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.
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
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.
Hear from University of Notre Dame
Course Designed by University of Notre Dame Faculty
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.
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 and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your Profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.