BUS305: Small Business Management | Saylor Academy

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Time: 98 hours

College Credit Recommended

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This course will introduce you to entrepreneurship and business planning. By way of introduction, the word entrepreneur originates from the French word entreprendre, meaning "to undertake". Today, we define an entrepreneur as an owner or manager of a business enterprise who attempts to make profits by starting and growing his or her business. In earnest, entrepreneurs are a diverse group of risk-takers who share the same goal of cultivating ideas and developing them into viable business opportunities. Take a quick look at the statistics below to get a sense of some of the (potentially surprising) qualities that have been attributed to entrepreneurs:

According to a recent report by the US Census, every day, approximately 2,356 Americans are becoming entrepreneurs by starting new businesses.

According to a 2006 report from Northeastern University's School of Technological Entrepreneurship, 62% of entrepreneurs in the US claim innate drive as the number one motivator in starting their businesses.

According to a January 2008 report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, women run 33% of small businesses.

Lastly, according to an October 2006 report by Northeastern University's School of Technological Entrepreneurship, 42% of entrepreneurs say they launched their first ventures during childhood (via a lemonade stand, paper route, or something similar).

As you can see, the entrepreneurial community is diverse, yet its members share a number of striking similarities. This course is geared towards both the eclectic mix of individuals planning to develop and launch their own businesses as well as those with established small business ventures that they would like to expand. We will begin by reviewing the history of small businesses and identifying a successful entrepreneur's characteristics. The course will then coach you in some basic business skills, teaching you how to write a business plan, launch a new venture, identify market opportunities, create a marketing plan, and finance a business. Finally, the course will also review aspects of building a successful team.
- Select activity Enroll me in this course
  
  Enroll me in this course
- Select activity Course Syllabus
  
  Course Syllabus Page
- Select activity Course Textbooks
  
  Course Textbooks Page
- Select activity Label
Unit 1: Elements of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs assume the risk of creating an enterprise that will provide them with a return on the capital employed. In this introductory unit, we will look more closely at small business creation and the history and evolution of entrepreneurship. You will study various economists and their theories, assess entrepreneurial characteristics, and learn about the phases of the entrepreneurial process. Finally, you will review ethics and social responsibility as they relate to entrepreneurship before evaluating methods for launching a business geared towards your target market.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.
- Select activity Upon successful completion of this unit, you will ...
  Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  
  analyze the entrepreneurial process through which business ideas are evaluated;
  
  identify the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs;
  
  distinguish between business ideas and opportunities; and
  
  examine entrepreneurial potential.
- Select activity Label
- 1.1: The History of Small Business and Entrepreneurship
  - Select activity What is Entrepreneurship?
    
    What is Entrepreneurship? Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This chapter explains the concept of entrepreneurship and the evolution of its meaning.
  - Select activity The Definition of Entrepreneurship
    
    The Definition of Entrepreneurship Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    In this video, Kavita Ramdas, President and CEO of the Global Village for Women, defines entrepreneurship by looking to the word's roots in the French language.
  - Select activity Entrepreneur Assessment Survey
    
    Entrepreneur Assessment Survey Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Complete this survey for a personal assessment of your preparedness for becoming an entrepreneur. The key for interpreting your results can be found at the bottom of the assessment.
  - 1.1.1: Small Business Development in America
    
    Select activity Small Business in US History
    
    Small Business in US History Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    In this article, a former editor for The Wall Street Journal explains how small businesses have built the economy and bolstered democracy throughout history.
  - 1.1.2 Microeconomics and Entrepreneurship
    
    Select activity The Drive of an Entrepreneur
    
    The Drive of an Entrepreneur Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article includes a good glossary of terms that can be used to describe successful entrepreneurs.
  - 1.1.3: Economists
    
    Select activity Introduction to Entrepreneurship
    
    Introduction to Entrepreneurship Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    The scholarly understanding of entrepreneurship is partially due to the work of economist Joseph Schumpeter. He defined an entrepreneur as a person with the ability to convert an idea into a successful innovation or business venture. Additionally, he coined the term creative destruction and credited entrepreneurs for the dynamism of the industries' long-term economic growth.
  - 1.1.4: Types of Entrepreneurs
    
    Select activity Entrepreneurship Is...
    
    Entrepreneurship Is... Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article outlines the function of entrepreneurs and describes the different kinds of entrepreneurs.
    
    1.1.4.1: Entrepreneurs vs. Intrapreneurs
    
    Select activity Entrepreneurs vs. Intrapreneurs
    
    Entrepreneurs vs. Intrapreneurs Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article explains the difference between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.
    
    1.1.4.2: Small Business vs. High-Growth Enterprises
    
    Select activity Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Seminar
    
    Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Seminar Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This video is part of a series that brings innovation leaders from business, finance, technology, education, and philanthropy together to share their insights with aspiring entrepreneurs all over the world. Many business subjects are covered, including intrapreneurship, entrepreneurship, and high-growth business.
- 1.2: The Planning Process
  - Select activity Creating a Business Plan
    
    Creating a Business Plan Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article outlines the parts of a business plan and the importance of having one before launching a small business.
  - 1.2.1: Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur
    
    Select activity What Makes Someone an Entrepreneur?
    
    What Makes Someone an Entrepreneur? Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article identifies some of the common qualities of successful entrepreneurs.
    
