Creating Your Business Plan

Course Code: CENT 1500

Ideas are worthless… if you don’t know how to bring them to life. That’s particularly true of business. The idea may seem great to you when you first come up with it, but unless you structure your idea within a clear, concise, proven framework, your chances for success aren’t great. But don’t worry, this course is here to help. In it, you’ll learn everything you need to know to develop and present a comprehensive business plan to your peers, potential backers or buyers. If you’re ready to get down to business, this is the place to start.

Please note that this course will be phased out in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Prerequisite courses

CENT 1400

Accounting and Financial Management

Your take-away

This course is a great way to help you:
• Identify the market, market situation and trends, legal constraints or opportunities;
• Present a marketing plan that targets the chosen segment and identifies competition;
• Identify key HR and operational needs, equipment and a set of milestones for the business;
• Build a financial plan showing financial results over the coming 3 years, identify funding needs and demonstrate the financial health of the business for investors and lenders;
• Present a business plan in a compelling manner, using current technology;
• Build a clear PowerPoint deck to present the plan;
• Anticipate and respond to challenges and questions.

Our approach

As in the workplace, teamwork is key here. Sure, there will be engaging assignments and activities, but you'll also form ad-hoc teams to discuss real-world subjects presented by business experts. You'll formulate strategies to solve problems or seize opportunities. Above all, you'll have ample chance to contribute personally to the process. Participation is paramount. This course is designed for the students to meet regularly during live synchronous learning in an online virtual classroom (Zoom).

Who benefits the most?

• Students pursuing a Diploma in entrepreneurship.
• Anyone who is thinking of starting a business or simply wants to learn how to create a business plan.
• Anyone who has tried to start their own business only to realize they need professional education and guidance.
• Self-employed workers and small-businesses owners who want to learn how to structure their business ideas.

Concordia CCE Loyalty Discount

All students who meet at least one of the following conditions, will receive a 10% discount on their CCE course or workshop tuition fees:

1) Have completed a CCE, Undergraduate or Graduate course at Concordia University in a prior academic term;

2) Have completed a language proficiency test (IELTS) at CCE;

3) Have completed a CCE Professional Development Seminar/Workshop.

This discount is based on the information maintained in the Concordia University student information system.