Entrepreneurial Studies: Skill Set

Background: 
The Community and Technical College System (http://www.wvctcs.org/) of West Virginia received a grant from the Claude W. Worthington Benedum Foundation (http://www.benedum.org/index.shtml)  to infuse entrepreneurship education throughout the curriculum, including both workforce and academics. 

Under this process, funds will be awarded to community and technical colleges to add an emphasis on entrepreneurship by integrating an entrepreneurship component in the community and technical colleges.

Description: 
The Entrepreneurial Studies skill set is a six credit program. It covers the basic level topics that all Entrepreneurs encounter during the startup, operation, and growth phases of business development. Each course in the skill set is designed to cover one key topic area and related skills. In combination, the courses inform students and participants how to think about, plan, and move ideas into a new business ventures.

Objectives:   
Students and other registered participants in the skill set courses will be able to:

• Recognize the risky, yet potentially rewarding, option of owning a business rather than working for someone else
• Draft a basic business plan with the essential sections and information to analyze and plan a new venture or better organize a going concern
• Distinguish between the common business organization forms and understand the process to organize in the State of WV
• Identify potential sources for innovative ideas, products, and services that evolve into new and profitable businesses
• Evaluate the objective risks and potential profit of a new venture or going concern
• Identify funding sources to start a new business or grow an existing business
• Comprehend the need for good mentors at all stages of business development
• Evaluate potential mentors and separate the “good” ones from the not so helpful
• Critically analyze common issues and risks encountered by startups and business owners
• Find sources of valuable information and resources to assist them as they develop and operate their businesses
• Evaluate themselves to determine strengths and weaknesses that help or hinder business growth and development

Courses:        
ENTR-101 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship (1cr)

ENTR-110 – Opportunities Analysis (1cr)

ENTR-120 – Critical Thinking (1cr) 

ENTR-130 – Business Plan Development (1cr)

ENTR-140 – Funding Your Venture (1cr)

ENTR-150 – Mentorship & Business Resources (1cr)

Model Schedule:     

Semester I
ENTR-101 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship (1cr)
ENTR-110 – Opportunities Analysis (1cr)
ENTR-120 – Critical Thinking (1cr)

Semester II
ENTR-130 – Business Plan Development (1cr)
ENTR-140 – Funding Your Venture (1cr)
ENTR-150 – Mentorship & Business Resources (1cr)

Academic Programs:     
We promote the inclusion of the ES skill set into any and all academic programs. Entrepreneurial Studies is a valuable and beneficial area of study for all majors. As job opportunities expand and contract in our modern economy, being your own boss and starting a new business may provide opportunities for income and success that may not otherwise exist.

Community Outreach:      
Be Your Own Boss – Small businesses are the largest and most active sector of the U.S. economy. It is the engine that makes this country run. Many in our community have the potential to take on the risks of business ownership and become very successful. They create new jobs and new ideas that elevate our local, regional, and state economies. This skill set program is designed to inform and encourage these citizens to move their ideas into action.            

Course Delivery Method:        
Blended – Primarily online course modules with limited classroom lectures and hands-on workshops built into a few courses.