Business Planning and Development

Catalog description

Small business is the dominant form of business in the United States, and reliance on the services provided and jobs created by small companies is integral to our economic development. In this course, students will develop and write a comprehensive business plan for an existing or new small venture. During the process of planning and writing, we will identify management, financial and funding strategies unique to the small business owner, and study models for small business growth, product or service innovation, and long-term sustainability. We will explore how to analyze the risks and rewards of potential growth opportunities and address fundamental marketing concepts and theories in the global marketplace and the associated ethical dilemmas. Technologies that can boost competition and how to attract private investors and bankers for expansion will also be covered. Students will learn how to formally present their business concept in preparation for a business plan competition or professional pitch for potential funding.