Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...
- Identify the typical qualities and behaviors of successful entrepreneurs, and the benefits and drawbacks of starting one's own business, buying a franchise, and purchasing an existing business.
- Develop clear, measurable goals and a comprehensive mission statement for a business.
- Comprehend techniques used in successful networking, including how to make a good first impression, how to introduce your business to a potential contact, listening skills, and how to follow up with a promising contact.
- Distinguish between primary and secondary research and determine appropriate question types for various research situations.
- Establish an effective marketing strategy that includes an advertising platform and a public relations campaign.
- Develop and draft a business plan according to a five-part comprehensive structure.
- Identify an appropriate business structure to match the business plan, including considerations for hiring management and staffing.
- Recognize the features and benefits of different types of funding in order to identify the right money sources for a particular business.
- Understand the range of legal regulations that affect starting a new business, including licenses, zoning approvals, and basic tax knowledge, and apply these to a business plan.
- Identify the components of a solid business team such as employees, suppliers, and distributors, and techniques used in identifying personal and business characteristics that will enhance a business.
- Comprehend the scope and function of the Internet, the advantages and hazards of an online presence, resources for developing an online presence, and features of successful commercial websites.
- Differentiate between types of pricing strategies and business evaluations, and use cost and expense data to prepare a budget as part of a business plan.
- Recognize the features and advantages of well-organized business records and how business records can be used to inform major business decisions.