College offers small business course over winter break

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College offers small business course over winter break
Hillsdale will offer a small business seminar over winter break, covering a variety of topics including finances and economics. Pexels

Hillsdale College is holding a seminar over winter break, “How to Start and Manage a Small Business.” The three-credit course includes sections on finance, marketing, management, human resources, and business and tax law.

The seminar runs from Dec. 17 to 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, providing two meals and several breaks throughout the day. The course, which costs $999, aims to teach future business owners theories, concepts, problem analysis techniques, and communication skills to help small businesses.

In the first half of each day, students will participate in lectures and class discussions on each of the five topics while taking notes and completing assignments. During the second half of each class, students will independently research the business idea and begin putting together a plan to submit at the end of the class. Over winter break, the student is expected to spend at least 20 more hours conducting additional research and refining the business plan to be presented in January.

Registrar Douglas McArthur said the college has offered these seminars longer than he can remember. The seminar needs at least 14 students to sign up in order to offer the course. The final day to register is Monday, Dec. 3.

According to Susan King, professor of marketing and director of the seminar, $999 for this three-credit course is a great deal.

“The seminar is partially funded by a generous donation,” she wrote in an email. “The remaining funding comes from a reduced tuition cost.”

King said she believes the structure of the course offers a great opportunity for students. “The intensive nature of the course allows students to focus solely on preparing a preliminary business development plan suitable for seeking financial support,” she wrote.

Each topic is taught on a different day and by a different professor. Douglas McArthur plans to teach the human resources section with Associate Professor of Psychology Kari McArthur. Both have a background in human resources.

Douglas McArthur said he was excited to teach a part of the seminar. “The general feeling about these seminars is positive,” he said. “Student feedback says that they think it’s been really helpful.”