The Applied Entrepreneurship / Franchise Venture course teaches students the foundational knowledge necessary to explore franchise ventures. The course focuses on the evaluation of potential markets and feasibility studies, financial projections and statements, operational strategy development, legal issues and human resources for franchises, and accounting and tax topics.

In this course, students will learn about the breadth of local businesses in Durango and La Plata county. Students investigate the advantages and challenges of running a business in a small, isolated area like Durango by touring local facilities and meeting with local business owners/CEOs.

In this course, students develop skills in generating new and original ideas, increase their ability to convert ideas into action and success, and increase their knowledge and skill in creative problem solving as applied to business scenarios. The course is a hands-on experiential format where students learn by doing.

This course covers the specific areas of new business ventures and small business operations. Students build upon previously taken courses to further develop their abilities to take their business idea to market. This course includes topics such as the business model canvas, competitive positioning, marketing model, operations model, financial model, and investment model. 

This course involves directed experience performing the professional duties and responsibilities of a business organization. Students are required to keep a detailed journal and complete a term paper. The business organization and assigned college faculty member evaluate each student's  performance.