Course Syllabus - Organizing Your Small Business

Contact Mike Bark using any of the following methods:

e-Mail: Phone: 715-682-4591 Ext. 3177 or 1-800-243-WITC
The Blackboard Discussion Board
By e-mail mike.bark@witc.edu.
In person/on campus in Ashland during office hours or by appointment.

To assure a prompt response to your email, please include your full name and course name including page and assessment number in all correspondence with the instructor. Make sure to provide adequate detail in your message.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE/SPECIAL NEEDS AVAILABLE

If you are a student with special needs or feel that you would like some additional help, or may have a question or concern, please contact me/Mike Bark or a WITC Counselor immediately.

TARGET POPULATION

Individuals interested in pursuing a small business opportunity and desiring more information on the processes involved in starting a small business will benefit from this class.

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Course Description

This course explores the components of a small business ownership by examining a variety of small business startup and operation scenarios. It is designed to assess your own readiness to begin the entrepreneurial adventure.

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Course Information

Textbook: Steps to Small Business Start-Up, Everything You Need to Know to Turn Your Idea into a Successful Business, Pinson & Jinnett, 6th Edition, ISBN# 1-4195-3727-X.

Technical Assistance and Resources from the State of Wisconsin is available by linking onto http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/business.html . I also suggest that you make use of your local, regional and state level networking contacts such as; local or county Economic Development Director, WI Department of Commerce at: http://commerce.wi.gov/ and especially the field staff for the Wisconsin Entrepreneur Network (WEN), Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN) and the Wisconsin Innovation Network (WAN). Another web link which you may find helpful for a new business start-up is http://www.forwardwi.com/ .

To get immediate help for questions relating to doing business in Wisconsin by telephone, call (1-800-helpbus).

Text may be purchased at the WITC Bookstore in Ashland or an On-Line bookstore.

Online students should make every effort to accomplish the work at the pace indicated by the semester schedule in which they have registered. Online students should login to the course frequently to check for announcements.
Students are to make backup copies of all of their work on a regular basis.

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Core Abilities

1. Communicate clearly

a. Learner uses bias-free language
b. Learner applies standard rules of language structure including grammar, spelling, and punctuation

2. Work productively

a. Learner produces work consistent with established criteria
b. Learner completes assigned tasks according to established conditions

3. Act responsibly

a. Learner takes responsibility for own learning
b. Learner assesses personal small business needs
c. Learner researches sources available to personal small business startup

4. Learn effectively

a. Learner takes responsibility for own learning
b. Learner organizes information
c. Learner asks questions
d. Leaner accesses information from books, libraries, and other sources

5. Think critically and creatively

a. Learner applies problem-solving steps
b. Learner works to attain goals
c. Learner comprehends information, ideas, and problems
d. Learner makes decisions based on careful analysis

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Competencies and Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student in accordance with the grading standards, will be able to:

1. Explore the components of small business ownership.
2. Assess the advantages and risks of owning small business.
3. Appraise the sources the technical assistance and information available to small business owners.

Program Outcomes

The student will examine the components of the small business startup and operation process and will assess their readiness to pursue a small business opportunity.

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Advanced Standing

Students interested in requesting advanced standing for this course should contact me or the WITC Student Success Technician at the campus closest to you (Ashland, Rice Lake, New Richmond, Superior, Hayward or Ladysmith).

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Method of Instruction

This course is currently offered in an individualized format. It is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of starting a small business. The class will utilize the textbook, Steps to small Business Start-Up, the Internet and other supplemental materials which will help you organize your current or proposed business. The class will incorporate written assignments and practical activities which will help you to refine your business venture.

Study Suggestions

As you progress through the course, I would suggest that you first familiarize yourself with this syllabus and the textbook, as well using the Internet as a supplement to become aware of additional resources related to Business Finance. Also, read your written assignments and become aware of what you are to look for in each lesson. To assist you in your planning, a proposed outline/time schedule is also included in this syllabus. Please make a notation in your calendar of the dates that all written assignments, loan application, and marketing plan are due.

