Business Cents

Course Title: Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Course Duration: up to 6 Weeks

Week 1: Understanding Entrepreneurship

• Topics Covered:
  • Definition of entrepreneurship
  • Importance of entrepreneurship in the economy
  • Types of entrepreneurs
  • Characteristics of successful entrepreneurs
• Assessment:
  • Quiz: Identify the types and characteristics of entrepreneurs.

Week 2: Idea Generation and Validation

• Topics Covered:
  • Techniques for brainstorming business ideas
  • Market research fundamentals
  • Validating your business idea (surveys, interviews)
• Assessment:
  • Assignment: Conduct market research on a chosen business idea and present findings.

Week 3: Business Models and Planning

• Topics Covered:
  • Understanding business types
  • Elements of a business plan
  • Writing a simple business plan overview
• Assessment:
  • Group Project: Create a draft business model and outline for your business plan.

Week 4: Funding Your Business

• Topics Covered:
  • Overview of funding options (bootstrapping, loans, investors, crowdfunding)
  • Financial planning and budgeting basics
  • Pitching your idea to investors
• Assessment:
  • Presentation: Pitch your business idea and funding requirements to the class.

Week 5: Marketing and Sales Strategies

• Topics Covered:
  • Basics of marketing (4 Ps: Product, Price, Place, Promotion)
  • Digital marketing fundamentals
  • Building a sales strategy
• Assessment:
  • Assignment: Develop a marketing plan for your business, including target audience and strategies.

Week 6: Launching and Managing Your Business

• Topics Covered:
  • Steps to launching your business
  • Basics of operations management
  • Key metrics to track business performance
• Assessment:
  • Final Project: Submit a complete business plan, including all previous components and a launch strategy.

Final Assessment

• Comprehensive Exam:
  • A mix of multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions covering all course content.