Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to evaluate a business concept and write a sound business plan. In the process of doing so, students will be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a business concept; collect and organize market research data into a marketing plan; and prepare the financial projects for their business concept. In addition, students will be able to identify and evaluate various resources available for funding small businesses. The course is required for the business plan certificate, the vocational certificate in business entrepreneurship and the associate of applied science degree in business entrepreneurship. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Prepare a well defined concept statement that clearly explains the business and product(s) and/or service(s).
2. Describe entrepreneurial characteristics and behaviors important to business success.
3. Develop a personal criteria of what is important in a business venture and evaluate the business concept against this criteria.
4. Evaluate the business concept against the “ideal” model business characteristics.
5. Develop a management plan for a business.
6. Identify the legal requirements for starting and growing a business.
7. Develop a marketing plan for a business.
8. Prepare the product or service section of the business plan.
9. Develop a financial plan for a business.
10. Identify money sources available to a small business.
11. Integrate sections of business plan into comprehensive whole.
12. Identify outside sources for small business assistance and expertise.
13. Prepare an effective business plan presentation.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Concept Statement
   A. Explain clearly and succinctly the proposed business and its
products and/or services.
   B. Evaluate the concept statement for clarity and completeness

II. Entrepreneurial Characteristics and Behaviors
   A. List common entrepreneurial characteristics and behaviors.
   B. Identify skills and expertise necessary for business success.
   C. Assess personal strengths and weaknesses.
   D. Identify specific areas in which additional business or technical
skills are needed.

III. Evaluation of Business Concept Against Personal Criteria
   A. Identify personal preferences, interests and talents.
   B. Identify at least three personal and career goals for the next 10
years.
   C. Evaluate the compatibility of personal goals and talents with
business concept.

IV. Evaluate the Business Concept against the “Ideal” or Model
Business Criteria
   A. Review criteria for the “ideal” or model business.
   B. Evaluate business concepts against ideal business.
   C. Develop strategy to address weaknesses in business concept.

V. Management  Plan for Business
   A. Identify positions needed and define responsibilities.
   B. Prepare the organizational chart.
   C. Identify outside resources for business assistance and expertise.

VI. Legal Requirements for a Business
   A. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the various forms of
business ownership and determine which form is best for student types of
business.    
   B. Investigate local restrictions (licensing, zoning, permits) relevant
to business.
   C. Identify the types of legal agreements that are necessary to
securing proprietary rights for a business.

VII. Develop a Marketing Plan
   A. Prepare an industry study.
   B. Prepare a competitive analysis and customer analysis.
   C. Develop a plan for market penetration.

VIII. Develop a Product or Service Plan
   A. Outline how the product will be made and delivered.
   B. Identify sources of materials or suppliers for product or service.

IX. Develop a Financial Plan
   A. Evaluate traditional and non-traditional sources of capital.
   B. Identify, discuss and prepare proforma income statements, balance
sheets and cash flow statements for three years.
   C. Explain the importance of cash management to a business.

X. Prepare a Business Plan
   A. Summarize critical business plan information into an effective
executive summary.
   B. Integrate sections of the plan into an effective whole, adding an
appendix and table of contents.
   C. Explain the benefits of a business plan from the perspective of the
entrepreneur, a lender or an investor.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

   Sections of Plan        30%
   Business Plan           50%
   Assignments/Quiz(s)     20%
                          100%

   Grading Scale:
   A = 90 - 100%   
   B = 80 -  89%
   C = 70 -  79%
   D = 60 -  69%
   F = 59% or less

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.