    Select activity Why Become an Entrepreneur?
    
    Why Become an Entrepreneur? Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article outlines some useful guidelines for determining whether one should pursue entrepreneurship as a choice.
    
    Select activity Principles of Entrepreneurship
    
    Principles of Entrepreneurship Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Entrepreneurship is an attractive career choice. But many decisions have to be made before launching and managing a new business, no matter its size. Among the questions that need to be answered are:
    
    Does the individual truly want to be responsible for a business?
    
    What product or service should be the basis of the business?
    
    What is the market, and where should it be located?
    
    Is the potential of the business enough to provide a living wage for its employees and the owner?
    
    How can a person raise the capital to get started?
    
    Should an individual work full- or part-time to start a new business? Should the person start alone or with partners?
    
    Answers to these questions are not empirically right or wrong. Rather, the answers will be based on each entrepreneur's judgment. An entrepreneur gathers as much information and advice as possible before making these and other crucial decisions.
  - 1.2.2: Phases of the Entrepreneurial Process
    
    Select activity Nine Key Frameworks for Entrepreneurship
    
    Nine Key Frameworks for Entrepreneurship Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Watch this lecture to learn about different frameworks for entrepreneurship.
    
    Select activity An Entrepreneurial Model
    
    An Entrepreneurial Model Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    As you read this article, think about the definition of an entrepreneur and whether or not this definition is in line with your personality and professional goals. Consider the commitment required to create an idea, write a business plan, and obtain financing to see a product or service through to the marketplace. Do you have that commitment? If so, what steps would you take to begin the process?
  - 1.2.3: Business Evaluation Checklist
    
    Select activity Due Diligence
    
    Due Diligence URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section outlines a checklist for investors, family members, business partners, and employees to evaluate an entrepreneur's business plan.
  - 1.2.4: Legal Issues
    
    1.2.4.1: Legal Forms of Business
    
    Select activity What Legal Entity is Right for Your Business?
    
    What Legal Entity is Right for Your Business? Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article introduces the various forms of business ownership. Pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each form of ownership. This will help you understand the foundational elements of legal business structures.
    
    1.2.4.2: Intellectual Property Rights
    
    Select activity Did You Say "Intellectual Property"? It's a Seductive Mirage
    
    Did You Say "Intellectual Property"? It's a Seductive Mirage Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article.
  - 1.2.5: Business Ethics
    
    Select activity Business Ethics in a Nutshell
    
    Business Ethics in a Nutshell Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter, which covers ethics and social responsibility.
  - 1.2.6: Entrepreneurship Myths
    
    Select activity Entrepreneurship Myths
    
    Entrepreneurship Myths URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section. You will want to reference the entrepreneur survey assessment you did in subunit 1.1.
- Unit 1 Assessment
  - Select activity Unit 1 Assessment
    
    Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
    
    This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
    
    You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
    
    You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Unit 2: Building the Right Team
Building an effective management team is one of the primary steps in launching a venture. Entrepreneurs must explore their personal strengths and weaknesses and then determine the resources needed to fill the gaps. Successful businesses require not only stellar executives and advisors but also employees who are a good fit for the company. Thus, anyone tasked with managing a group of people needs to know how to be an effective leader. Relative to successful leadership, managing is easy.

A manager must be able to delegate responsibility and make decisions for the team, but a leader must be able to influence team behavior. For this reason, motivation is one of the most powerful tools that a leader can use. A motivated team will be able to go above and beyond the call of duty. Using motivation is far from manipulation – just look at one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This unit will help you distinguish between management and leadership and will also explore human resource factors, such as recruitment and staff selection. The unit will also discuss employee assessments, emotional intelligence, and Tuckman's Stages of Group Development.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 16 hours.
- Select activity Upon successful completion of this unit, you will ...
  Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  
  identify and describe the dynamics of teambuilding.
- Select activity Label
- 2.1: The Management Team
  - Select activity Building a Team
    
    Building a Team Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Listen to the podcast. Mark Juliano discusses how to build a management team, which is perhaps the most important thing an entrepreneur can do.
  - 2.1.1: Managers vs. Leaders
    
    Select activity Who Are Managers?
    
    Who Are Managers? URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    By the end of this chapter, you should be able to describe the different types of managers and understand the nature of management work.
    
    Select activity Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Strategy
    
    Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Strategy URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This chapter explores the roles and importance of leadership, entrepreneurship, and management strategy and how these qualities are related.
  - 2.1.2: Leadership Styles
    
    Select activity Leading People and Organizations
    
    Leading People and Organizations URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter to learn about leadership styles, effective leadership behavior and characteristics, and how to use leadership skills.
  - 2.1.3: Emotional Intelligence
    
    Select activity Emotions at Work
    
    Emotions at Work URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section to learn about how emotions affect workers' behaviors. You will also learn about Affective Events Theory, emotional labor, and emotional intelligence.
  - 2.1.4: Succession Planning
    
    Select activity Designing a High-Performance Work System
    
    Designing a High-Performance Work System URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section, paying attention to succession planning. Try to answer question 4 in the Exercises section.
- 2.2: Board of Advisors
  - Select activity Making the Team Work: Executives, Board, and Partners
    
