Course Syllabus - Writing A Business Plan for Your Small Business

Writing a Business Plan for Your Small Business Course Syllabus 10-145-184 (2 credits) Fall / Spring

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Virtual Advisory Center	Instructor information	Course Description
Course Information	Core Abilities	Competencies & Program Outcomes
Advanced Standing	Method of Instruction	Attendance
Grading Assignments	Policies and Information	Academic Calendar
Characteristics on an on-line student	Academic Integrity	Technical Support
Disclaimers	Proposed Schedule
Instructor Information Contact Mike Bark using any of the following methods: Email: 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 Students enrolled in the WITC Self-Employment/Small Business Certificate and individuals interested in pursuing a small business opportunity that desire more information on the processes involved in starting or better organizing a small business. Back to Important Links
Course Overview and Description Pre-Requisites: Successful completion with a "C" grade or better in the courses; 145-180 Organizing Your Small Business, 145-181 Financial Management for Your Small Business, 196-191 Customer Service and 104-102 Marketing Principles or equivalent business experience in these areas. This course focuses on the Business Plan as a necessary component to beginning a small business. It addresses facets of the business plan from determining actual content, reviewing examples to creating a comprehensive plan. Back to Important Links
Course Information Textbook: *The Business Planning Guide-Creating A Winning Plan For Success,* David H. Bangs Jr., Dearborn Publishing Co. ISBN # 079315409X Reference/Additional Resources: I highly encourage you to keep your eyes and ears open to learning new things from other competitors, libraries, the Internet, your community networking contacts and other resources. Excellent resources for business start-up and creating a Business Plan are available on the Internet through the following links designed to assist people like yourself. I highly recommend that you check out the following web sites: Wisconsin Small Business Planning resources http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/byb/plan.html , the Wisconsin Entrepreneur Network http://www.wenportal.org/business_plans and the Small Business Administration Business Plan web page http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html . When going to these sites allow extra time to discover the endless information and opportunities which can help you better organize your small business and create a Winning Business Plan. Even though you may be able to purchase our class text thru an on-line bookstore or from a local retail bookstore, as your Instructor I highly recommend that your purchase your textbook thru the WITC Ashland campus Bookstore. I have found that by doing so it helps insure that you get the proper text (edition, publisher, etc) and at a fair price. If you cannot obtain a textbook immediately at the beginning of the semester, please contact me as soon as possible! All students should make every effort to accomplish the work at the pace indicated by the schedule. As an on-line student you should set a schedule which will work best for you to study, research and complete all off your assignments within the identified length of time. Make sure that you Save all of your work prior to forwarding any of your assignments. Back to Important Links
Core Abilities 1. Act responsibly a. Learner recognizes the roles of a consumer and small business owner. b. Learner presents information that to the best of her/his knowledge is factual. 2. Communicate clearly a. Learner writes legibly and uses proper grammar, etc. b. Learner provide detail appropriate to the topic. 3. Learn effectively a. Learner organizes information. b. Learner takes responsibility for own learning. 4. Think critically and creatively a. Learner sets goals. b. Learner analyzes information, ideas and problems. c. Learner makes decisions based on careful analysis. d. Learner applies logical reasoning in solving problems or dealing with information. 5. Value self positively Back to Important Links
Competencies and Program Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student in accordance with the grading standards, will be able to: 1.Analyze components necessary in a small business plan. 2.Develop a Business Plan for a small business. Back to Important Links Advanced Standing Students interested in requesting advanced standing for this course should contact me as soon as possible or contact the WITC Student Success Technician at the campus closest to you (Ashland, Rice Lake, Superior, New Richmond, Hayward or Ladysmith). Back to Important Links
Method of Instruction This course is currently offered only in a web-based/on-line format. The Writing a Business Plan for Your Small Business course is designed to apply the concepts and learning activities which you have already learned in the other classes required for the Self-Employment/Small Business Certificate. The class will utilize a text book, and will incorporate written assignments, Internet activities and developing a functional Business Plan for a business or organization of your choice. Study Suggestions As you begin this course, I would suggest that you first familiarize yourself with this syllabus, the textbook, and other information regarding the class as presented in the Blackboard Format. As you begin each unit/chapter I suggest that you start by reading the textbook content, become aware of the written assignment(s) and utilize class activities which you have done in previous classes. To assist you in your planning, a proposed outline and time schedule is included in this syllabus. Please make a notation in your calendar that all written assignments and your final Business Plan must be completed by the end of the 16 week semester in which you have registered. For each lesson: 1. Read the textbook material/chapter as assigned. 