Business Fundamentals: Small Businesses and Startups

This program will explore some of the essential building blocks for starting a new business. Students will go through the process of designing a business plan individually or in groups. There will be a strong emphasis on the creativity inherent in the business planning process.

Students will emerge with a basic understanding of ideation, business models, marketing, financial planning, and strategy. We will approach all of these topics through the lens of human-centered design. The quarter will culminate in a “pitch”, through which students share their work with peers and members of the community. Real world examples from small businesses will help students understand how to apply course concepts.

While our focus will be on small businesses and startups, every organization starts somewhere. The skills gained from this program will be useful for anyone working on or in a business or nonprofit organization. This program is ideal for students who are already interested in business or want to explore it.

In the fall of 2025 this program will be delivered primarily in person, with some online coursework to be completed between class sessions. 

This is the first of three courses that comprise the Small Business and Entrepreneurship certificate at Evergreen.