Endorsed
Activity
Welcome to the microTank Competition — an entrepreneurial challenge where FFA members step into the role of business founders. Instead of just learning about agriculture, you'll explore how to turn an idea into a business and practice the same steps real entrepreneurs use to launch start-ups.
Unlike traditional contests, you won't be asked to grow crops during the first stage. Instead, you'll focus on the business accelerator process:
- Discover an opportunity in the microgreen market
- Define your customers and competitors
- Build a Business Model Canvas
- Design a Pitch Deck (your investor presentation)
- Share your vision with judges, just like a real entrepreneur seeking funding
Why Microgreens?
Microgreens are the perfect starting point for a student-led business:
- Fast growth (7–14 days from seed to harvest)
- High value (average retail price $2.75/oz, wholesale $1.75/oz)
- Accessible (low startup cost, can grow in small spaces)
- Rising demand (chefs, markets, and health-conscious consumers love them)
- Healthy and delicious (Microgreens are packed with nutrients and spice things up)
Your Mission
We are including a case study of a fictional microgreen business called "Tinyleaf Co". You'll use the Tinyleaf Co case study as a guide while developing your own unique business idea. By the end, your team will have a:
- Business Model Canvas – your plan on one page
- Pitch Deck – a 10-slide investor presentation
- Team Executive Summary – who you are and why you're competing
