4 steps to turn your idea into a business

Turning an idea into a business may seem complicated, but with planning and organization, it’s possible to structure projects that make a difference. Junior enterprises play an essential role in this process by connecting academic knowledge with real market demands and supporting young entrepreneurs in their first steps.

These organizations, managed by university students, offer services such as market research, strategic planning, and technological solution development. With over 1,450 enterprises spread across Brazil, they carried out 24,000 projects in 2024, according to Brasil Júnior, the confederation that coordinates the movement.

Elias Gabriel, Executive President of Brasil Júnior, explains how those who want to start a business can draw inspiration from the junior enterprise model and follow key steps to turn ideas into reality:

1. Structuring the ideaEvery business starts with a clear purpose. Identify the problem you want to solve, who will benefit, and how your solution can work. These answers help guide the next steps and align expectations.
2. Understanding the marketResearch competitors and the needs of your target audience. This analysis helps create a competitive edge and adjust the model to meet real market demands.
3. Seeking specialized supportHaving guidance makes all the difference at the beginning. Junior enterprises, formed by university students, offer affordable consulting services that help entrepreneurs validate their ideas. These organizations operate within universities, connecting academic learning with market challenges.
4. Testing and adjustingBefore investing significant resources, test your idea on a smaller scale and collect feedback. This step allows for fixing flaws and refining the proposal, increasing the chances of success. Besides supporting entrepreneurs, junior enterprises prepare students for the market. It’s a two-way street—entrepreneurs receive affordable, quality solutions while students apply their knowledge to real projects, develop practical skills, and become better prepared for the market.