ILLINOIS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT HARPER COLLEGE
PRESENTS
____________
A YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
Who should apply for this program?
We are looking for students who are prepared to plan and start their own business in the next 3 months. The program will provide the background and details to formulate a professional business plan, insight into the legal entities and accounting/income tax ramifications of owning a business, and provide a source of business contacts and networks to enable the student’s business to grow and thrive.
What type of business is allowed in the program?
There are no limitations to the type of business in the program, other than the purpose must be legally accepted in the State of Illinois. Whether you desire to open a lemonade stand or you have the next technology “tablet”, all businesses will be reviewed on their own merits. We are looking for those students who have an idea and want to turn it into their own business now!
Why apply?
While the purpose of the program is to have students “open” their business, the classes will culminate with an evening program where all students will present their business plan to a panel of business executives. These business executives will then grade the presentations on objective standards. The top scoring presentation will be awarded a grant of $1,250 in cash/services/products to open their business.
Is there an application to complete?
An application to the program is attached at the end of this outline. The application must be completed and emailed to Carl Mattes, Small Business Advisor, ISBDC at Harper College, at . There is no fee to apply. All applications will be reviewed and a response of acceptance/declination will be provided to all applicants.
Is there a fee to enroll in this program?
As in starting any business, we require that the student invest in their business. Therefore, there is a $75 non-refundable fee to all applicants accepted into the program. Once you have been accepted into the program, the $75 fee must be received within 5 business days of acceptance. Scholarship money is available for those students who cannot afford the enrollment fee.
How many students will be accepted into the program?
Since this is a very selective program, only 20 students will be accepted.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes, attendance at all classes is mandatory. While we understand that illnesses and emergencies come up, owners of business don’t get a “day off”. Missing a class will be reviewed on a case by case basis. If it is deemed that a student has missed a number of classes, that student may be removed from the program.
What is the class time and where will classes be held?
Time: All classes will be held from 4:30 – 6pm, with one 15 minute break.
Location of Classes:
Wojcik Center – Harper’s Main Campus on Roselle and Algonquin
HPC – Harper Professional Center, 650 E. Higgins, Suite 18N, Schaumburg, IL (one block west of Plum Grove Rd)
Will there be an informational meeting for prospective students to attend?
Yes, an informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 29 or 30, 2012, at 4:30pm at the HPC. All interested students should plan to attend.
Syllabus of Classes
Date Location Topic______
9/5 HPC “IT’S NOT THE DESTINATION, IT’S THE JOURNEY”
One Rule: Can You Make a Profit?
(ICE ROAD TRUCKERS)
“FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, THE MONEY WILL FOLLOW”
From Idea to Reality
(AMERICAN RESTORATION)
9/12 HPC “THE POCKET FISHERMAN?”
Market Analysis – Will Someone Buy It
(RON POPEIL)
“JUNK OR TREASURE”
Target Market: Who’s Your Client?
(AMERICAN PICKERS)
9/19 HPC “THE BETTER MOUSETRAP”
Competitive Advantage
(LARRY THE CABLE GUY)
“SHARP EYE, STRONG ARM, STEADY AIM”
Focus on the Target
(TOP SHOT)
9/26 HPC “THE I-EVERYTHING INDUSTRY”
Marketing Strategy
(Steve Jobs)
“LIKE ME/FRIEND ME”
Social Media in Business
(Mark Zuckerberg)
10/3 HPC “CHAMPAGNE TASTE, BEER POCKETS”
Budget/Start Up Costs
(SAY YES TO THE DRESS)
“THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS”
Financial Statements
(WALL STREET, PART ONE)
10/10 HPC “HURRICANE IRENE”
Sales Forecasting
(THE WEATHER CHANNEL)
“THE ROYAL WEDDING”
Advertising/Public Relations
(PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE)
10/17 HPC “IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY”
Funding
(SHARK TANK)
10/24 HPC “DO YOU WANT TO SELL IT OR PAWN IT”
Return on Investment
(PAWN STARS)
10/30 (Tues) HPC “HABITAT FOR HUMANITY”
Ethics/Business Responsibility
(WALL STREET, PART TWO)
11/7 Wojcik Center PRACTICE AT WOCJIK
11/14 Wojcik Center PRESENTATION NIGHT/AWARDS 4PM-8PM
The ISBDC at Harper College is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce, Economic Opportunity and Harper College to provide business counseling services to the public.
APPLICATION FORM
STUDENT NAME: ______
HOME ADDRESS: ______
EMAIL ADRESS: ______
HOME PHONE: ______
CELL PHONE: ______
HIGH SCHOOL: ______
GRADE: ______
CLASSES THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN AT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL
A. ______
B. ______
C. ______
D. ______
E. ______
F. ______
G. ______
ABOUT YOUR NEW BUSINESS:
1. WHAT IS THE PRODUCT/SERVICE THAT YOU WILL PROVIDE?
2. WHAT/WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER/CLIENT/MARKET?
3. WHAT IS THE UNIQUE SKILLSET THAT YOU BRING TO THE BUSINESS?
4. WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE?
5. WHO IS YOUR POTENTIAL COMPETITION?
6. WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 REASONS THAT YOU WANT TO OWN A BUSINESS?
a. ______
______
b. ______
______
c. ______
______
The ISBDC at Harper College is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce, Economic Opportunity and Harper College to provide business counseling services to the public.