The focus of the course is on new venture initiation and the preparation of a business plan that can be used to generate financing and to begin operations in a new business enterprise. It examines the critical factors involved in the conception, initiation and development of new business ventures. Topics covered include the identification of characteristics of prospective entrepreneurs, identifying innovations, market potential analysis for new products or services, acquiring seed capital, obtaining venture capital for growth or purchase of an existing business and organization and operation of the new business. Each student is required to develop a business plan which will be presented to the class. Students wishing to start, develop, acquire, sell or merge a business are encouraged to do so.