The Entrepreneurship Center: Small Business Preview Course

Aspiring Small Business Owner

This intensive, ten-week Preview Course is designed to prepare you for small business ownership by providing you with a foundation of knowledge essential for success.

You'll work in a highly collaborative group of peers who will act as your advisors and sounding board as you develop business concepts through a series of weekly assignments and a final, capstone presentation.

To get the most from your efforts, your business concept should be one that you strongly intend to pursue, as it will be the focus for at least six hours of weekly coursework, including class time.

By the end of the course, you will have a foundation for a strong business plan, a clear direction for the business, and knowledge of what it will take to get started on your small business journey.

TOPICS

The course will cover a variety of small business topics, including:
  • business planning
  • values and ethics
  • marketing
  • customer service
  • logistics
  • human resources
  • budgeting

DATES & TIMES

DATES: Application dates and class start dates for Spring 2018 Small Business Program are forthcoming.

DAY: Saturdays only

TIME: 9 am - noon

LOCATION

Golden Gate University

536 Mission Street
San Francisco

FEES

The course is free of charge for all GGU alumni thanks to a generous grant from Chevron.

APPLICATION

To apply to the Small Business Preview Course, please submit an outline of your business to smallbiz@ggu.edu. The outline should include the business description, the product or service you will provide and how you intend to make a profit. Also, please note that our program is NOT well-suited for start-up ventures (temporary organizations looking for acquisition). Instead, the course will provide the tools to start a small business that is not looking for outside investors. If you have not narrowed your focus, the timing of this course may not be right for you. Given the collaborative nature of the course, your attendance is expected for all 10 sessions. Your application is viewed as an acknowledgment of that commitment.

Applications are due by TBA
(All applicants will receive a response the week of TBA)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I participate in the Small Business Preview Course remotely?

Unfortunately, the Preview Course is only available in-person in San Francisco at this time.

I have a conflict on one/some of the class meeting dates. Is it possible to miss a session(s) and still participate in the course?

In order to participate, you must be able to commit to all ten class meetings.

Is it possible to participate if I cannot attend for the full 9:00 am - noon time frame?

In order to participate, you must be able to arrive on time and stay for the full class meeting.

Is it ok to bring a friend or family member to sit in on a class?

Although we would like to be able to accommodate guests, we restrict attendance to only those who are part of the course due to limited seating capacity.

I am planning to drive to campus. Does Golden Gate University have a parking lot?

No, but there are many public parking lots nearby. You can view available parking in the area by visiting sanfrancisco.bestparking.com.

I am planning to take public transportation. What is the easiest way to get there?

Public transit directions are available at this link.

Is it possible to change my business idea after submitting my application?

No, you must proceed with the plan that you have submitted for review.

If I'm working on a business with another person/other people would we submit our application together?

No, each individual must submit their own application for review.