Graph depicting the up and down of business

Business: From Startup to Success

Next available start date:

August 4, 2024

Apply Now

Launching a new business can be risky, but well worth the investment of time, money, and effort if you take the right steps. This course guides you through the fundamentals and exciting inner workings of the world of business. Analyze companies like Lululemon, Nike, and AT&T, and identify an opportunity of your own to create a hypothetical startup business. You’ll learn the basic legal, accounting, and tax considerations. You’ll practice reading financial statements, market insights, and apply growth strategies that will take you from startup, to established business, to going public.

Program Dates

Choose the course length that works for you: 2- and 4-week sessions

Eligibility

For students ages 13 and up

Individual Course Fees

$1,495

Become a Business Insider 

Define the Key Components of a Business

Learn how to differentiate between private and public businesses, and identify the steps required for launch. Explore how businesses read financial data and make money.

Review Types of Businesses; Their Benefits and Drawbacks

What are the differences between corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships? Know which is most appropriate for specific types of businesses, and describe their obligations and liabilities.

Learn the Language of Business

Review the two main financial business statements, the income statement, and balance sheet. See how each is evaluated for financial operations and strengths.

Know the Key Strategies for Growing a Business

Delve into the concepts and strategies used to achieve sound financial growth. Come up with plans to enhance financial performance through pricing, asset purchases, mergers and acquisitions.

Make the Move to Go Public

You’ve reached the point of financial maturity where it makes sense to go public. Understand the benefits, risks, and drawbacks associated with this critical business decision.

Explore Careers and Entrepreneur Businesses 

Learn about potential business school majors and the types of financial, technical, strategic, and planning skills valuable to start and grow a successful enterprise.

Teenage girl sitting in front of computer completing a pre-college course

How You Will Benefit

  • Understand the risks associated with the creation and operation of a new business
  • Know how to analyze and select an appropriate entity to utilize for a business startup
  • Be able to review financial data and statements in order to maximize the value of new business investment decisions
  • Position yourself to succeed in business school and in business
  • Complete a Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
  • Earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame

Three Learning Advantages Designed for You

Capstone Project

All online courses culminate in a capstone project that allows you to:

  • Launch of a hypothetical electric vehicle company
  • Determine where to operate, the type of business entity that you recommend (corporation, partnership, or limited liability company), and create a plan to purchase/acquire a battery manufacturer 
  • Use the knowledge you’ve gained in the course to write a credible business plan that includes a strategy to take your business public within six to eight years

Mentoring

You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:

  • Encouragement and direction on all assignments
  • Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies
  • Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Capstone Project

Flexible Learning

  • 100% online learning that works with your schedule
  • Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you
  • 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors

Apply Now for the Next Available Course

August 4 - August 18

Length: 2 weeks

Cost: $1,495.00

Application Deadline: Sunday, July 28, 2024

August 11 - August 25

Length: 2 weeks

Cost: $1,495.00

Application Deadline: Sunday, August 4, 2024

September 8 - October 6

Length: 4 weeks

Cost: $1,495.00

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 1, 2024

All course options have the same educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. We are offering a condensed version of the course in order to accommodate students’ individual schedules.

Course Designed by University of Notre Dame Faculty

James Arthur O’Brien, CPA, Esq.

James Arthur O’Brien, CPA, Esq.

Assistant Chairman, Department of Accountancy, University of Notre Dame

James O'Brien is a "Double Domer" ('88, '93 J.D.), a teaching professor in the accountancy department at the Mendoza College of Business, a CPA, and an attorney. O'Brien has taught business law, accounting, and tax courses for more than 25 years at Notre Dame.

Boy sitting at computer applying to a Notre Dame pre-college course

How to Apply

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.

Note: Please submit all application materials in English.

Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Want to know more?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch!

Frequently asked questions

When will you find out if you’ve been accepted? How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time will you get to complete a project?Answers to your questions are here.

Admissions

Our application is simple. You can expect a prompt decision.

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:

  • Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
  • Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
  • Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.nd.edu for assistance.