Practicum in Entrepreneurship

Practicum in Entrepreneurship (CTE Capstone Course)

Grade Level: 12
Credits: 1 - 2 (based on schedule)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Entrepreneurship or a related business/marketing course
Location: On-campus and/or approved internship site
Recommended for: Students interested in launching a business, managing projects, or gaining real-world business experience.

Course Description:

The Practicum in Entrepreneurship is a career and technical education (CTE) capstone course designed to give students hands-on experience in owning, operating, or managing a business. Whether working independently or in teams, students will apply knowledge from previous business and marketing courses to plan, launch, and organize a real or simulated business venture.

This course blends classroom instruction with work-based learning, offering students the opportunity to solve real-world problems, develop a product or service, pitch their ideas, and manage finances, marketing, and operations. Students may also participate in internships or mentorships with local businesses or community partners.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Write and present a comprehensive business plan
  
  

• Apply marketing, finance, and management strategies in a real-world setting
  
  

• Demonstrate professional communication and customer service skills
  
  

• Manage and track business performance and adjust strategies accordingly
  
  

• Understand legal, ethical, and financial considerations of entrepreneurship

Opportunities and Benefits:

• Fulfill a CTE Practicum graduation endorsement
  
  

• Participate in internships or mentorship programs
  
  

• Collaborate with local business leaders or incubators
  
  

• Compete in DECA, FBLA, or other entrepreneurship contests
  
  

• Build a professional portfolio and gain experience for college applications or career pathways

Ideal for Students Who:

• Are self-motivated and creative thinkers
  
  

• Want to turn a passion or idea into a real-world project
  
  

• Enjoy working with others and solving problems
  
  

• Are considering majors or careers in business, marketing, management, or finance

Practicum In Entrepreneurship Syllabus

Practicum in Entrepreneurship Year At A Glance Documents

Practicum in Entrepreneurship – Year-at-a-Glance (Texas)

Grade Level: 12 • Credits: 1-2 • TEKS-Aligned • Duration: Full Year • Format: Classroom + Work-Based Learning/Internship

1st Six Weeks – Orientation & Exploration

Focus Areas:

• Course Overview, Expectations, and Safety

• Career Interest Exploration

• Goal Setting and Time Management

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship and TEKS

Key Assignments:

• Career Interest Inventory

• Personal Career Goals

• Entrepreneur Biography Project

• Business Idea Brainstorming

TEKS: (c)(1), (2), (3)

2nd Six Weeks – Idea Development & Research

Focus Areas:

• Business Model Canvas Introduction

• Market Research Techniques

• Identifying Target Markets

• Competitive Analysis

Key Assignments:

• Business Idea Proposal

• Target Market Profile

• Competitor Comparison Chart

• Draft Business Model Canvas

TEKS: (c)(4), (6), (8)

3rd Six Weeks – Planning & Financial Foundations

Focus Areas:

• Business Plan Development

• Budgeting & Startup Costs

• Revenue Models and Forecasting

• Basic Accounting Principles

Key Assignments:

• Budget & Financial Projections

• Business Plan Draft (Parts 1-3)

• Classroom Business Simulation

TEKS: (c)(5), (9), (10)

4th Six Weeks – Branding & Legal Foundations

Focus Areas:

• Marketing Strategy & Promotion

• Branding & Logo Design

• Business Structures & Licensing

• Legal/Ethical Considerations in Business

Key Assignments:

• Create Marketing Materials

• Elevator Pitch Practice

• Business Structure & Registration Plan

• Mid-Year Business Plan Review

TEKS: (c)(6), (12), (13), (15)

5th Six Weeks – Product Development & Launch Planning

Focus Areas:

• Finalizing Product/Service

• Developing Customer Experience Strategy

• Funding & Investment Sources

• Internship or Business Launch Prep

Key Assignments:

• Prototype/Service Outline

• Customer Survey/Feedback

• Funding Presentation

• Final Business Plan & Portfolio Compilation Begins

TEKS: (c)(10), (11), (14), (16)

6th Six Weeks – Implementation & Reflection

Focus Areas:

• Business Launch or Internship Execution

• Sales and Operations Management

• Customer Feedback and Iteration

• End-of-Year Reflection and Final Portfolio

Key Assignments:

• Final Pitch to Panel/Community

• Internship Log or Business Journal

• Professional Portfolio Submission

• Reflection Essay

TEKS: (c)(17), (18), (19), (20), (21)