    Making the Team Work: Executives, Board, and Partners URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This lecture describes how to create a winning culture among executives, board of directors, and partners.
- 2.3: Hiring A-Players
  - Select activity Hiring Your First Employee
    
    Hiring Your First Employee Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Hiring your first employee is a huge step for a small business. If your small business has reached the point where you need help because the assistance of family and friends no longer covers the gaps, you may have reached the point where you need to bring paid staff on board.
  - Select activity Small Business Hiring Tips
    
    Small Business Hiring Tips Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
  - 2.3.1: Recruitment and Selection
    
    Select activity Recruiting Workers
    
    Recruiting Workers Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section.
  - 2.3.2: Staff Development
    
    Select activity Selecting and Managing Your Team: Employee Training
    
    Selecting and Managing Your Team: Employee Training Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter.
  - 2.3.3: Team Building and Group Dynamics
    
    Select activity Managing Groups and Teams
    
    Managing Groups and Teams URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter to better understand group dynamics an what influences teams as well as to learn how to develop and manage effective teams.
    
    Select activity Team-Building
    
    Team-Building Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article discusses how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your team through team-building activities.
  - 2.3.4: Conflict Resolution
    
    Select activity Conflict and Negotiations
    
    Conflict and Negotiations URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    In this chapter, you will learn about different types of conflict, what causes conflict, the consequences of conflict, how to manage conflict, and the process of negotiation.
- Unit 2 Assessment
  - Select activity Unit 2 Assessment
    
    Unit 2 Assessment Quiz
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
    
    This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
    
    You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
    
    You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Unit 3: The Business Plan
A strong business plan is one of the foundations of a successful business. It is the tool by which a great idea becomes an opportunity. It is the creative process that allows the entrepreneur to document the project's merits and to articulate a narrative, addressing the venture's risks and rewards, to his or her potential investors, partners, and other stakeholders.

This unit will present the outline of a business plan, explain the importance of each section, and provide you with guidance as to how you can craft this information for your own ventures. We will also cover the "dos and don'ts" of preparing a business plan. Lastly, this unit will emphasize how the business plan is not the business itself; it is only a step from idea to venture, and it is imperative that you understand how to articulate the business plan succinctly, cleanly, and carefully.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 14 hours.
- Select activity Upon successful completion of this unit, you will ...
  Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  
  explain how to write a formalized business plan; and
  
  identify the information found in the business plan.
- Select activity Label
- 3.1: Business Planning
  - Select activity Developing a Business Plan
    
    Developing a Business Plan URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Pay close attention to this chapter. Writing a business plan is an essential skill for entrepreneurs.
  - 3.1.1: How to Write a Great Business Plan
    
    Select activity How to Write a Business Plan
    
    How to Write a Business Plan Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This lecture discusses writing a business plan. You can find the entire Yale Entrepreneurial Institute lecture series here.
  - 3.1.2: The Do's and Don'ts of the Writing Process
    
    Select activity Ten Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Business Plan
    
    Ten Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Business Plan Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article. What audiences use business plans to gather valuable information about the business? Does every business, large or small, need a business plan? If so, why? How can the five dos and five don'ts outlined in this essay benefit the author of a business plan?
- 3.2: The Outline for a Business Plan
  - Select activity Small Business Plan Outline
    
    Small Business Plan Outline Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This essay imparts some valuable advice for building a template to create a business plan. Do all business plans contain the same topics and level of detail? Why, or why not? What type of information should you include in the eight information sections most commonly covered in a business plan? What guidelines should you follow to ensure you are successful in writing a business plan?
  - Select activity Operations
    
    Operations Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Pay close attention to this section, which we will expand upon later.
  - Select activity Business Plan Template
    
    Business Plan Template URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Keep this template handy as you write the first couple of drafts of your business plan as an entrepreneur.
  - 3.2.1: Executive Summary
    
    Select activity How to Write an Executive Summary
    
    How to Write an Executive Summary Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article.
  - 3.2.2: Company Mission and Description
    
    Select activity How to Write a Mission Statement for Your Business
    
    How to Write a Mission Statement for Your Business Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article explains the importance of the mission statement and how to create a simple mission statement.
    
    Select activity Simple Mission Statements
    
    Simple Mission Statements Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
  - 3.2.3: Products and Services
    
    Select activity Product or Service Descriptions
    
    Product or Service Descriptions Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Watch this video on how to create the product or services section of a business plan.
  - 3.2.4: Marketing Strategy
    
    Select activity Marketing Plan, Strategies, Distribution, and Channels
    
    Marketing Plan, Strategies, Distribution, and Channels URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Study this slideshow on how to create the marketing strategy section of a business plan.
  - 3.2.5: Operations Management
    
    Select activity Selecting and Managing Your Team
    
    Selecting and Managing Your Team URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter, which covers human resource management and its potential for creating and sustaining competitive advantage.
    
    Select activity Operations Management
    
    Operations Management URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter, which covers operations decisions and considerations when starting a business.
  - 3.2.6: Management and Leadership
    
    Select activity Developing a Management Plan
    
    Developing a Management Plan URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section outlines the key components of a business plan's management plan section.
  - 3.2.7: Financial Statements
    
    Select activity Startup Business Plans: Finance and Operations Section
    
    Startup Business Plans: Finance and Operations Section Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Watch this video.
  - 3.2.8: Expenses and Capitalization
    
    Select activity Can You Afford to Start Up?
    
