Spring 2026 Semester
February 12 – Week 5: Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI
- Decode AI in entrepreneurship: Understand what artificial intelligence really means for startups and how it’s reshaping industries, innovation, and business models.
- Assess risks and ethics: Learn to identify potential pitfalls—such as data privacy, bias, and job disruption—and how to navigate them responsibly.
- Leverage AI for growth: Explore practical ways entrepreneurs can use AI tools to streamline operations, enhance creativity, and scale smarter.
- Manage the leap: Gain strategies for adapting your mindset, skill set, and leadership approach to thrive in an AI-driven entrepreneurial landscape.
February 19 – Week 6: Building Your Brand and Competitive Advantage
- Define your unique value: Learn how to identify what sets your venture apart and communicate it clearly to your target audience.
- Craft a cohesive brand identity: Explore how visuals, messaging, and mission work together to build credibility and connection.
- Analyze your market: Understand your competition and how to position your brand strategically for long-term success.
- Leverage storytelling for impact: Discover how to share your brand story in ways that attract customers, partners, and investors.
February 26 – Week 7: Business Ethics
- Ethical decision-making in gray areas
- Accountability and integrity in everyday actions
- Speaking up and creating a safe, ethical culture
Fall 2025 Semester
September 4 – Week 1: Identifying Resources to Launch
- What do you really need to start?
- Mapping out time, money, connections, and capabilities
- Intro to lean startup thinking
September 11 – Week 2: Customer Interviews + Industry Analysis
- Interviewing potential customers
- Performing industry and competitor analysis
- Hands-on: Peer interview practice
September 18 – Week 3: Entrepreneurial Resource Fair
- Explore OSU and Columbus-area resources for student entrepreneurs
- Meet with support organizations, mentors, and funding opportunities
- Open networking + giveaways
September 25 – Week 4: Pricing and Promotions for Retail Ventures
- Understanding retail pricing strategies
- How to create promotional plans that attract customers
- Preparing for the BuckeyeMade Market
October 2 – Week 5: Who’s Your Customer + Marketing 101
- Segmentation, targeting, and positioning
- Marketing strategies for early-stage businesses
- Social media and content basics
- Outsourcing marketing services
October 9 – Week 6: Intellectual Property Protection
- Understanding IP for entrepreneurs
- Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
- How to protect your ideas and brand
October 16 – No Session (Fall Break)
October 30 – Week 8: Business Setup Essentials
- Business insurance
- EINs and bank accounts
- Legal structures (LLC, S-corp, etc.)
November 6 – Week 9: Systems You Need to Launch
- Bookkeeping (QuickBooks, Wave)
- POS & payment systems (Square, PayPal, Stripe)
- Website and social media integration
- Outsourcing accounting services
November 13 – Week 10: Hiring & Compliance
- Employees vs. contractors
- Payroll basics
- Beneficial ownership reporting
- Non-US citizens as employees or owners
- Outsourcing HR services
November 20 – Week 11: SBIR/STTR for Defense-Related Ventures
- Introduction to SBIR/STTR programs
- How to apply for early-stage funding in defense innovation
- Tips for aligning with Department of Defense priorities and partners
December 4 – Week 12: Finance Deep Dive
- Balance sheet, income statement, cash flow
- What investors look for
- Assessing financial patterns
