real people I can engage with or enlist the help and expertise of?
• Is this cutting edge or has the potential to be?

First, But Last

The executive summary is one of the most important parts of your written entry. Not only is it likely to be one of the first parts of your entry the judge reviews, it also provides an overall summary of your entry. It should be dynamic, concise and effectively highlight the main points of your written entry all while including a call to action. Often, it is best to write the executive summary last so that you can identify the most relevant components to include. Some tips for an effective executive summary include:

• Start with a bang.
• Identify the problem solution and opportunity.
• Focus on what makes you stand out.
• Sell don't just tell.
• Include data and finances.
• Use graphics and formatting as appropriate.
• Imagine this is the only thing someone would read.

Review, Edit, Proofread

Once you have completed your written entry, review it against the written entry guidelines and written entry evaluation form to ensure you have addressed each item. If you believe items are missing or need improvement, revisit your written entry and improve those areas. You may also wish to ask consultants to read your written entry against the criteria and provide feedback. Often, that is the best way to determine if your written entry is clearly understood by someone other than you as the project creator(s). In addition, you should edit and revise your written work so that it is well-organized, professional, logical and error free.

Avoid Penalty Points

Penalty points can cause you to lose your chance for advancement quickly! Many times, they can easily be avoided. Some of the most common reasons for penalty points include:

• Not using the current year’s event guidelines.
• All participants or advisor not signing the Statement of Assurances.
• Leaving out sections in the body of the written entry.
• Having too many pages. Double check the number of pages allowed in your written entry.

Give your entry to a trusted advisor or peer to review against the Penalty Point Checklist.

PRESENT WITH PIZZAZZ

The participants will present the project to the judge in a 15-minute presentation and make the request for financing. The presentation begins immediately after the introduction of the participants to the judge by the adult assistant. Each participant must take part in the presentation.

PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

Each participant may bring a copy of the written entry or note cards pertaining to the written entry to use as reference during the presentation. Only visual aids that can be easily hand carried to the presentation by the actual participant(s)will be permitted. The participants themselves must set up the visuals. Wheeled carts, moving straps or similar items may not be used to bring visuals into the area. Set up time is included in the total presentation time. Participants must furnish their own materials and equipment. No electrical power or internet connection will be supplied. Alternate power sources such as small generators are not allowed. Sound may be used, as long as the volume is kept at a conversational level. Materials appropriate to the situation may be handed to or left with judges in all competitive events. Items of monetary value may be handed to but may not be left with judges. Items such as flyers, brochures, pamphlets and business cards may be handed to or left with the judge. No food or drinks allowed. If any of these rules are violated, the adult assistant must be notified by the judge.  

Presentation Strategies

First things first.

Consider your presentation your time to highlight the most important parts of your competitive event. In every case, you're trying to sell the judge that your idea, concept or plan is the best. Start with that in mind, and develop an outline for your presentation. Your ultimate goal is for the judge to choose your presentation. Consult the presentation evaluation rubric in the DECA Guide to ensure that your presentation includes information for all of the scoring criteria. You may also consider visual aids and if you'll use technology — but make sure they are relevant and meaningful to your presentation.

Brand Yourself A Winner

When creating your project and delivering your presentation, you are essentially developing a brand for yourself and your ideas. Make your presentation’s brand attractive and easy for your judge to remember by wrapping it in a strong visual package. Tie together all the elements of your project, from the charts and graphs of your written document, to your slide backgrounds, to the shirt you wear with a signature element, such as a particular color palette or pattern.

Stop, Look, Listen

A great portion of your presentation’s success isn’t dependent on what you say, but how you say it. Like any good speech, the judge may not recall every statistic, market segment or promotional idea that you deliver, but they will remember how you made them feel. That’s where confidence in your delivery comes in. Being excited, nervous and anxious about your presentation can cause your rate of speech to increase rapidly, making your words fly by in a blur. Always remember the power of pause. When practicing your presentation, incorporate pauses into your phrases. This will create a dramatic, ear-catching effect to keep your judge attentive to your presentation, plus it will emphasize important points and information. 

Eye contact is another way to connect with your judge. Locking eyes shows confidence in the points you’re delivering and is another way to keep your judge engaged in your delivery.

A memorable part of your delivery that will greatly affect how your judge feels is your tone of voice. Your tone should vary depending on the subjects you’re covering in your presentation. For example, presenting a charity that your Community Giving Project supports may be most effective with a serious, earnest tone, yet in sharing your creative marketing  ideas for an Integrated Marketing Campaign event, an excitable, vibrant tone would be great for expressing your creativity. No matter what tone you use, make sure you vary your expression. Nothing will lose a judge’s attention more than a flat, boring delivery that gives them no feeling about your topic. 

While relying on your innate ability to “wing it” is never recommended for competition, writing down paragraphs of perfect phrases, word-for-word, doesn’t guarantee that your presentation will turn out trophies either. Note cards are a handy tool to remember specific numerical data and exact quotes, but using them as a crutch for your memory could reduce your confident delivery, especially in form of eye contact with your judges. Instead, commit your presentation to memory as best as possible. If you thought it, developed it and wrote about it, you should be able, with a bit of practice, to present it well. Use your visual aid to help guide your talking points, with illustrations, diagrams or other images to help cue your words. 

