Course Descriptions

This course introduces students to the core issues that have given rise to the current social entrepreneurship movement. Students will become familiar with the essentials of social innovation through the lens of entrepreneurship. Students will begin to develop skills demonstrated by successful social entrepreneurs, including working in complex social and cultural environments. They will explore the overlapping and often contrary issues that confront an aspiring social innovator. 

This course examines the intricate and complex issues that a social enterprise faces and equips the student with some basic tools and techniques for developing the conceptual framework for a social enterprise.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the essential elements of successful business strategy and financing. Students will create a business canvas and will gain an understanding of basic principles in accounting, financing models, equity financing, and investing. In addition, students will be exposed to different types of funding including crowdfunding, angel investors, grants, and venture capital. At the end of the course, students will be able to develop a sustainable business and financing model to advance their health or social innovation concepts. Emphasis will be placed on principles of growth strategies and scaling growth opportunities and other social enterprises: A benefits approach.

In this course, students learn how to conduct a market analysis and apply the marketing mix as it relates to health and social enterprises. Students will employ techniques to market their ideas effectively using best practices in digital marketing, SEO, social media, and public relations. Emphasis is placed on customer discovery, determining segments and positioning, the importance of branding, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing management. By the end of the course students will be able to develop a marketing plan for their health and social venture and examining marketing needs in context of their goals and business strategy.