What courses will I take?

FIRST SESSION

ESI 103 - Entrepreneurial Thinking, Creativity and Opportunity Recognition 
Investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial thinking and the opportunity to ignite the creative spark that leads to idea generation and new venture creation. Topics include: entrepreneurial thinkers and their contribution to society, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, opportunity recognition, opportunity evaluation, global entrepreneurship and marshalling resources in the face of rick to pursue opportunities. Students will assess their skills, talents, education and work experiences for potential business ideas. They will also examine their external environment to identify trends and needs in the marketplace for potential opportunities. Students will then screen business ideas by evaluating their match with their strengths and skills, and personal, professional and financial goals. An initial market feasibility assessment will be conducted.

ESI 104 - Entrepreneurship: Sales and Marketing for Small Business
Emphasizes tools and skills that small business owners need to market their business successfully on a small scale and small budget. The salesmanship portion of the course will focus equally on the effectiveness of a good sales presentation and the importance of good customer service after the sale to ensure future sales. The intended audience is students who plan to own or manage small businesses and need to develop more skills in marketing and sales. Skills to be mastered include preparing a marketing plan for a small business, developing a realistic marketing budget, planning the sales presentation, and providing a training manual for sales personnel to be hired in the future.

ESI 120 - Small Business Management
Principles and practices involved in and necessary for owning and operating a small business. Areas of study include assessment of qualification for business ownership, market determination, site locations, capital and credit requirements, risk management and insurance, record-keeping and personnel management. The purpose of this course is to provide information to prospective and new small business operators.

SECOND SESSION

ESI 217 - Small Business Accounting
A study of computerized accounting systems with emphasis on practical applications. Using a personal computer, students set up and maintain accounting records. Requirements for filing government reports are covered. Emphasis is on hands-on computer applications for accounting.

ESI 230 - Entrepreneurship: New Venture Planning
A hands-on course that takes the student through the process of business planning. The format of the course provides the student with the opportunity to use the term to work on a comprehensive business plan independently while learning from guest speakers on entrepreneurship during the class meetings. Students also meet individually with the instructor to address issues specific to their business planning process. Students will also explore the use of computer software to aid in planning and managing a new venture. Designed for individuals interested in starting a new venture, acquiring an existing business or working in industries that serve entrepreneurs and managers.

ESI 250 - Entrepreneurship: Legal Issues for Small Business
Provides an overview of legal consequences as entrepreneurs launch and operate a business. Students examine practical ways to minimize liability in areas such as business organization and management, obligations created by contracts and torts, and relationships between employers and employees and between creditors and debtors. Other topics include government regulation and property interests, and intellectual property law.

What does it cost?
Tuition for in-county residents for the entire program is approximately $1,787* (not including books). Federal financial aid is available.

*Cost subject to change.