    Can You Afford to Start Up? Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section.
    
    Select activity Calculating Startup Costs
    
    Calculating Startup Costs Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    As you read, consider the following questions:
    How difficult or easy is it to calculate startup costs for a business?
    Is it important to accurately calculate the startup costs for a business? Why, or why not?
    How important is it to conduct research when calculating the startup costs for a business?
    What would be the outcome if you did not conduct any research during this process?
  - 3.2.9: Financial Plan
    
    Select activity Entrepreneurship 101: Financial Planning
    
    Entrepreneurship 101: Financial Planning URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Study this slideshow on how entrepreneurs can create a simple and effective financial plan for their business.
    
    Select activity Planning and Managing Your Business
    
    Planning and Managing Your Business URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter.
    
    Select activity Template Startup Financial Model
    
    Template Startup Financial Model Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Download and complete the template financial model Excel spreadsheet based on data from a real or fictitious company you are interested in starting.
  - 3.2.10: The Franchise Route
    
    Select activity Franchising
    
    Franchising Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Franchising is the practice of licensing another firm's business model as an operator. By the end of this article, you will be able to explain the franchiser-franchisee relationship.
    
    Select activity Disadvantages of Franchises
    
    Disadvantages of Franchises Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    A franchise agreement can also have disadvantages for both the franchisor and the franchisee. By the end of this article, you will be able to discuss the disadvantages of participating in a franchise.
    
    Select activity Advantages of Franchises
    
    Advantages of Franchises Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    A franchise agreement can have many benefits for both the franchisor and the franchisee. By the end of this article, you will be able to discuss the advantages of participating in a franchise.
    
    Select activity Investing Wisely Through Franchising
    
    Investing Wisely Through Franchising URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article on the pros and cons of franchising. This article outlines examples of good, profitable franchising opportunities.
- Unit 3 Assessment
  - Select activity Unit 3 Assessment
    
    Unit 3 Assessment Quiz
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
    
    This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
    
    You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
    
    You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Unit 4: Marketing Strategy
This unit deals with developing marketing strategies designed to help you achieve your business objectives and build competitive advantage. You will learn how to conduct market research, forecast potential sales opportunities, and develop a marketing plan. In turn, the marketing plan will outline the actions that must be carried out in order to persuade consumers to purchase the products and services you offer. This plan can be part of the business plan or a stand-alone document.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 41 hours.
- Select activity Upon successful completion of this unit, you will ...
  Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  
  identify and describe the strategies that support entrepreneurship; and
  
  explain how to write a marketing plan, and perform this task.
- Select activity Label
- 4.1: Market Research
  - Select activity What is Marketing?
    
    What is Marketing? URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter.
  - Select activity Marketing on a Global Scale
    
    Marketing on a Global Scale URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter for a definition and discussion of the role of marketing and international marketing.
  - Select activity Is Your Business Doing Effective Market Research?
    
    Is Your Business Doing Effective Market Research? Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article explains the importance of gathering information about your market.
  - 4.1.1: Primary Research
    
    Select activity Primary Market Research
    
    Primary Market Research Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Listen to this webinar on the importance of primary market research.
  - 4.1.2: Secondary Research
    
    Select activity Primary and Secondary Research
    
    Primary and Secondary Research URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Take note of the four main uses of secondary data under Key Takeaways as a way to differentiate primary and secondary research.
  - 4.1.3: Marketing Data
    
    Select activity Marketing Research and Market Intelligence
    
    Marketing Research and Market Intelligence URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This chapter will introduce you to the marketing research process. This chapter may take you a number of hours to read, so do not feel like you have to finish it all in one sitting!
  - 4.1.4: Market Demands
    
    Select activity General Economic Conditions
    
    General Economic Conditions Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Marketers must be aware of the business cycle and react appropriately according to which stage of the cycle the economy was in. By the end of this article, you will be able to illustrate how fluctuations in the economy influence consumers' willingness to and ability to buy products and services and list the four stages of the business cycle.
    
    Select activity Consumer Income, Purchasing Power, and Confidence
    
    Consumer Income, Purchasing Power, and Confidence Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    The CPI and CCI are measures of the strength of the economy, and perceptions of businesses and individuals toward the economic future. This article illustrates the relationship between consumer and purchasing power, pricing, and the economy, and distinguishes between the consumer price index (CPI) and consumer confidence index (CCI).
    
    Select activity The Political Environment
    
    The Political Environment Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Companies doing business outside of the US should be aware that the political environment can differ greatly. By the end of this article, you will be able to give examples of how government policies can influence marketing programs.
    
    Select activity Applicable Legislation
    
    Applicable Legislation Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Companies must abide by existing laws and regulations when doing business in a country; these laws may influence marketing activities. By the end of this article, you will be able to discuss the various legal issues that impact marketing decisions.
    
    Select activity Cultural Values
    
    Cultural Values Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Whether doing business abroad or locally, marketers must understand the cultures that govern customers' buying habits and ethical norms. By the end of this article, you should be able to describe how cultural beliefs, values, and customs influence marketing campaigns.
    
