This book introduces students to business concepts experientially as they develop a business plan for a fictional business the student creates. With each chapter, the student learns introductory concepts and then applies those concepts to their business plan. This method of introducing students to business concepts encourages the student to apply new concepts as well as connect concepts covered in prior chapters.

The text comes with free downloadable templates for the business plan including financial projections which are particularly difficult at the introductory level.

Instructors are encouraged to have students work either individually or in teams and present the business plan at the end of semester as if they are seeking financing from a bank of venture capital group.

This book is the first in a series of practical guides that help business students learn and then apply new concepts.

Dr. Jay Dewhurst writes as any strong-minded academic would write, with research and exploration. The difference in this book is that he writes from years of personal experience as an entrepreneur.

You are about to gain invaluable knowledge and understanding without having to do all the research…he has done it for you, and has given the subject matter the advantage of his experiences.

As a former professor, I will tell you that this book is one of those you will keep for valuable reference for a long time to come.

Dr. Dewhurst has spent most of his adult years investing in business ventures. He has become expert in his knowledge of how to begin and cause a business to become profitable. He has been a mentor to scores of young adults who want to learn the unique career of being an entrepreneur.

Jay is a world traveler, imparting his knowledge and experience through seminars and workshops in many countries. He is a loving husband, doting father, and grandfather.

I am honored to recommend this book to all who choose to read it.

– Ross C. Harrison (Ret.) Educator/Minister

• Note to Instructors
• Foreword
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction

1. An Introduction to Business
   1. Introductory Concepts in Business
   2. What is a business?
   3. Entrepreneurship
   4. Macro and Micro Economics
   5. Accounting and Financial Management
   6. Marketing
   7. Human Resource Management
   8. The Legal Environment in Business
   9. Banking and Securities
   10. Business Information Systems
   11. Global Business Environment
2. The Business Plan
   1. Determine the Potential for Profits
   2. Determine Market Viability
   3. Getting Financing
3. The Concept
   1. Knowledge to Action
   2. Building Leadership Skills
4. Marketing
   1. Product
   2. Price
   3. Place
   4. Promotion
5. General Management and Operations
   1. Management Theory
   2. The Daily Activities of a Manager
   3. Summary
6. Accounting and Finance
   1. Accounting Basics
   2. How to use the Statements
   3. The Profit and Loss Statement
   4. The Balance Sheet
   5. Budgeting
   6. Manual vs Computerized Accounting
   7. Payroll and Employment Taxes
   8. Federal Issues
   9. State and Local
7. Budgeting and Breakeven Analysis
   1. Cost Volume-Profit Analysis
   2. Breakeven
   3. Using the Break-Even Analysis
   4. The Flexible Budget
8. Financial Statement Analysis
   1. Liquidity Ratios
   2. Leverage Ratio
   3. Profitability Ratios
   4. Turnover Ratio
   5. Overall Analysis
9. Bringing It All Together
   1. The Overall Plan
   2. The Concept
   3. Marketing
   4. Management
   5. Accounting /Finance and Budgeting
   6. Financial Statement Analysis
   7. Appendices/Attachments
   8. Review and Editing
10. Wisdom from the Trenches
    1. Charles Schoen, CPA
    2. Keefe Duterte
    3. Richard Coleman
    4. Conclusive Remarks

• Appendix A
• Appendix B: Sample Business Plan
• Executive Summary

1. Objectives
   1. Mission
   2. Company Ownership
   3. Wound Care Equipment
   4. Respiratory Care Equipment
2. Market Analysis Summary
   1. Target Market Segment Strategy
   2. Industry Analysis
   3. Strategy and Implementation Summary
   4. Marketing Strategy
   5. Sales Strategy
   6. Milestones
   7. Management Summary
   8. Financial Plan
   9. Financials and Attachments