Into the Tank: Learning to Swim with Sharks

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well world-wide. This course, offered by our accredited school partners, is designed to provide both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners the tools, knowledge and guidance needed to transform an idea from concept to cash. In recent years, the United States has seen the highest rate of new business creation in over a decade, and many of these fledgling companies are being started by first-time entrepreneurs. It takes more than drive and desire to achieve success; and with great effort also comes great challenge. This Swimming with Sharks course will help entrepreneurs assess their business idea and evaluate their entrepreneurial skills, ultimately turning a concept into a long-term successful business. Enroll through one of our accredited university or college partners today!

Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 1
To Be Or Not To Be. . . An Entrepreneur

What do you think of when you hear the words small business? You may imagine your favorite local restaurant or crafting store. However, small businesses employ around 60 million people a year and play a major role in the job market and the economy. In module 1, we will look at the type of small business you want to start and look at the time, energy, skills and training you may need to make it work! We will also examine your strengths and weaknesses and look at how to improve upon what you can do to improve your entrepreneurial skills. Also explored in module one is the differences in types of businesses, branding, cash flow, inventory, and product development.

Small Business 101
What’s Your Entrepreneurial Quotient?
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Getting Educated Traditional VS. DIY
Your Big Idea
Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 2
Setting Up Shop. . . Money Matters!

During Module two, we will look at how to understand your target market. Defining a market can make many first-time entrepreneurs uncomfortable, but after completing this module you will know how to find your market and understand how to identify the competition. Also included in Module two is discussion on how to choose the name for your business, build core values, and develop your business model. Module two looks at types of insurances to consider before opening your business. Deciding upon accounting methods, tax preparation, and understanding financing is pertinent to running a successful company. Some of the best ideas are never execute or only half executed due to the lack of financial planning. Module two will culminate with how to finance your business and mater the pitch.

Finding Your Customers
Picking the Perfect Name
Getting Down to Business
Making it Official
Knowing Your Numbers
Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 3
Open for Business

Running a business, especially during the first year, requires tremendous focus and energy. Module three will take you through a checklist of items to consider before opening day. Included in this checklist is finding the right vendor. Your vendors are a reflection of both you and your brand, so it’s critical that you only work with the very best you can afford. Another key item when opening your business is how you will connect to the outside-how will you market your product? There are many ways to market, and this week, we will take a look at the types of marketing and how to decide which to use upon your start-up. You many not think that you are a salesman-but every day the average person spends the majority of his day trying to sell one thing or another. Module three will look at how to sell in smarter, more effective ways.

Up and Running
Choosing the Right Vendor
The Big Bad Launch
Mastering Marketing
Learning to Sell
Into the Tank: Entrepreneurs Swim with Sharks Module 4
Technology and Workplace Challenges

Hiring the wrong person can have a disastrous impact on your business. Hiring the right member of your team can help you go to the next level. In our final module we will look at the basics of building the right team for you. You also need an appealing business culture in order to attract the right employees. This week, we will examine how to build and improve your culture as well as define types of leadership and determine which type you are most associated with. As you build your culture and choose the right employees, your business may be ready to go to the next level. Module four looks at franchising basics and how to decide if and when it is right for you. Wrapping up this lesson is a question and answer session with the Sharks of “Shark Tank.” They will share tips and give advice for present and future entrepreneurs.

Building the Right Team
Creating Killer Culture
A New Generation of Leadership
Franchising Your Business
Swimming with Sharks: A Roundtable

6 Reasons to Complete Your Training With Us

Flexibility

With our programs, you can learn and study at your own pace with access 24/7/365 for the duration of your program. This means you can learn on your own terms and work around your own schedule.

Support

Our online training comes with access to real, live support personnel that will help you through every step from our admissions adviser who will assist you with selecting the right training for you, to our student adviser who will be there with you during your entire training journey.

Relevancy

We have tailored our programs to provide comprehensive training in the technical and soft skills employers are looking for. With direct input and feedback from industry leaders and hiring managers, our program aligns with exactly what you need to successfully enter the workforce.