    Select activity Demographics
    
    Demographics Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Marketers must understand the different demographic groupings that exist and the demographic changes that are constantly occurring. By the end of this article, you will be able to discuss the demographic changes affecting the current marketing environment and identify common demographic traits used by marketers.
    
    4.1.4.1: Growth Potential
    
    Select activity The Product Life Cycle
    
    The Product Life Cycle URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section, which discusses the product life cycle and the stages of growth potential.
    
    4.1.4.2: Trends
    
    Select activity External Factors and Trends
    
    External Factors and Trends Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section discusses the importance of identifying external market factors to anticipate trends and be prepared to adapt to market changes. By the end of this article, you will be able to explain the different types of external factors or trends used in creating marketing strategies and discuss how technological advancements can impact marketing trends.
    
    4.1.4.3: Barriers
    
    Select activity Selecting Target Markets and Target-Market Strategies
    
    Selecting Target Markets and Target-Market Strategies URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section discusses marketing trends and potential barriers. This chapter also covers niche marketing, which you will learn more about later.
    
    4.1.4.4: Technology
    
    Select activity Leveraging Information Technology
    
    Leveraging Information Technology URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This chapter will provide you with an overview of information systems and technology used for start-up businesses.
- 4.2: Products and Services
  - Select activity Identifying the Target Market
    
    Identifying the Target Market Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Listen to this podcast on identifying the target market. It will help you figure out the target market for products and services, and it includes information on segmentation and sizing your market.
  - 4.2.1: Features and Benefits
    
    Select activity Adding Products and Services
    
    Adding Products and Services URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This chapter will help you learn about innovating, evaluating new products, and assessing new product failure.
  - 4.2.2: Customers
    
    Select activity Developing a Market Segmentation
    
    Developing a Market Segmentation Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section to learn about the criteria that companies use when choosing a market segment and the many ways in which businesses may segment markets. A market segmentation is developed based on one of two strategies and several consumer identifying characteristics like demographics and behavior.
  - 4.2.3: Competition
    
    Select activity Competition
    
    Competition Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section to learn about the importance of a proper competitive analysis. By the end of this section, you will be able to classify the use of competitive data from an internal and external viewpoint.
- 4.3: Competitive Analysis
  - Select activity Competitive Perceptual Positioning and Perceptual Mapping
    
    Competitive Perceptual Positioning and Perceptual Mapping Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section discusses how marketers can understand how consumers feel about their particular product relative to the competition. By the end of this section, you will be able to evaluate the concept of perceptual mapping as part of competitive perceptual positioning.
  - 4.3.1: Niche
    
    Select activity Selecting a Target Market
    
    Selecting a Target Market Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article explains how companies choose their markets and the types of approaches companies use to communicate their marketing messages to those consumers. You should be able to explain the types and psychology of target market selection.
  - 4.3.2: Promotional Strategy
    
    Select activity Defining Promotion
    
    Defining Promotion Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section discusses some of the tools that are at marketers' disposal. By the end of this section, you will be able to describe promotion as one type of marketing tool, name the five subcategories of promotion, and describe how promotional tools work together to educate consumers and generate sales.
    
    Select activity The Many Goals of Persuasion
    
    The Many Goals of Persuasion Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Promotional tactics are frequently used by companies to persuade consumers to choose their products over competing brands. By the end of this section, you will be able to describe the techniques used to persuade consumers to purchase products over competing brands.
- 4.4: Sales Forecast
  - 4.4.1: Pricing Strategy
    
    Select activity Pricing
    
    Pricing File
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    These slides explain how pricing for goods and services is determined and its effects on consumer behavior.
  - 4.4.2: Distribution Channels
    
    Select activity Marketing Channel Strategies
    
    Marketing Channel Strategies URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    By the end of this article, you will be able to describe the factors that affect a firm's channel decisions; explain how intensive, exclusive, and selective distribution differ from one another; and explain why some products are better suited to some distribution strategies than others.
- 4.5: The Marketing Plan
  - Select activity The Marketing Plan
    
    The Marketing Plan URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this entire chapter. It may take up to three hours to read this material, so don't feel like you have to finish it all within one study session.
  - Select activity Elements of a Marketing Plan
    
    Elements of a Marketing Plan Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    A marketing plan's elements may vary based on the organization and its industry, but readers still expect to see certain common elements. By the end of this article, you will be able to review the elements of a marketing plan and its relationship to the company operations.
  - Select activity The Purpose of a Marketing Plan
    
    The Purpose of a Marketing Plan Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    A formal marketing plan provides a clear reference point for activities throughout the planning period. By the end of this article, you will be able to identify the purpose and use of creating marketing plans.
  - 4.5.1: Executive Summary
    
    Select activity The Marketing Plan
    
    The Marketing Plan URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read the Executive Summary section. The executive summary is the opening section of a marketing plan whereby the contents of the plan are outlined.
    
