Description

Throughout this hands-on course, students ideate, develop, and iterate their product or service startup in an attempt to gain investment funds in a final pitch event. Real entrepreneurs and business experts serve as volunteer coaches and mentors guiding student teams through the processes of developing hypotheses about a business concept, testing those hypotheses, adapting, and continually learning and improving. The businesses students build are real – they are not business cases or simulated experiences – which means students experience mistakes, take risks, and learn to pivot based on market needs. Students leave the course with a completed Business Model Canvas, competitive analysis, financial model, minimum viable product, pitch deck, future communications plan, and future funding plan.

On-the-Job Training

Students may be selected to participate in a work-study program during the semester prior to graduation. Selection is based on classroom work, attendance, work attitude, reliability and appearance.

Class Business

Students in the Entrepreneurship program gain real-world, hands-on experience by running the class business. From day one, they step into key roles such as business owner, marketing manager, inventory coordinator, financial manager, and customer service lead. This immersive approach helps students build practical skills in leadership, teamwork, budgeting, communication, and business strategy—preparing them for future success in any career path.

Who Can Attend?

High School Students / Adults

Scheduling Information

Adult and High School Students:

Full-time: 8:00am-3:00pm

Part-time: 8:00am-11:00am

or

Part-time: 12:00pm-3:00pm

Application Process

High School Students: Applications can be obtained in the counseling offices of your local high school and returned to your high school counselor.

Adult Students: Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Office located on the SWTC campus at 711 W. Tamarack Rd. in Altus.

• There are two recommendation forms that will need to be filled out by a professional reference as well as a personal friend.

• Adult students are required to take entrance assessments. Assessments are proctored in the testing center at the SWTC Campus by appointment. To make an appointment for assessments please call the SWTC Testing Liaison at (580) 477-2250.

Employment Opportunities

SWTC builds partnerships with business and industry in the southwest Oklahoma area to find opportunities for work-based experiences and student placement. Or start your own business.

Industry Certifications

Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB)

Precision Exam Entrepreneurship

Marketing

Stukent

Digital Marketing

Financial Aid

Southwest Technology Center offers and has access to a variety of financial aid options for those who qualify and plan on attending a full-time training program. Although SWTC does not offer any type of students loans, our staff will help you through the process.

Contact Monica Cox, Financial Aid Coordinator at (580) 480-4734 for more information.

Tuition

The current in-district rate ($2.50 per class hour) will be charged to those students residing in a technology center school district. All other students will be charged the out-of-district tuition rate ($5 per class hour). In addition, lab fees, supplies and textbooks may be required.

Location

711 West Tamarack Rd.
Altus, OK 73521