Certification

Our career training not only gives you the knowledge you need but preparation for the certification exams relevant to your desired career path. If you are pursuing an exciting new career in a field with a national certification, our program will both prepare you to sit for the exam but will often include a voucher for the exam cost.

Simulations and Case Studies

Our training programs have been developed with real learners and professionals in mind, so our programs incorporate real-world case studies and virtual simulations that will provide examples and interactions with real-life situations you may encounter during your career. These allow you to learn by experience with circumstances similar to what will be your daily responsibilities on the job.

Engaging and Interactive

Our training curriculum was developed with you in mind, looking at modern day learners and their needs. Our curriculum contains a mix of formats including reading, listening, watching, and interacting that will immerse you into a fun and engaging learning experience you will not only enjoy but not want to end.

Program Description

FAQ

To request more information, you can contact us via online chat, our website contact form, or toll free at 1-855-201-6910.

Online courses are accessible 24/7/365 and self-paced, allowing you to progress at your own pace on your own schedule. They can be taken from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. Classroom courses have a set schedule of the days and times the courses will be held, and you must attend during those specific times.

Find out if online learning is right for you by contacting our team of registration advisers. Our team is available to answer any of your questions about taking an online course before you commit to enrolling. We will walk you through what to expect to ensure you are making the right decision. You can contact a registration adviser today via online chat, our website contact form, or toll free at 1-855-201-6910.

No, you are not required to have a diploma or higher education degree to enroll in an online course. However, some occupations may require minimum educational thresholds for employment or certification. For more information on your desired career requirements, please contact us via online chat, our website contact form, or toll free at 1-855-201-6910.

To take an online course, you will need to have access to an internet connection and an internet ready device such as a laptop, PC, or tablet. For course specific requirements, please visit the course page or contact a registration adviser today.

Our courses are developed with multiple formats including text, audio, video, and interactivity. Our courses also include multiple resources and tools which can include flashcards, games, activities, and more.

No, you can take the online courses from anywhere in the world.

We participate in several financial assistance options including third party funding, both military and non-military. To request more information on the financial assistance options available and check your eligibility, contact us via online chat, our website contact form, or toll free at 1-855-201-6910.

Duration is the amount of time you will receive access to your course. Durations vary by course and range between 1 month and 12 months. If you complete your course before your duration ends you will continue to have access to your course until the duration period ends.

Many of our career training programs include certification vouchers. This means that at the successful completion of your course, at no additional charge, you will receive an exam voucher for the corresponding industry certification. This voucher will allow you to register and sit for the appropriate certification exam to obtain your industry credential.

Our online courses are open enrollment, so you can start immediately. If you are using any third-party funding to cover your course tuition, your start date may be a future date determined by your funding program.

Once enrolled, you will be assigned a client adviser who will provide you with customer and technical support. Your client adviser will supply you with your course access information, any needed materials, and be available to answer any questions you have during your training experience. They will regularly check-in with you to monitor your progress and assist you with staying on track. You will also be assigned to a course mentor who will provide curriculum support throughout your training. Your mentor is available to answer any questions you have on your course curriculum, will monitor your progress and understanding of the curriculum, and may give assignments or quizzes.

If you experience any trouble accessing your course including technical issues or lost login credentials, please contact your client adviser at Austin Peay State University.

Our goal for students is to successfully complete their training course and achieve their career goals. We understand that extenuating circumstances can interfere with your ability to complete your course in the duration given. Because of this we have free or low-cost extensions available for our courses upon request. To discuss or request an extension please contact your client adviser at Austin Peay State University.

Upon successful completion of your course and fulfillment of any outstanding financial obligations, you will receive your certificate of completion. Certificates are provided to you within 30 days of completion. Your certificate will validate the training course you completed with a stamp of completion.

Students that successfully complete our career training programs are assigned a career development adviser who will coordinate placement at a local externship or hands on opportunity. These opportunities are optional and may vary based on availability and occupation. Your career development adviser will also provide job search services such as: resume building, mock interviews, job opportunity resources, and more. Our professional enrichment courses do not come with a career adviser or career services.

6 Reasons to Complete Your Training With Us

Program Description

FAQ

Any Questions?