    Select activity More on the Marketing Plan
    
    More on the Marketing Plan URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read the Executive Summary section and the sample executive summary for an example of this part of the marketing plan.
  - 4.5.2: Situational Analysis
    
    Select activity Conducting a Situational Analysis
    
    Conducting a Situational Analysis Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Managers can use various methods of analysis to understand the firm's own capabilities, customers, and business environment. By the end of this article, you will be able to outline the process and types of situational analysis methods.
  - 4.5.3: Customer Analysis
    
    Select activity Defining the Target Market
    
    Defining the Target Market Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    There are five steps you can follow to define your target market and become positioned to reach your potential customers. By the end of this article, you will be able to compile the information that is necessary in order to define a target market.
  - 4.5.4: Competitor Analysis
    
    Select activity Competition Based on Value
    
    Competition Based on Value Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Value-based marketing allows organizations to create and sustain differentiating values that enable them to compete within their markets. By the end of this article, you will be able to state what is important when shifting to a competition based on value marketing perspective.
  - 4.5.5: Strategic Partners
    
    Select activity Customer Relationships and Selling Strategies
    
    Customer Relationships and Selling Strategies URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    By the end of this section, you should be able to understand the types of selling relationships that firms seek and select the selling strategy needed to achieve the desired customer relationship.
  - 4.5.6: Marketing Climate
    
    Select activity Scanning and Analysis
    
    Scanning and Analysis Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Environmental scanning is one technique used by organizations to monitor the environment. By the end of this article, you will be able to give examples of the six environmental factors used within the PESTEL analysis approach.
  - 4.5.7: Segmentation
    
    Select activity Market Segmenting, Targeting, and Positioning
    
    Market Segmenting, Targeting, and Positioning URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this chapter, which discusses market segment components, how to approach different market segments, and how products are positioned to reach their target markets.
  - 4.5.8: Strategies
    
    Select activity Strategic Planning
    
    Strategic Planning URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read Chapter 2 to learn about the steps in the marketing planning process, the elements of a marketing strategy, and the external factors that impact strategic decisions.
  - 4.5.9: Pricing
    
    Select activity Marketing Budgets
    
    Marketing Budgets Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Listen to this podcast, which discusses where to spend your marketing dollars and the costs associated with different types of marketing vehicles.
  - 4.5.10: Promotion
    
    Select activity Integrated Marketing Communication
    
    Integrated Marketing Communication File
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    These sections focus on the importance of communicating a unified and coordinated message throughout all marketing messages. Attempt the review questions that appear on slides 13 through 22.
    
    Select activity Marketing and Promotion
    
    Marketing and Promotion Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Listen to this podcast, which discusses trade shows, events, seminar selling, and more.
  - 4.5.11: Distribution
    
    Select activity Functions Performed by Channel Partners
    
    Functions Performed by Channel Partners URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    By the end of this section, you will be able to describe the activities performed in channels and explain which organizations perform which functions.
    
    Select activity Marketing Plan Discussion Questions and Activities
    
    Marketing Plan Discussion Questions and Activities URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Complete the discussion questions and activities in this section. You will write a simple marketing plan by picking a product with which you are very familiar. Focus on one market segment. If you would like to share your responses to the discussion questions with other students or elicit feedback on your marketing plan, check out the discussion forum.
- Unit 4 Assessment
  - Select activity Unit 4 Assessment
    
    Unit 4 Assessment Quiz
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
    
    This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
    
    You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
    
    You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Unit 5: Financing the New Venture
Every entrepreneur needs money. It is imperative that you understand the costs of launching and maintaining a business, from start-up expenses to operating capital. The financial information and projections contained in a business plan are vital because they demonstrate the potential for profit and serve as the guideline for managing the business' financial aspects. This unit will teach you how to determine the costs for launching a new venture and where to get those funds. Additionally, you will learn to document the current financial status of the business and project future estimates. You will also examine options for securing financing or investors and partners to help capitalize the business.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 21 hours.
- Select activity Upon successful completion of this unit, you will ...
  Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  
  explain the importance of the financial plan; and
  
  explain how to finance personal business ventures.
- Select activity Label
- 5.1: The Financial Plan
  - Select activity Financing Your Organization
    
    Financing Your Organization URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This chapter will provide you with a proper foundation in the financial and accounting aspects of operating a business.
  - 5.1.1: Start-Up Costs
    
    Select activity Can You Afford to Start Up?
    
    Can You Afford to Start Up? URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section discusses how to identify various business start-up costs and how to calculate the capital that is needed to start a business.
  - 5.1.2: Personal Financial Statements
    
    Select activity Financial Statements
    
    Financial Statements URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this section for information on the financial statements needed for business operations.
  - 5.1.3: Profit and Loss Statements
    
    Select activity Standardizing Financial Statements
    
    Standardizing Financial Statements File
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read these lecture slides. You should be able to describe the different methods used for presenting data in a company's income statement. Attempt the review questions on slides 9 through 16.
  - 5.1.4: Projections
    
    Select activity Finance and Forecasting
    
    Finance and Forecasting Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Listen to this podcast, which discusses the basics of finance and forecasting, revenue projections, costs, and so on.
  - 5.1.5: Break-Even Analysis
    
    Select activity Break-Even Analysis
    
    Break-Even Analysis Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    The break-even point is the point at which costs and revenues are equal. By the end of this section, you should be able to analyze break-even points relative to pricing decisions.
- 5.2: Investment/Lending Segments
  - Select activity Funding the Company
    
    Funding the Company Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Listen to this podcast, which discusses how much money a venture requires and how to raise that capital before comparing different funding sources.
  - Select activity Sources of Financing
    
