business plan wharton

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Wharton Business Plan Competition Venture Finals

Since its launch in 1998, the Wharton community has taken great pride in the success and recognition of the Wharton Business Plan Competition (WBPC). As part of Wharton Entrepreneurship , the WBPC spans the entire academic year, helping student entrepreneurs develop and launch their businesses.

The WBPC Venture Finals are taking place today, allowing the “Great Eight” finalists to showcase their business plans to a group of distinguished judges . Today’s event brings together current students, alumni and leaders from the entrepreneurial community. Recently, the Wharton Entrepreneurship team held Q&A’s with 7 of the 8 finalists to provide further insight into their business plan and their vision behind it. To learn more, check out their recent blog post .

Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program

Pitch your ideas to blue-chip Silicon Valley venture capital firms. Seed funding of $10,000 for the winner of the pitch competition!

Get Your Brochure

May 2, 2024

3 months, online 3-4 hours per week

PROGRAM FEE

US$1,950 US$1,794 and get US$195 off with a referral

For Your Team

Enroll your team and learn with your peers

Learning is better with your colleagues

Our participants tell us that taking this program together with their colleagues helps to share common language and accelerate impact.

We hope you find the same. Special pricing is available for groups.

The benefit of learning together with your friend is that you keep each other accountable and have meaningful discussions about what you're learning.

Congratulations!

Based on the information you provided, your team is eligible for a special discount, for Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program starting on May 2, 2024 .

We’ve sent you an email with enrollment next steps. If you’re ready to enroll now, click the button below.

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Program fee, us$1,950 us$1,794, why enroll in wharton’s entrepreneurship acceleration program.

The Formula to Accelerate Your Business Enroll in this program and dramatically increase the odds of success by learning how to:

• Pick the right business model There are many different types of business models. Survey the range of options, including the disruptive model, the architecture model, the value chain model, and the efficiency model, with examples of each type. Utilize the Business Model Canvas tool to help you decide on your model.
• Build the right team Learn about the Three Rs of founding teams — relationships, roles, and rewards — and the three critical questions entrepreneurs must address when setting up their company. Topics include allocating equity, founder’s agreements, hiring key management, and finding technical resources.
• Choose the right financing approach Raising funds to scale is one of the biggest challenges that startups face. Learn about the various financing pathways available and the tradeoffs for each type. Topics include equity financing valuations, equity financing terms, and term sheets.
• Ramp up sales and scale the business In order to drive sales, you need a foundational understanding of your potential customers and markets. Considerations such as the rate of adoption of new products help with demand forecasting. Understand the importance of creating a growth culture and different expansion strategies, such as vertical and horizontal expansion.

Your Learning Experience

Through a mix of live and recorded faculty video sessions, assignments, quizzes, and interactive discussions moderated by teaching assistants, your learning journey culminates in a pitch to the Wharton team and renowned venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital, Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Ved Capital and Walnut Venture . The winner and runner-up of this pitch competition will be awarded seed funds of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Note: Seed funding cannot be used for personal expenses. It must be used to develop the business cited in the final pitch. The seed funding will not dilute equity positions. T&C apply.

Your Business or Idea

Regardless of stage of maturity

Real-World Examples

Delivered through a mix of recorded and live online lectures with faculty and guests

Discussion Boards

Moderated by subject-matter experts

Seed Money for Pitch Winners

Awarded to top two pitches, and everyone improves in the process

Program Topics

Learn how to apply the "lean approach": transform a good idea into a successful business venture while minimizing risk

Learn how to select founding members, employees, managers, and other key players on your team

Learn how to use innovation and networking to drive your enterprise forward

Learn how to choose the right business model for your venture

Learn how to find markets and create demand for your product

Learn how to apply cost structures and pricing mechanisms to your business and use performance measurement tools effectively

Learn to recruit people who will build your company’s culture and use it to scale up your venture

Learn the various sources of financing available for your business

Learn how to make a wise decision about venture capital or alternative funding and how to estimate a breakeven point

Create executive summaries and pitch decks for your business and understand how the exit of founding shareholders affects liquidity

Participate in a business plan competition with your peers and create a pitch for your own venture. The winner of the competition and the runner-up will win a substantial cash prize to use for seed funding (rules and restrictions apply).

Business Plan Competition

Participate in a business plan competition with your peers in which you will create a pitch for your own venture. The winner of the competition and the runner-up will win a substantial cash prize to use for seed funding (rules and restrictions apply).

The judging criteria are focused on the customer value proposition, which includes size of market, competitive landscape, and clear differentiation; economic model of the venture; go-to-market plan; and the capabilities and background of the team.

Members of the Wharton entrepreneurship community, with support from program leaders, will review the plans submitted for consideration and will select the top seven business plans as semi-finalists.

What Was the Best Part of the Program for the Participants?

"…the business plan contest, forcing me to apply everything I’ve learned.” — Elissavet F., Health Care Professional

"…the session on financial statements and exit strategies.” — Raf H., CEO and Founder, Kukun Inc.

"…the peer reviews were really helpful.” — Fallon T., CEO, Tur Swimwear

"More than two years after winning the Wharton EAP pitch contest, AtYourGate is now the industry leader in mobile ordering and delivery inside airports. As COVID-19 affected travel so dramatically, we pivoted from convenience to safety — and are launching in 16 new airports in Q2 of 2021. This program exceeded my expectations."

