Launch and Operational Foundations

This unit guides students from validated business ideas to practical launch and early operations by integrating market testing, business model selection, branding, staffing, and legal/financial choices. Students will learn foundational accounting and tax concepts, evaluate entity and franchising options, and design marketing and team-management plans needed to start and sustain a small business.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze customer segments, competitive positioning, and business model options by defining market niches, testing product ideas, and selecting a value-chain position for a new venture
• Apply accounting and financial analysis to prepare and interpret basic financial statements, choose between cash-basis and accrual accounting, calculate free cash flow, and determine sales tax and bookkeeping implications
• Demonstrate operational readiness by developing a launch plan that addresses site/lease decisions, franchise requirements, ownership-entity selection (S corporation, LLC, corporation, nonprofit), and a financing/IPO timeline where applicable
• Develop and implement marketing and team-management strategies including brand positioning and taglines, mass media and online schedules, hiring and coaching plans, delegation frameworks, and networking/mentorship activities