Interested in getting involved B. Side programs? Download and submit the B. Side Basics Application (.PDF file) to apply for the B. Side Basics course.
Lots of new programs are launching this winter. Subscribe to our mailing list to hear new program announcements:
Beginning with a formal orientation, The B. Side Basics curriculum transforms young people into B. Side Business Leaders. The B. Side Basics is an intensive 8-week entrepreneurial program offering classes and workshops providing an introduction to the values and basics of creating and running a business; including the development of a working business plan and simulations of business startup and operation.
The B. Side Basics program is held on Saturdays from at EMU's College of Business. In addition, The B. Side Basics presents a curriculum to one 8th grade class at West Middle School.
The B. Side Basics offers the following workshops:
| * Writing a Business Plan * Resume Writing / Interviewing Skills * Networking with Professionals * Self Assessment * Personal Finance & Budgeting * Community & Industry Analysis * New Product Development * Market and Financial Responsibility * Small Business Marketing * Personnel & Customer Service * Cash Flow & Breakeven Analysis * Understanding Financial Statements |
* Risks * Public Speaking & Marketing Yourself * Managing Assets & Debt * Legal & Ethical Issues * Financial Literacy * Marketing & Advertising * The Realities of Self-Employment * Time Management * Leadership & Management * Organization |
*Ongoing Upon Completion of B. Side Basics*
A program providing support and services that incubate and help B. Side Business Leaders who have successfully completed The B. Side Basics curriculum. The purpose of this program is to help these budding entrepreneurs develop their business. This program extends the model of entrepreneurship education by helping youth access micro-loans and/or grants that are needed to begin business operation. In addition the program provides more individualized attention to the development of a viable business through the one-on-one pairing of the Young Mogul with an adult mentor in the business community.
Experiential learning about business through the placement and experience with the day to day operation of a business.
Examples:
Digital Inclustion:
The Business Side of Youth (The B. Side) has been contracted by Washtenaw County (Digital Inclusion Task Force) to refurbish computers that will then be distributed to non-profits and individuals in need. This distribution is coordinated by ETCS. The Center for Entrepreneurship and the COB are working with The B. Side and providing storage and work space for this program. We began the Digital Inclusion Enterprise on October 18th, 2008.
A program consisting of local entrepreneurs and business leaders to serve as trusted mentors and business advisers to the youth participating in The B. Side Basics and The Young Moguls Club.
17.6 million youth- nearly half the population of young people between 10 and 18 years of age- live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their potential. (Mentoring Matters)
"The greatest gift you can give to another is the gift of a good example." - Joe Venuto, founder of Good Business and President of C. E. O.
Internships, Apprenticeships & Business Shadowing
This program offers an opportunity for youth participants in The B. Side Basics and The Young Moguls Club to find out more about careers, the technical aspects of owning and operating a business through a variety of different time commitments. With the option for a one-day opportunity or a short-term apprenticeship/internship, youth participants will be matched with a college alumni or a business professionals currently working in their field of interest.
Drop-in Workshops & Training
An offering of the following workshops, including but not limited to:
* *Is the Business in You?* Examination on the personalities and traits of a successful entrepreneur, including self-assessments and the risks and rewards of an entrepreneur.
* *Real Talk*: Testimonials from small business owners and young entrepreneurs.
* *From the Classroom to the Boardroom*: Techniques on how to transition from a school or social setting to the business world.
* *Me, My Stuff & My Business*: Learn how to market yourself, your product, and your business.
* *Ballers & Shot Callers*: An open dialogue about the role the sports, music and the media have influenced young people’s business perspective.
* *Your Passion, Your Business, Your Future*: Learn to take the things you are passionate about and turn it into a plan for a business.
Community Resources and Programs
A core component of The B. Side is the relationships the program is continuing to build in the community. All of the mentors, internships, and apprenticeships of The B. Side will be recruited from local businesses, and entrepreneurs in the community. In addition, The B. Side would like to offer an array of "drop-in workshops and programs for community members":http://bsideofyouth.com/resources/community-programs-events and business leaders to participate in.
This program would be *offered to anyone with an interest in business*, and there will be a marginal fee for workshops ($15-$35). The drop-in workshops will parallel classes offered in the B. Side Basics curriculum, provide resource materials, and will include panel discussions, community forums, and business resources.
The B. Side believes that individuals who receive entrepreneurship training, at all ages, are more likely to start a business, and more importantly, to sustain and grow a business. These businesses can be the cornerstone of future economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation.
If you're interested in B. Side community programs, subscribe to our program list for more information and updates: