Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisites: None (Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and students)
Certification: Certificate of Completion from Thakral Global Learning
Optional Certification: Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification

🌟 Course Overview:

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business course is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills to launch, operate, and manage a small business successfully. With a blend of entrepreneurial theory and real-world business application, this course walks learners through key aspects such as opportunity recognition, business planning, marketing, finance, operations, and growth. It also prepares learners for the Certiport ESB certification, helping validate their understanding of core business concepts.

✅ Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Identify and assess business opportunities
• Develop a solid business plan
• Understand essential business operations (finance, HR, legal, marketing)
• Manage the day-to-day operations of a small business
• Understand customer service, compliance, and risk management
• Apply financial, budgeting, and accounting principles
• Prepare for the Certiport ESB exam (if opted)

🧩 Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Small Business

• What is entrepreneurship?
• Benefits and challenges of owning a small business
• Entrepreneurial mindset and characteristics
• Types of small businesses

Module 2: Business Opportunity & Market Research

• Recognizing viable business ideas
• Feasibility analysis
• Conducting market research and customer surveys
• Identifying target markets and customer segments

Module 3: Business Planning and Strategy

• Writing a business plan (vision, mission, objectives)
• Business structure and ownership types
• SWOT analysis for strategy development
• Business Model Canvas

Module 4: Legal, Ethical, and Risk Considerations

• Business registration and licensing
• Intellectual property basics (patents, trademarks, copyrights)
• Contracts and legal compliance
• Business ethics and social responsibility

Module 5: Financial Management for Small Business

• Understanding startup and operational costs
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Bookkeeping basics and financial statements
• Sources of funding: loans, grants, investors, bootstrapping
• Pricing strategies and breakeven analysis

Module 6: Marketing and Customer Engagement

• Developing a marketing plan
• Branding and positioning
• Digital marketing overview (social media, SEO, content)
• Traditional marketing (flyers, events, word-of-mouth)
• Customer service and CRM

Module 7: Operations and Business Tools

• Business operations and supply chain management
• Inventory and vendor management
• Productivity tools and cloud applications
• Time and project management techniques

Module 8: Human Resources and Team Management

• Hiring and managing employees
• Roles and responsibilities in small business teams
• Employee motivation and retention
• Legal issues in employment

Module 9: Growth, Innovation & Sustainability

• Scaling strategies
• Business innovation and trends
• Managing competition and adapting to change
• Sustainable practices for long-term success

Module 10: Business Plan Presentation & Certification Prep

• Finalizing and presenting your business plan
• Pitching to a mock investor panel (optional)
• Review of Certiport ESB Exam domains (if pursuing certification)
• Practice questions and exam readiness

📝 Assessment & Evaluation:

• Quizzes and assignments after each module
• Mini projects (e.g., marketing plan, budget sheet, SWOT analysis)
• Final business plan and presentation
• Certiport ESB practice exam (optional)

💼 Career Pathways:

• Small Business Owner
• Entrepreneur / Startup Founder
• Business Development Executive
• Retail or Franchise Manager
• Marketing & Operations Coordinator
• Business Consultant (entry-level)

🎓 Why Choose This Course at Thakral Global Learning?

• Prepares learners for real-world entrepreneurship and the Certiport ESB Certification
• Hands-on assignments, business planning, and pitch preparation
• One-on-one mentoring by industry experts
• Certification that strengthens your resume and credibility as a business professional
• Access to templates, tools, and real-world business case studies