Entrepreneurial Foundations: From Ideation to Market Success

This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to embark on a successful entrepreneurial journey. Through a practical and engaging learning experience, you will explore ideation, craft a compelling value proposition, and master the art of the elevator pitch. You'll develop a solid business plan and marketing strategy to confidently bring your vision to life in the competitive marketplace. With a strong emphasis on practical application and comprehension, this course is your gateway to building the foundation for a successful and rewarding entrepreneurial journey.

Section 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship

  • Understanding the entrepreneurial mindset and traits

  • Overview of the entrepreneurial journey and its phases

  • Exploring success stories of inspiring entrepreneurs

  • Identifying the benefits and challenges of entrepreneurship

Section 2: Ideation and Opportunity Identification

  • Techniques for generating innovative business ideas

  • Evaluating the viability and feasibility of ideas

  • Conducting market research to identify opportunities

  • Understanding customer needs and pain points

Section 3: Building a Solid Business Model Canvas

  • Introduction to the Business Model Canvas (BMC)

  • Defining key elements of the BMC: Value Proposition, Customer Segments, Channels, + Revenue Streams

  • Mapping out the relationships between different BMC components

  • Developing a concise and clear BMC for your venture

Section 4: Financial Management + Funding

  • Basics of financial management for entrepreneurs

  • Creating realistic budgets and financial projections

  • Exploring different funding options for startups

  • Understanding the pros and cons of bootstrapping + seeking external investment

Section 5: Bringing Your Vision to Life

  • Crafting a compelling value proposition

  • Mastering the art of the elevator pitch

  • Developing a detailed business plan based on the BMC

  • Creating a marketing strategy to reach your target audience

  • Overcoming common challenges in entrepreneurship

  • Managing risks and building resilience

  • Nurturing a winning team and effective leadership

  • Legal and regulatory considerations for startups

  • Networking and building professional relationships

Final Project: Business Plan Presentation

  • Students will present their business plans, incorporating ideation, the Business Model Canvas, financial projections, and marketing strategies.

  • Peer and instructor feedback will be provided to improve the presentations.

  • Course Wrap-up and Graduation

  • Reflection on the entrepreneurial journey and personal growth

  • Celebration of achievements and success

  • Resources and next steps for continuing the entrepreneurial journey

By structuring the course into five sections, the focus is on core aspects of entrepreneurship, making it easier for learners to grasp and apply the knowledge. The course will still cover essential elements such as ideation, finance, and the Business Model Canvas, providing students with the skills and tools necessary to embark on their entrepreneurial journey successfully.

Available Summer 2024