Entrepreneurship Minor

Coordinator: Chris Roeder
Phone: (540) 568-3143            
Email: roedercc@jmu.edu

The entrepreneurship minor is designed to introduce students from any discipline to the knowledge, skills and mindset necessary for successful new venture creation. The minor is open to students in any major except management, which offers a track in innovation and entrepreneurship.  

Students who successfully complete the entrepreneurship minor will develop the knowledge base and skills needed for new venture creation and management. They will be able to:

• Understand entrepreneurship as a possible career path, its role in economic growth and opportunity, and its associated social benefits.
• Recognize/identify entrepreneurial opportunities that fit the individual student. Includes self-analysis in the context of possible entrepreneurial activities and demonstration of the ability to identify and analyze the attractiveness of potential markets.
• Develop a business model and create a business plan. This includes completing a clear and concise written plan that serves as a blueprint for creation of the proposed venture.
• Apply relevant financial and business principles to assess the need for start-up capital, conduct break even analysis and identify cash flow needed for future growth.
• Identify and evaluate various sources of funding.
• Articulate an effective pitch to gain support from investors, suppliers, customers or potential employees.
• Interact and collaborate with various stakeholders to develop and evaluate ideas, and grow those ideas to fruition.

Special Admission Requirements

Admission to the minor is competitive. To be considered for admission into the entrepreneurship minor students will need to submit an application packet to the entrepreneurship minor coordinator. Applications are accepted from 10/1 - 10/18 in the fall, and from 3/2 - 3/20 in the spring. An application is required and includes:

• A completed application form.
• An unofficial transcript.
• Responses to essay questions on the applicant’s entrepreneurial experience and goals.
• Proof of good academic standing.

Students may request permission to count two three-credit electives from their major as their ENTP electives. These courses must be related to innovation and/or entrepreneurship, and they must be approved by the minor coordinator.

All electives must be approved by the coordinator, and students should check with an advisor or the coordinator for the most updated list of suggested electives, as the list can change.