Entrepreneurship

Description

Course Syllabus

This is a full-year (one credit) Entrepreneurship course for students in grades 9-12. Or Entrepreneurship 1 can be taken as a one-semester (half-credit) course. Entrepreneurship 1 must be taken before Entrepreneurship 2.

Entrepreneurship 1: Small Business Foundations (first semester)

Small businesses drive innovation and growth in every community—fueling nearly half of all U.S. economic activity. Behind every successful shop, app, or startup is an entrepreneur who turned an idea into something real. This course introduces students to the foundations of entrepreneurship and empowers them to think like business owners: creative problem-solvers who recognize opportunities, take informed risks, and turn ideas into action

Course Overview

Students explore the mindset and mechanics of running a small business, gaining practical experience in branding, market research, basic financial planning, and ethical decision-making. The course emphasizes real-world application, helping students understand how business ideas move from concept to launch. By the end of the semester, students will have a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and small business operations, preparing them for future coursework, certification pathways, or real-world ventures.

Course Objectives–What Students Will Learn:

• The entrepreneurial mindset and opportunity recognition
• Basics of branding, marketing, and customer identification
• Market research and competitor analysis
• Introductory financial concepts, including startup costs and pricing strategies
• Legal and ethical responsibilities of business ownership
• How to communicate and pitch a business idea effectively

Projects & Activities

This course is hands-on and project-based. Students will:

• Design a complete small business concept and a written business plan
• Create a brand identity, including logos and customer profiles
• Conduct market research through surveys and analysis
• Build a simple financial model for their business
• Develop and present a mini-pitch explaining their business idea
• Participate in simulations, case studies, and collaborative problem-solving activities

Students work independently and in small groups, strengthening collaboration, communication, and critical-thinking skills.

Entrepreneurship 2: Startup Innovation & Design (second semester)

Every big idea starts small. From apps and products to social ventures, innovation is about solving real problems in creative and strategic ways. This course builds on foundational business knowledge and introduces students to the fast-paced world of startups—where imagination meets execution.

Course Overview

Entrepreneurship II focuses on innovation, design thinking, and startup development. Students learn how to take an idea beyond the basics and turn it into a testable concept, prototype, or mock-up. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, market fit, user experience, and persuasive pitching. By the end of the semester, students will understand how modern startups are designed, tested, refined, and presented to investors.

Course Objectives–What Students Will Learn:

• Design thinking and problem identification
• Startup business models and value propositions
• Market and competitor analysis
• Branding and user-centered design
• Prototyping and early product testing
• Pitching ideas to investors and stakeholders
• Modern funding strategies and startup terminology

Projects & Activities

This course is highly interactive and project-driven. Students will:

• Develop a startup concept focused on solving a real-world problem
• Build a prototype or mock-up invention (digital or physical)
• Design a startup brand kit, including logo, color palette, and user persona
• Conduct market and competitor research to refine their idea
• Test their concept through early feedback or simple user interviews
• Create and present a full startup pitch deck

In class, students participate in design-thinking workshops, rapid prototyping sessions, creativity challenges, and “Shark Tank”-style pitch practices. Collaborative teamwork and peer feedback are central to the learning process.

Course Structure

• Live 1-hour interactive class each week focused on discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning
• Weekly lessons include guided instruction, project check-ins, homework review, and live Q&A
• Course materials, assignments, and resources are posted in Canvas, where students can track progress and stay organized
• Homework assignments are clearly listed in weekly course modules
• Students are encouraged to participate actively during live sessions to build confidence, ask questions, and learn from peers

This engaging format is designed to support growth, creativity, and real-world skill development while helping students stay connected and motivated throughout the course.

Who should enroll?

This course is designed for students in grades 9–12 who want to understand how real businesses operate and grow. It’s a great fit for students interested in building practical financial and business skills, exploring entrepreneurship, or learning to turn everyday ideas into small-business opportunities. Students who enjoy leadership, planning, creativity, or hands-on problem-solving will thrive in this class. Whether a student dreams of owning a business one day or simply wants real-world skills applicable to any career path, this course provides a strong, accessible foundation in entrepreneurship.

Students enrolling in Entrepreneurship 2 must complete Entrepreneurship 1 before enrolling. This course is ideal for creative and curious students in grades 9–12 who enjoy developing ideas, designing products, and solving problems in innovative ways. It is especially well-suited for students interested in technology, innovation, digital media, or launching a startup in the future. Students who like brainstorming, prototyping, testing ideas, and pitching concepts will find this course both engaging and challenging. Whether students want to create a new invention, build an app, or deepen their entrepreneurial thinking, this course helps them develop the mindset and skills needed to turn innovation into real-world outcomes.

Technology Requirements

• High-speed, broadband Internet
• Headset, microphone, and webcam (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

Communication

Communication will be done by email. I will respond to emails Monday – Friday, except holidays and weekends. Contact Ms. Henley at jhenley[at]aimacademy.online.