Course Summary
The Business Planning Lab is a hands-on, practice-oriented course that enables learners to transform entrepreneurial ideas into actionable business plans. It bridges theory and application, guiding students through each phase of venture creation — from concept validation and market research to financial modeling and execution strategy.
Throughout the course, learners engage in interactive workshops, peer reviews, and iterative drafting sessions to refine their business plans into investor-ready documents. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and communicating a clear, compelling business case.
By the end of the lab, learners will have developed a comprehensive and defensible business plan — complete with a value proposition, market analysis, operational strategy, financial projections, and growth roadmap — ready to pitch to investors, partners, or accelerators.
Course Purpose
Course Purpose
The Business Planning Lab is designed to help learners apply entrepreneurial thinking to real-world venture creation. It provides a structured environment for transforming innovative ideas into viable business models through analysis, experimentation, and strategic planning.
This course empowers learners to connect market insights, customer needs, and financial feasibility into a cohesive business plan. By integrating creativity with rigorous analytical tools, students learn how to develop, validate, and articulate a sustainable venture concept ready for launch or investment.
Ultimately, the course builds entrepreneurial confidence and strategic discipline — enabling learners to navigate uncertainty, pitch ideas effectively, and design ventures that create real value in competitive markets.
Course Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Develop a comprehensive business plan that integrates market, financial, and operational strategies.
- Apply entrepreneurial and design thinking principles to evaluate and refine business ideas.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis to validate business opportunities.
- Create realistic financial projections and funding strategies aligned with the business model.
- Design implementation roadmaps that address scalability, sustainability, and risk management.
- Communicate and pitch business ideas effectively to potential investors and stakeholders.
Course Content
Course Content
The Business Planning Lab takes learners through an immersive and practical journey in entrepreneurial development — from ideation to execution. Each module is designed to blend strategic insight with hands-on application, enabling learners to craft, refine, and present a professional business plan supported by financial and market data.
- Module 1: Introduction to Business Planning and the Entrepreneurial Landscape
Explore the entrepreneurial ecosystem, understand the purpose and structure of a business plan, and identify the key elements that drive successful ventures.
- Module 2: Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs
Build foundational knowledge in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to support effective decision-making in startup environments.
- Module 3: Developing a Winning Business Plan
Learn how to design a comprehensive and persuasive business plan by integrating market research, strategic objectives, and operational frameworks.
- Module 4: Designing and Delivering an Effective Pitch
Master the art of communicating your business idea clearly and persuasively to investors, partners, and stakeholders through structured pitch presentations.
- Module 5: Capstone – Business Planning Lab Showcase
Apply your learning by developing and presenting a complete business plan and pitch deck for evaluation and feedback from peers or mentors.
By completing this course, learners gain the competence to translate innovative concepts into executable ventures, ready for investor engagement or launch in the market.