Academic Catalog

ALTW 230: INTRODUCTION TO VOCATIONAL MICRO-BUSINESS

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Degree & Credit Status: Non-Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: None
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: May be taken three times for credit

Student Learning Outcomes

  • The student will be able to decide what type of micro business they would like to create
  • The student will learn how to conduct basic accounting practices, i.e. keeping track of cash flow, sales, expenses etc.
  • The student will learn how to market and advertise their micro business by creating flyers and posting on social media

Description

Introduction to functions of micro-businesses for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Creating, managing and profiting from a micro-business. Finding and seeking funding sources including grants, micro loans and private sources. Establishing and implementing a marketing plan. Basic day-to-day accounting and book-keeping for a micro-business. Challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:
A. Create a basic business plan for their micro-business
B. Learn techniques for recording cash sales and expenses using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
C. Connect with potential customers through online (e.g., social media marketing) and/or in-person advertising (e.g. local chamber of commerce, creating flyers, attending community events)
D. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of administrative aspects of micro-business entrepreneurship, such as ADA legislation, liability, business licensure, etc.
E. Learn techniques for developing relationships with other micro-business owners in the community in order to receive advice and mentorship
F. Learn techniques for seeking out grants or small loans for their micro-businesses and develop a crowd-funding website online (e.g., GoFundMe)

Course Content

A. Types of Micro-Businesses
1. Virtual Location (e.g., e-commerce, online)
2. Physical Location (e.g., store, office)
3. Combination of Virtual and Physical Location
B. Utilizing Computer Programs or Online Resources
1. Microsoft Office (Excel and Word)
2. Web Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer)
3. Email
C. Attention to Detail
1. Tracking the Costs of Each Expense and the Profits of Each Sale
D. Time Management
1. Setting Aside an Appropriate Amount of Time to Work on Business Outside of Class

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

A. Accessible Classroom
B. Internet Access

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Class Participation
B. Examinations/Tests/Quizzes
C. Assignments and Projects
D. Oral Presentations

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture, discussion, cooperative learning exercises, demonstrations, guest speakers.

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Griffin, Hammis, Keeton, and Sullivan. Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing, 2014.
 

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

A. Writing Assignments:
1. Journals regarding business plans
2. Sample budget forms
3. Creating marketing/flyers for business
 

Discipline(s)

Small Business Development, Developmental Disabilities: DSPS