The Entrepreneurship Program of Study prepares students to develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to start, manage, and grow successful businesses. Students explore business ownership, marketing, finance, customer relations, leadership, and innovation while gaining real-world experience through business planning and entrepreneurial projects.
Students will learn to:
- Develop entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills
- Create and evaluate business opportunities
- Develop business and marketing plans
- Manage finances and budgets
- Build customer service and communication skills
- Apply leadership and teamwork in business settings
- Use technology to support business operations
If you have questions regarding the Entrepreneurship Program of Study at Navarro Early College High School, please reach out to Medina Willis, Entrepreneurship Instructor, at medina.willis@austinisd.org.
Course Sequence
The following courses are required to complete the Entrepreneurship Program of Study. Courses are organized by program level and are not required to be taken in sequential order. Below are the program levels, their corresponding courses, and course descriptions.
- Level 1: Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance
- Level 2: Entrepreneurship I
- Level 3: Entrepreneurship II
- Level 4: Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone (First Time Taken)
Course ID: 8600.R000.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance introduces students to the fundamentals of business operations, marketing, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Students explore career opportunities while developing foundational business skills.
Students will learn to:
- Explain the role of business in the economy
- Explore entrepreneurship and business ownership
- Develop workplace communication skills
- Understand basic financial concepts
- Identify careers in business and marketing
Course ID: 8660.HT00.Y / 8660.H000.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Entrepreneurship I introduces students to the process of starting and managing a business. Students explore business planning, product development, marketing strategies, and financial decision-making while developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
Students will learn to:
- Identify business opportunities
- Develop a business plan
- Create marketing strategies
- Understand startup costs and budgeting
- Apply leadership and decision-making skills
Course ID: 8662.HA00.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): Entrepreneurship I
Entrepreneurship II expands students' knowledge through advanced business management concepts and real-world applications. Students refine business plans, analyze market trends, and develop strategies for business growth and sustainability.
Students will gain experience in:
- Managing business operations
- Conducting market research
- Developing financial projections
- Building branding and promotional campaigns
- Presenting business proposals to stakeholders
Course ID: 8210.HA00.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
The Career and Technical Education Project-Based Capstone is the culminating course in the Entrepreneurship Program of Study. Students apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program to complete an in-depth, real-world or simulated business project. This course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and professional presentation skills.
Students may develop and present a comprehensive business plan, launch a student-run business, or complete a detailed entrepreneurial project that demonstrates mastery of business concepts.
Students will:
- Develop and complete a capstone business or entrepreneurial project
- Apply marketing, finance, and management skills in a real-world context
- Conduct research and analyze market opportunities
- Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills
- Present final projects to an authentic audience
- Reflect on career goals and postsecondary pathways in business
Industry-Based Certifications
Students who successfully complete this program have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that validate their business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and workplace readiness. These credentials help prepare students for careers in business ownership, marketing, finance, and management while providing a competitive advantage for employment and postsecondary opportunities.
Industry-Based Certifications may include:
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification
Career Opportunities
Students completing this program may pursue careers such as:
- Entrepreneur
- Small Business Owner
- Business Manager
- Retail Manager
- Sales Representative
- Marketing Specialist
- Business Development Representative
- Customer Success Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- E-commerce Specialist
- Franchise Owner (with investment and experience)
- Business Consultant (with additional education or experience)