2. Review the Written Assignment. 3. Think about how the textbook, small business plan web sites, previous Self-Employment/Small Business classes, written assignment and other resources are related in regards to your own Business Plan. Jot down questions or ideas and, if possible, discuss them with a friend, a community networking contact person, business or family member. If I can help you or offer additional ideas or insight, please do not hesitate to contact me. 4. Complete the Written Assignment, save and submit for grading. Again, please make sure that you save it before sending so that you will always have your own backup file. 5. Be receptive to keeping a close watch on your competitors and learning from your community contact resource people. In each of your assigned activities you should apply concepts which you have learned in the assignment and apply them to the on-going development of your Business Plan. Again, please do not hesitate to approach your networking/community contacts to help you in the research and developmental stages of your business plan. 6. Because my work-load may not allow me to grade and return your assignment right away, please continue on with your next assignment (do not wait to get your assignment back before starting your next chapter). 7. Do not hesitate to ever contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Formal Assessment/Business Plan The formal assessment for this class requires you to develop a comprehensive Business Plan. Your Business Plan is the equivalent to a Final Exam in this class and as a requirement to receive the WITC Self-Employment/Small Business Certificate. It can be done on an existing or proposed business or organization. To help you understand what will be included in the grading criteria, a rubric for grading purposes is included in the information contained in your Blackboard class information. It is recommended that you use a Business Plan Outline or Software Template some maybe available on the Internet (for free) or thru a local bookstore, on-line, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), your local/county University Wisconsin Extension County Business Office, etc. I highly recommend that you seek out help to do this project (especially the financials). Examples of Networking/Community Resource people include; your Community/County or Regional Economic Development Director, Banker, Accountant, Insurance Agent, Real Estate Agent, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), local Business Incubator (if available), Chamber of Commerce, Professional Business Organization/Association(s), Instructors/Teachers, etc. Back to Important Links
Attendance & Timelines 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, it will be necessary to complete all the assignments with enough time to prepare and submit your final draft of your business plan well before the end of the semester. Please keep in contact with me at the minimum of at least once a week. If you have any questions or concerns, or may need a tutor to help you, do not hesitate to contact me. If you are registered on a semester basis, please see the proposed time schedule as attached. Safety Please be aware that the Internet is not a closed communication system and that not all data may be correct. Be cautious about giving out personal information when visiting sites and surfing the "net" whether you are doing an activity as a part of this class, for business, or leisure. Back to Important Links
Graded Assignments: * Grades will be determined by your completing the Written Assignments and a Business Plan. Grades will be based on: 50% Based on Textbook/Business Plan Related Research & Written Assignments. 50% Comprehensive Business Plan (in final draft form). 100% Final Grade For your reference the course grading scale and other related policies are included in the current WITC Student Handbook and are accessible at www.witc.edu . Attendance: Because you are enrolled in a web-based course, attendance is not an issue as compared to a traditional class situation. However, it is your responsibility to maintain a pace that will allow you to successfully complete this class by the established deadline. Thus, as stated earlier I would like you to keep in contact with me on a minimum of a weekly basis. WITC semesters are 16 weeks in length. If you register at the beginning of the semester you will then have 16 weeks to complete all of the assignments. If you register later in the semester, you must realize that you will have to work that much harder to complete the same required course content in the given timeline. If I do not receive assignments or communication from you on a regular basis your name may be referred to a counselor to contact you to see if there is anything we can do to help you get back on track and be able to complete the course within the established timeline. Students who want to drop the class, or audit the class should contact the WITC Student Services Office. Please inform me 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 your enrollment status regarding withdrawing from a class, this information is posted on the WITC web site. Back to Important Links
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. Back to Important Links