    Sources of Financing Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article to find out about the several financial options entrepreneurs have to start up a business.
  - Select activity Financing Company Operations
    
    Financing Company Operations Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    A company can be self-financed or financed through the solicitation and participation of outside investors. By the end of this article, you will be able to differentiate among different financing options for small businesses.
  - Select activity Starting a Small Business – Optional Quiz
    
    Starting a Small Business – Optional Quiz Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Attempt these review questions.
  - 5.2.1: Types of Lenders
    
    Select activity Small Business Financing
    
    Small Business Financing Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article to review small business financing.
  - 5.2.2: Banks
    
    Select activity The Advantages of a Business Loan
    
    The Advantages of a Business Loan URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article discusses the pros and cons of business loans and how to determine if this is right path for your business.
  - 5.2.3: Venture Capital
    
    Select activity Venture Capital
    
    Venture Capital File
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read through these lecture slides. Attempt the review questions on slides 11 through 16.
  - 5.2.4: Government Funding
    
    Select activity Facts about Government Grants
    
    Facts about Government Grants URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this page and explore the application forms. The small business administration clarifies the federal government's approach to grant financing. All grants have a great deal of reporting and compliance requirements. What does this mean to someone seeking a grant? There will be a great deal of paperwork associated with obtaining the grant. This also means there will be follow-up paperwork, providing insight on the use of the grant money. These requirements are in place because taxpayer dollars fund government grants. The federal government provides resources for individual states to provide more specialized assistance to individuals within their respective states. Each state has its own small business division, and the title of the division will vary by state.
  - 5.2.5: Barter
    
    Select activity How to Barter, Give, and Get Stuff
    
    How to Barter, Give, and Get Stuff URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read these three articles:
    How to Barter, Give, and Get Stuff
    How to (Legally) Open a Gift (Economy)
    The Barter System Legal Guide
  - 5.2.6: Customer Financing
    
    Select activity Customer Financing for Your Business
    
    Customer Financing for Your Business URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    As you read, consider the risks and rewards of financing a business using this strategy. Should this strategy be considered up-front, or should a business only make use of this strategy as a last resort? Which type of customer financing do you feel has the greatest risk? Which has the greatest reward? How would you react if, as a customer, you were approached by a business and asked to invest
    
    Select activity Crowdfunding
    
    Crowdfunding URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    As you read this article, consider the risks to a business by taking this route for seeking financing. What about the goals of those who are investing? Is this something you would consider for yourself? Also, review the variety of industries that are making use of crowdfunding. What other industries might also benefit from this strategy?
  - 5.2.7: SBIR
    
    Select activity Starting Out with Government Funding: SBIR and STTR Grants
    
    Starting Out with Government Funding: SBIR and STTR Grants Page
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article on the government's role in small business innovation research.
  - 5.2.8: Asset-Based Lenders
    
    Select activity Asset-Based Loans
    
    Asset-Based Loans URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Asset-based loans are a business financing option that can be valuable to businesses that require short-term working capital.
  - 5.2.9: Angel Investors
    
    Select activity Angel Investors and Your Business
    
    Angel Investors and Your Business URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article for tips on how to locate angel investors and how to know which angel investor is the right investor for your business.
- 5.3: Managing Growth
  - Select activity How to Organize and Lead an Entrepreneurial Venture and Growth Strategies for Startups
    
    How to Organize and Lead an Entrepreneurial Venture and Growth Strategies for Startups URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read these two chapters on managing growth.
    How to Organize and Lead an Entrepreneurial Venture: Organizational Stages of Growth
    Growth Strategies for Startups
    These chapters discuss how companies can make a mistake by growing too quickly, how businesses can evaluate which growth strategy is the most effective one for them, and which organizational structure is the optimal choice for a business' specific decision-making processes.
- 5.4: Exit Strategy
  - Select activity How Does a VC Think About Exit Strategy?
    
    How Does a VC Think About Exit Strategy? URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This article discusses how venture capitalists evaluate the attractiveness of an investment possibility and how they determine when they will exit the company in which they have invested.
  - Select activity Exit Strategies
    
    Exit Strategies URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    This section covers the importance of developing a business' exit strategy at the launch of the business and explains the pros and cons of various exit strategy options.
  - Select activity How Do You Determine the Value of a Private Company?
    
    How Do You Determine the Value of a Private Company? URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Read this article, which discusses various methods for evaluating the worth of a small company. This article also includes resources for determining a company's value.
  - Select activity Getting Out
    
    Getting Out URL
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    For a discussion of the concept of getting out of the business, read all seven articles: "Plan Your Exit", "Steps to Closing a Business", "Selling Your Business", "Transfer Ownership", "Legal Resources for Exiting", "Liquidating Assets", and "Filing for Bankruptcy Protection".
- Unit 5 Assessment
  - Select activity Unit 5 Assessment
    
    Unit 5 Assessment Quiz
    
    Students must
    
    Mark as done
    
    Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
    
    This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
    
    You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
    
    You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Study Guide
This study guide will help you get ready for the final exam. It discusses the key topics in each unit, walks through the learning outcomes, and lists important vocabulary. It is not meant to replace the course materials!
- Select activity Label
- Select activity BUS305 Study Guide
  
  BUS305 Study Guide Book
Course Feedback Survey
Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.
- Select activity Course Feedback Survey
  
  Course Feedback Survey URL
Certificate Final Exam
Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.
- Select activity BUS305: Certificate Final Exam
  
  BUS305: Certificate Final Exam Quiz
  
  Students must
  
  Receive a grade
  
  Receive a passing grade
Saylor Direct Credit
Credit recommendation expiring soon

Please note: the credit recommendation for this exam expires on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025. It will not be possible to start a new attempt after 9:00 pm EDT on that date.

