What is an entrepreneur? What does it take to become an entrepreneur? What is involved in starting up a new venture (for-profit, nonprofit or social)? Where should one focus their attention, and when? Does one stay faithful to the plan, or adapt to a fast-changing environment? And then what? Stay with the budding venture, sell it, or shut it down to move onto something else?

This intermediate program builds on the concepts and tools learned in basic business programs (e.g., Business: Innovation, Stewardship and Change; Entrepreneurship and Economic Development) to provide an introduction to entrepreneurial theory and practice. The focus here is on helping students interested in developing or refining their own individual business plan for a startup venture. Seminar readings will examine advanced topics and approaches to entrepreneurship. In addition, lectures, workshops and additional readings will focus on the areas of logistics, macroeconomics, marketing and business strategy to examine how theories and practices in those areas are adapted or adjusted for in an entrepreneurial context.

There will be a quarter-long, team-based online business simulation that will build skills in dynamic business strategy making and financial statement analysis. An individual research project, including a draft business plan, marketing plan, feasibility study or critical book review on entrepreneurship (and/or a business discipline) with an end-of-quarter presentation will complete the program. Students should leave the program with a deeper appreciation of emerging issues at the intersection between business and society.

Students entering this program will benefit from having previously completed some college-level studies in business, including basic familiarity with accounting, economics, marketing and/or finance. A basic level of quantitative competence, including the ability to create, use and interpret spreadsheets (e.g., MS Excel), is assumed.