Just because you reach your last slide doesn’t mean it’s time to thank your judge, shake hands and flee the room. The time after your formal presentation is crucial for further interaction with your judge. Take this opportunity to clarify parts of your presentation, show more of your personality and impress your judge with an ability to provide thorough answers to any questions they may have. The best way to flawlessly answer these questions is to prepare for them in advance. Use your advisors and peers as practice judges for your presentation, and request that they each ask you at least three follow-up questions to your presentation. You begin to become more confident delivering answers off-the-cuff and will begin to learn the most commonly asked questions of your presentation. Should your judge not immediately ask any questions, ask for them! 

To leave even more of an impact on your judge, provide them with a handout before you walk out the door, such as a brochure or outline. Use this strategy to highlight important takeaway points from your presentation, further brand yourself and your ideas, and keep a presence in front of your judge, even long after your final handshake. Make sure to have a final statement or call to action to show your judge that you’re interested in following through.

INSIGHTS INTO THE INDUSTRY

Industry trends are patterns or current happenings that occur within a specific industry. Keeping up with the industry helps give you a pulse on issues and trends that are affecting the industry. This knowledge can help you develop creative, relevant and timely solutions for your competitive event.

Great New Products Can Still Fail Without Marketing

Step-by-step approach to building a branding monopoly, consumer start ups adjust to new vc landscape, mistakes most early startups make, the basics of buying a franchise, effective pr strategies for your small business, key financial metrics every founder should know, the 3 levels of making cuts in your business, conquer the competition.

Not only do these interactive competition preparation tools help you expand your industry terminology, understand performance indicators and check your comprehension through exam items, they also help you prepare for DECA competition!

Expand your vocabulary

Broaden your knowledge

Check your comprehension

DECA Direct Online is your source for competition tips and career insights. Check out these articles and more on DECA Direct Online as you prepare for competition.

3 Written Event Competition Tips To Consider

The ultimate written event guide, 4 things you must remember while public speaking, deca goes lean in entrepreneurship.

DECA+ ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY ‍ A DECA+ subscription is required for each DECA chapter wishing to access the resources within the DECA+ site. The login is to be used only by the chapter and its members, and the login cannot be shared beyond the chapter. Under no circumstances may any of the content, including but not limited to exams, scenarios or sample written entries, in whole or in part, or any item within be published or posted on any website. Under no circumstances may any of the content, including but not limited to exams, scenarios or sample written entries, in whole or in part, or any item within be shared or distributed beyond the specific DECA chapter that has purchased the subscription.  Any chapter(s) which violates the DECA+ distribution and use policy will not be allowed to participate in the current school year’s chartered association conference or the International Career Development Conference. If any exams or scenarios are posted on a chapter or chartered association website in way outside of the distribution and use policy, the chartered association will not be eligible to purchase exams or receive scenarios from DECA Inc. for a period of one year for the first offense. Furthermore, further access to DECA+ by the chapter(s) in violation will be prohibited effective immediately for a period of no less than three years.

DECA's Written and Prepared Events Support Project-based Learning

DECA advisors are first and foremost, classroom teachers. DECA’s written and prepared events are used by advisors as authentic learning experiences to help students learn and develop skills outlined in the curriculum.

Combined, DECA’s written and prepared events and project-based learning (PBL) can support course curriculum, motivate and engage students.

Whatever form a project takes, it must have eight essential elements to meet the definition of project-based learning (Larmer, Ross, & Mergendollar, 2009):

• Significant Content – At its core, the project is focused on teaching students important knowledge and skills, derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of the academic content areas. ‍
• 21st Century Skills – Students build skills valuable for today’s world, such as critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration, and communication, which are taught and assessed. ‍
• In-depth Inquiry – Students are engaged in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, using resources, and developing answers. ‍
• Driving Question – Project work is focused by an open-ended question that students explore or that captures the task they are completing. ‍
• Need to Know – Students see the need to gain knowledge, understand concepts, and apply skills in order to create project products, beginning with an Entry Event that generates interest and curiosity. ‍
• Voice and Choice – Students are allowed to make some choices about the products to be created, how they work, and how they use their time, guided by the teacher and depending on age level and PBL experience. ‍
• Revision and Reflection – The project includes processes for students to use feedback to consider additions and changes that lead to high-quality products, and think about what and how they are learning. ‍
• Public Audience – Students present their work to other people, beyond their classmates and teacher.

