Business Development

This intermediate program builds on the concepts introduced in Business Fundamentals: Small Businesses and Startups. Coursework will invite students to explore human-centered design, business models, marketing, financial planning, and strategy on a deeper level, all while weighing the pros and cons of different courses of action. Students will work in teams to develop and test a business idea. In the winter of 2026 this program will draw on the food industry as a specific focus, bringing in guest speakers, and exploring concepts in the context of a real subset of our contemporary economy.

Students will emerge from this program with a dynamic understanding of the building blocks of businesses and organizations, knowledge of a specific industry, and experience working with others to develop an idea into a well-informed plan. Students will also have an opportunity to explore innovative strategies that prioritize community as a key stakeholder.

This is the second of three courses that comprise the Small Business and Creative Entrepreneurship certificate at Evergreen. Courses must be taken in sequential order.

This class will meet online synchronously for 4 hours per week and will include 4 hours of asynchronous instruction. Students should expect additional homework during the week.