Because there is a required 14-day wait between consecutive attempts, if you need to use all three allowed attempts, your first attempt should be completed no later than April 2nd, and your second attempt no later than April 16th.

This credit recommendation will not be renewed, so it will not be possible to take this exam to earn recommended transfer credit after April 30th.

If you successfully completed the exam before April 30th, your already-earned credit recommendation will continue to be valid and your transcript with the credit recommendation will remain available to you.

Please contact us at records@saylor.org with any questions you might have.

Take this exam if you want to earn college credit for this course. This course is eligible for college credit through Saylor Academy's Saylor Direct Credit Program.

The Saylor Direct Credit Final Exam requires a proctoring fee of $5. To pass this course and earn a Credly Badge and official transcript, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on the Saylor Direct Credit Final Exam. Your grade for this exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again a maximum of 3 times, with a 14-day waiting period between each attempt.

We are partnering with SmarterProctoring to help make the proctoring fee more affordable. We will be recording you, your screen, and the audio in your room during the exam. This is an automated proctoring service, but no decisions are automated; recordings are only viewed by our staff with the purpose of making sure it is you taking the exam and verifying any questions about exam integrity. We understand that there are challenges with learning at home - we won't invalidate your exam just because your child ran into the room!

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1mbps+ Internet Connection

Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a Credly Badge and can request an official transcript.

Saylor Direct Credit Exam

This exam is part of the Saylor Direct College Credit program. Before attempting this exam, review the Saylor Direct Credit page for complete requirements.

Essential exam information:

You must take this exam with our automated proctor. If you cannot, please contact us to request an override.

The automated proctoring session will cost $5.

This is a closed-book, closed-notes exam (see allowed resources below).

You will have two (2) hours to complete this exam.

You have up to 3 attempts, but you must wait 14 days between consecutive attempts of this exam.

The passing grade is 70% or higher.

This exam consists of 33 multiple-choice questions.

Some details about taking your exam:

Exam questions are distributed across multiple pages.

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Gather these resources before you start your exam.

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Gather these before you start your exam:

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Disconnect any extra monitors attached to your computer.

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Take a deep breath; you got this!

Course Introduction

Course Syllabus

Course Textbooks

Unit 1: Elements of Entrepreneurship

1.1: The History of Small Business and Entrepreneurship

What is Entrepreneurship?

The Definition of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneur Assessment Survey

1.1.1: Small Business Development in America

Small Business in US History

1.1.2 Microeconomics and Entrepreneurship

The Drive of an Entrepreneur

1.1.3: Economists

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

1.1.4: Types of Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship Is...

1.1.4.1: Entrepreneurs vs. Intrapreneurs

Entrepreneurs vs. Intrapreneurs

1.1.4.2: Small Business vs. High-Growth Enterprises

Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Seminar

1.2: The Planning Process

Creating a Business Plan

1.2.1: Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur

What Makes Someone an Entrepreneur?

Why Become an Entrepreneur?

Principles of Entrepreneurship

1.2.2: Phases of the Entrepreneurial Process

Nine Key Frameworks for Entrepreneurship

An Entrepreneurial Model

1.2.3: Business Evaluation Checklist

Due Diligence

1.2.4.1: Legal Forms of Business

What Legal Entity is Right for Your Business?

1.2.4.2: Intellectual Property Rights

Did You Say "Intellectual Property"? It's a Seductive Mirage

1.2.5: Business Ethics

Business Ethics in a Nutshell

1.2.6: Entrepreneurship Myths

Entrepreneurship Myths

Unit 1 Assessment

Unit 1 Assessment

Unit 2: Building the Right Team

2.1: The Management Team

Building a Team

2.1.1: Managers vs. Leaders

Who Are Managers?

Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Strategy

2.1.2: Leadership Styles

Leading People and Organizations

2.1.3: Emotional Intelligence

Emotions at Work

2.1.4: Succession Planning

Designing a High-Performance Work System

2.2: Board of Advisors

Making the Team Work: Executives, Board, and Partners

2.3: Hiring A-Players

Hiring Your First Employee

Small Business Hiring Tips

2.3.1: Recruitment and Selection

Recruiting Workers

2.3.2: Staff Development

Selecting and Managing Your Team: Employee Training

2.3.3: Team Building and Group Dynamics

Managing Groups and Teams

Team-Building

2.3.4: Conflict Resolution

Conflict and Negotiations

Unit 2 Assessment

Unit 2 Assessment

Unit 3: The Business Plan

3.1: Business Planning

Developing a Business Plan

3.1.1: How to Write a Great Business Plan

How to Write a Business Plan

3.1.2: The Do's and Don'ts of the Writing Process

Ten Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Business Plan

3.2: The Outline for a Business Plan

Small Business Plan Outline

Operations

Business Plan Template