The Real Business Experience

In just one semester, sophomore students form teams, create a business idea, and start and run a real business. The class is facilitated by faculty and professional mentors with impressive professional experience. Teams spend the semester managing all facets of their business from concept, manufacturing, budgeting, to marketing.

Each team is offered a loan by the University that must be repaid by the end of the semester. Every team donates 10 percent of their profits to a local charity and then the team members hare the rest of the profits.

The culminating event is a proof-of-concept sales pitch in front of a mock investment panel. Students gain valuable business experience and begin building a resumé with real successes to share.

63
Successful Business Started (2023–2024)
$59,000
Profits Generated (2023–2024)
$6,000
Donated to Charity (2023–2024)

Current Student Story

“As the CEO of my company Indy Eclipse, I was able to gain skills in leadership and management as I lead our group, ensured deadlines were met, our efforts were consistent, and our goals were on track. Everything about this course paralleled real-world experiences, from sales to marketing to finance, and more. It was so rewarding to see the end results and our product in the real world, too.”

Marianna Green
International Business and Spanish double major
Jasper, Indiana