Starting Your Business

While starting and running a business may have challenges along the way, the life of an entrepreneur can be one filled with enjoyment, excitement, and reward if prepared with the proper knowledge and confidence on how to solve problems. For many, the first big hurdle is knowing where to begin.

This course is intended for those who already have a firm idea for a business in mind, but are seeking guidance for how to turn it into a reality. This course provides a hands-on, step-by-step framework for developing a viable business plan that is ready for launch. The instructor will guide you through the critical elements of starting and running a new business, including establishing the company, product design and development, setting up marketing and sales functions, what you need to know about finance and accounting, hiring the right people, and presenting the opportunity to others. And for any rough patches that may come along the way, you will learn ways to deal with mental and emotional stress so you can keep focused on achieving your goals.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Transform a business idea into a workable business plan that is ready for a successful launch.
• Identify and analyze your main target audiences to create a focused, effective strategy.
• Optimize the product or service offering to meet the specific needs of your customers.
• Develop and brand communication plan that will make your business stand out in the customer's mind.
• Determine the best marketing techniques for driving leads and building a loyal customer base.
• Determine the best sales techniques for generating high conversion rates.
• Employ effective methods to idenitfy and hire talent.
• Identify key finance and accounting concepts that are essential to managing the business.
• Adopt strategies to be mentally and emotionally resilient when facing business challenges.
• Practice presenting you business idea in front of others to prepare for pitches to potential partners or investors.

Requirements:
Students enrolling in this course should have a business idea in mind as it will be the focus of their work. Preferrably, students will also have an inital prototype of the product/service and have done some initial research into what it might cost to produce, athough this is not required. 

While not a prerequisite, Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design is recommened for those just beginning their entrepreneurial journey. It provides a solid introduction to many of the concepts used in this course, and can help students form the idea for a business that they will build on here.