With the proper planning, all essential elements of PBL can be addressed by using DECA’s written and prepared events in the classroom.  Below is an example using DECA’s Business Operations Research Events. ‍

DECA’s Business Operations Research Events

The business operations research events involve the preparation of a detailed plan based on the results of a research study. The participants must

• select an actual local business operation
• design a research study
• conduct a research study
• analyze the results of the research study
• prepare a detailed plan to improve an aspect of business operations
• prepare a proposed budget
• present in a role-play situation
• the design of the research study
• the findings and conclusions of the research study
• strategies to improve an aspect of business operations
• a proposed budget to enact the suggested strategies

Essential Element of PBL and how they are supported

• Significant Content - Students learn market research skills in the classroom and then apply the newly-acquired skills by conducting a research project in their community.
• 21st Century Skills - Critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, creativity and communication skills are developed and reinforced throughout the research process.  Students must develop real solutions to address real business problems as part of this event.
• In-depth Inquiry - Students conduct an actual research study in collaboration with a local business.  Students create research instruments, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on findings.
• Driving Question - Each year there is a new driving question for the Business Operations Research Events.  For 2014-2015, students are challenged to identify an underserved generational group and develop strategies to better serve this group of customers.  Each project is likely to go in different directions based on the generational group that is identified as being underserved.  Students will ask a variety of questions throughout the research process in order to draw conclusions and develop strategies to better serve the group of customers.
• Need to Know - Since students are working with a real business in their community, there is a genuine desire to help the local business owner/manager improve business operations.  Students take the challenge seriously because their work will have an impact on an actual business.
• Voice and Choice - Students have voice and choice in how to conduct the research, how to interpret the data, and which improvement strategies to recommend.  Teachers guide the process, but students make many of the decisions throughout the project.
• Revision and Reflection - Students are encouraged to revisit their work throughout the entire project and ask themselves what is working well, what is not working well, etc.  Even after students have made recommendations to the local business owner, students should ask themselves if their contributions have made a positive impact on the business.  Many teachers ask students to write reflection essays to conclude the project by providing prompts such as: (1) If you had the opportunity to conduct new research, what would you be looking for? (2) Would you utilize different research techniques? (3) Would you ask different questions?
• Public Audience - Several public audiences are involved in these projects.  Students interact with actual store managers and owners, current customers, and potential customers.

From a Teacher’s Perspective

DECA staff interviewed several teachers to gain insight into how they utilize DECA’s competitive events in the classroom.  Some of the themes that emerged during these conversations are:

• Using DECA’s written events in the classroom in conjunction with PBL makes a teacher’s life easier. DECA provides outlines general direction and writing outlines for students. Teachers just have to create timelines for the projects that work for them. DECA also provides rubrics which help teachers with assessing student work.
• DECA’s written events and PBL support both formative and summative assessment. Throughout the project students are self-assessing and improving their work. At the end of the project a business professional (volunteer judge) evaluates and scores the project.
• Students engaged in DECA’s written events and PBL take a lot of pride in their work. Because students are collaborating with real businesses in their community, they work harder because their input can really make a difference in the community.
• DECA’s written events and PBL help students apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a real setting. Learning comes to life!

Project-based learning often energizes and excites students. DECA’s written and prepared events can help teachers engage students while teaching and reinforcing course curriculum. Incorporate DECA and PBL into your teaching plans this year and watch your students excitement levels rise!

References and Resources

• Boss, S. (2013). PBL for 21st Century Success: Teaching Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity. Novato, CA: Buck Institute for Education.
• DECA Inc. (2014). DECA Guide. Reston, VA: DECA Inc.
• Larmer, J., Ross, D., & Mergendollar, J. (2009). PBL Starter Kit: To-the-Point Advice, Tools and Tips for Your First Project in Middle or High School. Novato, CA: Buck Institute for Education.
• Laur, D. (2013). Authentic Learning Experiences: a real-world approach to project-based learning. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.

Christopher Young, CAE, is DECA's chief program officer. In this role, he devises and leads organizational strategies and growth initiatives, including innovative student and advisor learning programs focused on ultimately preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Discussion Questions

Classroom connection, career cluster:, instructional area(s):, performance indicators:.

DECA Announces Competitive Event Topics and Updates for 2024-2025

Get a head start on the 2024-2025 competition season with DECA's updates, topics and resources for next year's competitive events program.

Test Your Skills with the Stukent Social Media Marketing Challenge

Do you have what it takes to be a successful social media marketing professional? The Stukent Social Media Marketing Challenge is your chance to compete using a social media marketing simulation.

Corporate Challenges: What They Entail and Why Members Should Participate

Seven of DECA’s corporate partners are offering Corporate Challenges for our High School Division members! In this article, learn more about our Corporate Challenges, links to get more information, what they each entail and important dates.

2023-2024 District-Level Competitive Event Instructional Areas Announced

Get ready for competition season! Each year DECA provides the primary instructional area(s) assessed in each of the district-level scenarios to help advisors and members prepare for district competitions more effectively.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

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A very well dressed community because suits are awesome. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.

Looking for a good paper to write next year

So I wrote the independent business plan paper this year. I ended up making it to state. Although my paper and presentation were good, there were over 100 other people in my event at state competition. Only 7 were chosen for ICDC. This got me wondering would I be better off writing a paper in a less competitive category? If I was to write a different paper, I’d definitely want to do something in the finance/entrepreneurship section.

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