BU 097 - Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship

Course Description:
This semester length course introduces the challenges and opportunities in managing a small business in today’s market.  The definition of the entrepreneur, types of business organizations, legal aspects, personnel management and the criteria for establishing a small business are discussed.  Students will develop a simple business plan.

Course Content:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Define the entrepreneur, key traits and challenges
2. Identify Opportunities and trends for entrepreneurs
3. Discuss the various types of businesses ownership
4. Begin development of a small business plan
5. Conduct market research, choose a product/service and forecast revenue
6. Establish of accounting and insurance systems
7. Understand certain legal aspects of the business and choice of organization
8. Make informed decisionas related to location and type of product or service
9. Understand financing needs of the business and budgeting
10. Understand the management and personnel needs of the business

Coure Materials:

Here is a link to (most of) the PACE - Program for Acquiring Competence in Entrepreneurship modules. Many of them will be discussed in class throughout the semester. As you can see on page three of the course syllabus, the following modules will be discussed at length in class: A-1, A-2, A-3; B-1 through B-8; C-1, C-2, C-3, C-5. Please download at least these particular modules to your flash drive or personal computer for use later in the semester.

A-1 Evaluating Your Potential as an Entrepreneur

A-2 Understanding the Nature of Small Business

A-3 Making the Most of Marketplace Opportunity

A-4 Investing in Global Markets

B-1 Developing Your Business Plan

B-2 Finding Help for Your Small Business

B-3 Choosing the Right Type of Ownership

B-4 Developing a Marketing Strategy

B-5 Finding the Best Location

B-6 Developing a Pricing Strategy

B-7 Financing Your Business

B-8 Addressing Legal Issues

C-1 Managing Basic Business Functions

C-2 Managing Your Human Resources

C-3 Promoting Your Business

C-4 Maximizing Sales

C-5 Maintaining Accurate Records

C-6 Managing Your Finances

C-7 Extending Customer Credit

C-8 Minimizing Risk

C-9 Maintaining Operations

C-10 Conducting E-Commerce

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