This informational course guides students through the exploratory processes of starting a small business. The lessons inspire and encourage while remaining realistic about expectations, as students determine if self-employment is a realistic pursuit for them. It presents the basics of discovering a business idea, preparing a budget, and developing business and marketing plans, as well as information about disability programs and benefits.
Course: EMP-201, Media: OL, Lessons: 6
Self-Employment with a Minimal Investment
Course ID: EMP-201
Audience
Adult Continuing Education Program and High School Program
Course Description
Have you been thinking about starting your own business and wondering what self-employment might entail? This course provides information to help you decide if self-employment is a realistic pursuit. It presents the basics of discovering a business idea, preparing a budget, and developing business and marketing plans. It also offers advice to prospective business owners who are visually impaired on how to compete in the business world. In addition, it explores the available disability programs and benefits.
Media
The course is available online only.
Organization
Six lessons
Credit
none
Overview
Students submit six assignments to their instructor.
Grading
letter
Objectives and Content
After completing Lesson 1, students will be able to:
a. identify factors to think about when considering self-employment
b. recognize self-analysis activities people use when considering self-employment
After completing Lesson 2, students will be able to:
a. explain how others decided whether to pursue their business idea
b. identify the steps of a QBE
c. recognize the options after the QBE
After completing Lesson 3, students will be able to:
a. list basic resources and tools for preparing a budget
b. identify tasks for preparing for a budget
c. recognize elements of an initial budget and chart of accounts
After completing Lesson 4, students will be able to:
a. explain the three Cs of marketing: capabilities, customers, and competition
b. identify the sections of a marketing plan and view a sample one
c. discuss the benefits of creating a marketing plan
After completing Lesson 5, students will be able to:
a. explain how others decided to develop a business plan
b. identify the sections of an executive summary
c. identify the parts of a business plan and explain how to adapt it to different readers
After completing Lesson 6, students will be able to:
a. describe how businesspeople who are visually impaired can compete in the business world
b. discuss where to find financial assistance when starting a new business
c. explore disability programs available to businesspeople who are visually impaired
d. explain disability benefits for self-employment and a disability action plan
Course Details
