09/25/2006
Beginning this school year, teachers have a new way to educate high-school students about starting and running their own business with NFIB's Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom curriculum.
This program, sponsored by VISA USA and implemented by NFIB's Young Entrepreneur Foundation, comprises three modules that can be adapted into any classroom setting. The modules are used over a three-week period to teach students about starting and operating a small business.
Highlights of the curriculum:
- Module one examines the definition of entrepreneurship and small business, while providing an overview of the past and present small-business environment.
- Module two delves into the steps and considerations involved with turning an idea into a business: identifying a passion or hobby that can provide a product or service, researching the market, and weighing the risks of starting a small business.
- Module three explores the nuts and bolts of starting a business: writing a business plan, obtaining funding, and learning about the agencies businesses interact with to become a legitimate entity.
The Young Entrepreneur Foundation is also recruiting small-business owners across the country to serve as mentors for Take Time to Teach (T3), a mentoring program matching educators with an NFIB member to talk about entrepreneurship. Teachers using the Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom curriculum have the option of working with a T3 mentor who will provide expert advice and information for the class. Mentors do not teach the curriculum and are not required to spend any time in the classroom, though anyone wishing to serve as a guest speaker would be welcomed.
NFIB recently launched a pilot program for classrooms utilizing the Entrepreneur-in-the-
Classroom curriculum. Those participating in the pilot program provide feedback to the Young Entrepreneur Foundation regarding aspects of the curriculum they like or dislike, how they have implemented it in the classroom, or any suggested changes they have for the program in general. Teachers interested in participating in the pilot program should contact Julie Carney at (202) 314-2042 before Sept. 29, 2006.
To download the Entrepreneur-in-the-Classroom curriculum, available to teachers without charge, visit www.nfib.com/eitc.