For each lesson:

1. Look through your chapter/unit written assignment/activities and then read the textbook material as assigned.

2. Again, review the written assignments/activities.

3. Think about how the assignment/activities and text readings are related. Utilize the Internet and other supplemental resources. Jot down questions or ideas and, if possible, discuss them with a friend, family member, or business peer. If I can help you or offer additional ideas or insight, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me.

4. Complete the written assignments/activities and submit them for grading.

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Attendance & Time lines

It is your responsibility to maintain a pace that will allow you to successfully complete this class by the deadline. A web-based class attendance policy will be reviewed during course orientation.

Because there are 16 weeks in this semester and 16 chapters to cover, it will be necessary to complete a minimum of one chapter per week, and within the first part of the semester, it would be appropriate to set a goal to cover two extra chapters after you have progressed in the course. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. If you are registered on a semester basis, please see the proposed time schedule as attached.

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Graded Assignments: *

All assessment criteria will focus on a performance-based approach. Grades will be determined by your written assignments and marketing plan. Grades will be based on 20 written assignments/activities and identifying key contacts which will be critical in your current and long range business operations.

FINAL GRADE:

100% Written Assignments/Activities (20 Chapters/Units) and Networking Contacts

Hopefully, this will not ever be a concern; however, if anyone cheats or plagiarizes, he/she will receive a zero for that test or assignment and will be withdrawn (or may be given a failing grade) for this course.

A scoring guide for your written work will be distributed to you via e-mail or may be attached to this syllabus. The grading scale and other policies are included in the current WITC Student Handbook.

Grading Scale:

Percentage	Grade	Percentage	Grade
95-100%	A	80-82%	C
93-94%	A-	78-79%	C-
91-92%	B+	76-77%	D+
87-90%	B	72-75%	D
85-86%	B-	70-71%	D-
83-84%	C+	0-69%	F

Students who want to drop the class, or audit the class should contact the Registration office. Please inform the instructor if you decide to audit or drop the course. Students who audit the class may participate in all class activities, but do not receive a grade.

Please refer to the College Calendar for important dates for changing status or withdrawing from a class.

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Policies and Information

Special Needs Services

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the Student Services office. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

Please view WITC's services for Special Needs.

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Academic Calendar and Due Dates

This course is offered in a self-paced, flexible schedule format. There are recommended times for completion of each chapter/unit to keep you on target.

ALL COURSE WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE END/LAST DAY OF THE SEMESTER IN WHICH YOU ARE REGISTERED!

Any course work submitted after the end of the semester in which you are enrolled will not be accepted.

It is important to understand that regularly scheduled time spent working on this course will produce the best learning. It is to your advantage to maintain a pace that is workable for you. It is not recommended to wait to the end of the semester to try to complete everything all at one time.

Other dates of interest may be found on the WITC Academic Calendar

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Characteristics of an on-line students

Is web-based education for you?

Distance learning is NOT for everyone. To see if you have the tools for success is this virtual environment for learning, take the
Online Class Assessment.

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Academic Integrity

The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College has adopted a Student Code of Conduct and an Acceptable Internet Use Agreement. These may be found in the WITC Student Catalog and Handbook. Among the violations of academic integrity are: cheating, plagiarism, falsification and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, falsification of records and official documents, personal misrepresentation and proxy, and bribes, favors, and threats.

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. Pursuant to the due process guarantees contained in the Policy and Procedures on Student Academic Integrity.

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Technical Support

Should you encounter problems while taking your course, we provide a help desk. This technical support is available via toll-free telephone number as well as email. The help desk can help you with course access problems, forgotten passwords, server errors, etc. as well as issues with your browser. To contact the help desk:

Phone toll free: 1-800-243-WITC (Ext. 7300)

Email: mary.hansen@witc.edu

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

If you have any questions about the content of your course, please contact your instructor using the information provided to you at the beginning of the course. Your course always includes email support and may include telephone support.

