Stage 1 -
BASICS: In primary grades, junior high and high
school, students should experience various facets of
business ownership. At this first stage the focus is
on understanding the basics of our economy, career
opportunities that result, and the need to master
basic skills to be successful in a free market
economy. Motivation to learn and a sense of
individual opportunity are the special outcomes at
this stage of the lifelong learning model.
Stage 2 -
COMPETENCY AWARENESS: The students will learn to
speak the language of business, and see the problems
from the small business owner's point of view. This
is particularly needed in vocational education. The
emphasis is on beginning competencies that may be
taught as an entire entrepreneurship class or
included as part of other courses related to
entrepreneurship. For example, cash flow problems
could be used in a math class and sales
demonstrations could be part of a communications
class.
Stage 3 -
CREATIVE APPLICATIONS: There is so much to learn
about starting a business it is not surprising that
so many businesses have trouble. We teach future
doctors for many years, but we have expected a small
business owner to learn everything by attending
several Saturday seminars. At this stage, students
can take time to explore business ideas and a
variety of ways to plan the business. Although it is
still only an educational experience, students must
gain a greater depth and breadth of knowledge than
either of the previous stages. This stage encourages
students to create a unique business idea and carry
the decision-making process through a complete
business plan.
Stage 4 -
STARTUP: After adults have had time to gain job
experience and/or further education, many are in
need of special assistance in putting a business
idea together. Community education programs are
widely available in the vocational schools,
community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities
to provide startup help. The U.S. Small Business
Administration sponsors many of these training
programs.
Stage 5 -
GROWTH: Often business owners do not seek help
until it is almost too late. A series of continuing
seminars or support groups can help the entrepreneur
recognize potential problems and deal with them in
time.
Educators at
each of these stages of entrepreneurship should
focus on their own special outcomes, and reach out
for partnerships with educators at other levels of
this lifelong learning process. There is room for
entrepreneurship in some way everywhere in our
educational system.