Academic Calendar and Due Dates This course is offered in a self-paced, flexible schedule format. There are recommended times for completion of each Assignment. Your final grade will be based on what you have completed and submitted to me for grading up to the last day of the semester in which you registered for this course. To keep on schedule, I strongly recommend that you make a special effort to complete all course work/assignments within the proposed timeline which is included at the end of this syllabus. Please note that if you ever have the time and ability, you can work ahead and complete the course at an accelerated pace. To assist you with this, utilize your community network and resources and do not hesitate to contact me for assistance or for further information. It is important to understand that regularly scheduled time spent working on this course will produce the best learning. Other dates of interest may be found on the WITC Academic Calendar Back to Important Links
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. Back to Important Links
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. Back to Important Links
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: 1-866-235-9500 (Ext. 7300) Email: mahansen@witc.edu ACADEMIC SUPPORT If you have any questions about the content of your course, please contact me by telephone 1-800-243-WITC extension # 3177, 715-682-4591 extension # 3177 or my e-mail at mbark@witc.edu . All Blackboard courses include email and telephone support. Do not hesitate to ever ask for help, we are here to serve your needs and help you to be the best you can be! Back to Important Links
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. Back to Important Links PROPOSED TIMELINE AND STUDENT PROGRESS REPORT *Writing a Business Plan for Your Small Business* Chapter Assignments (50% of grade) Week / Assignment # and Grade / Date Completed: Week 1 / Complete Course Survey 1- _______/________________ Read the Course Syllabus, look thru the content in the Course Information Page on Blackboard and complete the Ten Question (True/False) Class Orientation Survey which focuses primarily on the course Syllabus and content in the Course Information page. When finished submit for grading. Please note that once you have started the Survey you need to complete it. Week 2 / Assignment 1- _______ / ________________ Read the *Table of Contents, Forward, to the Reader, Introduction-Overview of the Business Plan, Appendix II: Alternate Business Plan Outlines and Appendix III: Sample Business Plans* in your textbook. Also start doing Community Networking and research. Then when you are ready complete Written Assignment 1 and submit for grading through Blackboard. Week 3, 4 & 5/ Assignment 2- _______ / ________________ Read Section One: The Business beginning on page 13 in your textbook. Utilize all your resources and complete Written Assignment 2. When finished submit for grading through Blackboard. Week 6 & 7 / Assignment 3- _______ / ________________ Read Section Two: Financial Data beginning on page 69 of your textbook. Again, utilize your resources, software (if available), community contacts, etc and complete Written Assignment 3 and submit for grading. Week 8 / Assignment 4- _______ / _______________ Read *Section Three: The Financing Proposal* beginning on page 117 of your textbook, utilize resources, software (if available), community contacts, etc to understand your financial needs. Develop the content necessary for Assignment 4 and when completed submit for grading. Week 9 & 10/ Assignment 5- _______ / _____________ Read *Section Four: Supporting Documents* beginning on page 125 and Appendix I: Additional Supporting Documents beginning on page 133. I also recommend that you research and look for examples of other Business Plans which have included Supporting Documents or an Appendix to help you develop and identify what Supporting Documents/Appendicies you should include in your Business Plan. When finished, complete Assignment 5 and submit for grading. Week 10, 11, 12/ Assignment 6- _______ / _____________ Again read and review *Appendix II: Alternate Business Plan Outlines and Appendix III: Sample Business Plans* in your textbook. Also make contact with your community resources and complete Written Assignment 6 which includes a Draft Copy of your Business Plan (without financials). When finished submit for grading. Week 13 & 14 / Assignment 7- _______ / ______________ If needed, obtain help from your local Community Economic Development Director, UW Extension office, Accounting Instructor, Banker and/or an Accountant to help you finish Assignment 7 which includes all of your financial data and projections. When complete submit for grading. Week 15 / Assignment 8- _______ / _______________ Your last Assignment, # 8 is to package together all the information which you have completed, fill in your Business Plan Rubric and submit for final grading. Week 16 / On-line Course Survey- _______ / ________________ As soon as I am able to read and grade your Business Plan, I will try my best to return it to you as soon as possible. In the mean time, please complete the on-line Course Evaluation Survey. Final Assessment: Business Plan (50% of your final grade) Your Final Assessment will be your Final Draft of a Business Plan for a business or organization of your choice. It can be applied to an existing, expanded or a new venture. Please refer to the Business Plan Rubric for Grading Criteria. ~ I sincerely hope you enjoy the course! ~ Comments to: Web Team © Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College All rights reserved

Writing a Business Plan for Your Small Business Course Syllabus

10-145-184 (2 credits) Fall / Spring

Writing a Business Plan for Your Small Business
Course Syllabus

10-145-184 (2 credits)
Fall / Spring