Please remember we are here to help you, so do not hesitate to call, e-mail, etc!

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Disclaimers

WITC's web policy requires a link to the WITC's Web Site.

Home Page Disclaimer

The individual web pages of WITC staff and faculty do not in any way constitute official WITC content. The views and opinions expressed in these pages are strictly those of the page authors and comments on the contents of those pages should be directed to the page authors.

Link Disclaimer

When you leave WITC's web space to visit other sites, WITC will not accept any responsibility for the contents of those sites.

Safety

Please remember that when referring to the Internet it is not a communication method that is closed to others and that all data may not be factual.

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Organizing Your Small Business

145-180 (2 credits)
Web-Based Course
Proposed Schedule

Week 1 - Chapter/Unit 1 Getting Started

Week 2 - Chapter/Unit 2 Finding a Business

Week 3 - Chapter/Unit 3 Determining Business Feasibility & Chapter/Unit 4 Choosing a Business Name

Week 4 - Chapter/Unit 5 Choosing a Business Location

Week 5 - Chapter/Unit 6 Developing a Home-Based Business & Chapter/Unit 7 Choosing a Legal Structure

Week 6 - Chapter/Unit 8 Presenting Your Business

Week 7 - Chapter/Unit 9 Protecting Your Business

Week 8 - Chapter/Unit 10 Securing a Business License & Chapter/Unit 11 Registering a Fictitious Name (Filing A "DBA").

Week 9 - Chapter/Unit 12 Obtaining a Seller's Permit

Week 10 - Chapter/Unit 13 Setting Up a Bank Account & Chapter/Unit 14 Selecting Your Insurance

Week 11 - Chapter/Unit 15 Using the Internet

Week 12 - Chapter/Unit 16 Financing Your Business & Chapter/Unit 17 Keeping Your Books

Week 13 - Chapter/Unit 18 Success or Failure; It Depends on Your Cash Flow

Week 14 - Chapter/Unit 19 Developing a Marketing Plan

Week 15 - Chapter/Unit 20 Promoting Your Business

Week 16 - Chapter/Unit 21 Business Planning; The Key to Your Success and Wrap-up all paperwork/communications, etc for final grading.

Organizing Your Small Business

Student Progress Form
Web-Based Course
Instructor: Michael Bark

I. Textbook written assignments which includes a total of 21 assignments: (100% of grade)

A. Chapter/Unit # Grade/Date Completed

Chapter 1 ___________________

Chapter 2 ___________________

Chapter 3 ___________________

Chapter 4 ___________________

Chapter 5 ___________________

Chapter 6 ___________________

Chapter 7 ___________________

Chapter 8 ___________________

Chapter 9 ___________________

Chapter 10 ___________________

Chapter 11 ___________________

Chapter 12 ___________________

Chapter 13 ___________________

Chapter 14 ___________________

Chapter 15 ___________________

Chapter 16 ___________________

Chapter 17____________________

Chapter 18____________________

Chapter 19____________________

Chapter 20____________________

Chapter 21____________________

B. Networking Contacts :                        (Name & Telephone number)

                           Accountant:_____________________________________________

                           Attorney:_______________________________________________

                           Banker:________________________________________________

                           County/City Clerk:_______________________________________

                           Insurance Agent:_________________________________________

                          Economic Development or Community/County Development Director:

                          ________________________________________________________

                         Media Contacts:

                                         Internet/Web Developer:___________________________

                                         Newspaper:______________________________________

                                         Radio:___________________________________________

                                         Shopper:_________________________________________

                                         Television:________________________________________

                         Printer:___________________________________________________

                         Professional Association/Organization:_________________________

                         _________________________________________________________

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Comments to: Web Team

Organizing Your Small Business Course Syllabus

10-145-180 (2 credits) Fall / Spring

Grading Scale:

Organizing Your Small Business
Course Syllabus

10-145-180 (2 credits)
Fall / Spring