Experiential Learning Course on Business Plan Development Available to all Montana Businsses Through the University of Montana School of Business

Do you need to do a business plan, marketing plan or a feasibility study but don’t have the time?

MCDC teaches the Small Business Institute (SBI) at the University of Montana School of Business. It’s an experiential learning course that connects a group of 4 to 5 college seniors in the business school to a business or a nonprofit to do a business plan, marketing plan or feasibility study.

Your business does not need to be in Missoula to participate. Students can communicate with you and gain necessary information about your business through telephone and online communications. The class starts in late January and projects will be complete in early May.

The group will work with the business owner to provide an in depth analysis of your industry, market, operational and financial plan. The cost to participate in the Small Business Institute is $500 for businesses and $250 for nonprofits.

In this program, students work in specific functional areas such as marketing, finance, accounting, management, computer applications, plus any area upon which clients and students agree. Early in the semester, students submit a proposal to the client detailing the agreed upon scope of work; at the end of the semester, students give a final plan and presentation to the client. Student teams meet with their instructor on an individual team basis weekly.

Feasibility and business plans may include a comprehensive description of the issues that need to be considered when starting and/or growing a business, including:

· Overall Strategy

· Industry Characteristics

· Competitor and Customer Characteristics

· Marketing Strategy

· Management Team

· Overall Schedule

· Critical Risks

· Operational Plan

· Financial Plan

Here’s the link to apply for SBI.

http://www.business.umt.edu/sbi/Application1.aspx

Please contact Amita Patel 406.728.9234 (x214)or John DeGroot at 406.728.9234 (x206) for more information.