— PJ Mastracchio, Founder and CEO, AtYourGate Business Plan Competition Winner (2018)

"When I joined Wharton’s EAP , my initial research had been done and my company was in motion. This program gave me the confidence to scale the venture and validated my concept by virtue of being runner-up in the pitch competition. They ran a rehearsal pitch with me, offered insights on structuring equity offers, and much more. I highly recommend Wharton’s EAP program for anyone serious about scaling their own venture."

— Rajpreet Kaur, Founder of SayCheese.life Former VP at HSBC Bank and Head of Derivatives at Bharti Airtel Limited, India Business Plan Competition 1st Runner-Up (2020)

Want to know what ideas won the Wharton Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program business plan competition since it started in 2018?

Interviews and industry examples.

The Wharton Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program features in-depth interviews with company founders and representatives from startups and established venture capitalist firms.

• Big Ass Fans
• Forerunner Ventures
• Greylock Partners

The online program also features examples of startups and established companies that were once startups. It will cover multiple industries, including consumer packaged goods, ecommerce, internet, media and entertainment, and technology.

• Harry’s Blades
• Dollar Shave Club
• The Walt Disney Company
• Bandar Foods
• Silicon Valley Bank
• Kickstarter
• Belle-V Kitchen
• Wholly Moly

Note: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

Program Faculty

Jagmohan S. Raju

Joseph J. Aresty Professor; Executive Director, Wharton Co-Sponsorship of Indian School of Business; Professor of Marketing, The Wharton School

Karl Ulrich

CIBC Endowed Professor; Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions; Professor of Management; and Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Ethan Mollick

Ralph J. Roberts Distinguished Faculty Scholar; Associate Professor of Management; Academic Director, Wharton interactive

Kartik Hosanagar

John C. Hower Professor; Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions

Lori Rosenkopf

Simon and Midge Palley Professor

Academic Director, Richard A. Sapp Professor; Professor of Management

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Wharton School.

Note: After successful completion of the online program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wharton School. This online certificate program does not grant academic credit or a degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Explore other recommended programs from Wharton Executive Education

• Scaling a Business: How to Build a Unicorn 6 Weeks, Online Master the realities of building a unicorn and learn strategies to help you scale your startup or business to unicorn status. Learn more

How do I know if this program is right for me?

After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email [email protected], and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.

Are there any prerequisites for this program?

Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.

Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.

What is the typical class profile?

More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.

What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

How much time is required each week?

Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.

How will my time be spent?

We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:

• Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
• Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
• Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
• Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
• Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
• Completing your final project, if required

The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.

What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded. All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course. A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.

How do I interact with other program participants?

Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life. This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.

What type of certificate will I receive?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile. The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.

Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.

How long will I have access to the learning materials?

You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date . Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.

Do I need to be online to access the program content?

Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.

What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

• Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE ).
• Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email [email protected].

What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.

I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.

How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.

Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.

How can I obtain a W9 form?

Please connect with us via email for assistance.

What is the policy on refunds and withdrawals?

You may request a full refund within seven days of your payment or 14 days after the published start date of the program, whichever comes later. If your enrollment had previously been deferred, you will not be entitled to a refund. Partial (or pro-rated) refunds are not offered. All withdrawal and refund requests should be sent to [email protected].

What is the policy on deferrals?

After the published start date of the program, you have until the midpoint of the program to request to defer to a future cohort of the same program. A deferral request must be submitted along with a specified reason and explanation. Cohort changes may be made only once per enrollment and are subject to availability of other cohorts scheduled at our discretion. This will not be applicable for deferrals within the refund period, and the limit of one deferral per enrollment remains. All deferral requests should be sent to [email protected].

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at [email protected] or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 680 205 5118  (US) / +44 185 845 9995 (UK) / +65 3135 1422 (SG)

Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!

Flexible payment options available. Learn more.

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• Wharton Online

Startup Challenge

Tangen hall, 2nd floor.

115 S 40th Street Philadelphia, PA

Event Organizer - Venture Lab

[email protected]

The Venture Lab Startup Challenge, sponsored by Eric Aroesty, C’92, attracts the best and brightest entrepreneurial minds from across the Penn community as they compete for a chance to win $150,000 in cash and prizes. Each year, nearly 100 student ventures apply for a chance to pitch their ideas in front a panel of notable alumni judges, ranging from fellow entrepreneurs to venture capitalists.

Originally launched as the Wharton Business Plan Competition, and rebranded in 2016, the annual event has grown to feature student ventures from more than half of Penn’s twelve schools, serving as a launch pad for numerous alumni companies such as Aavrani, Halo, Strella Biotechnology, Twine, and more. 

Friday, April 29, 2022 | 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM

MASKS ARE OPTIONAL

Registration is required in advance and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. You may be asked to show your Green OpenPass , so please plan to arrive early.

No fee to attend

MEET OUR JUDGES

MEET OUR FINALISTS HERE

• Outlook (Web)

A business journal from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“Eight Great” Business Plans: Which One Gets the Money?

May 24, 2000 • 9 min read.

On May 1, eight finalists in Wharton’s second annual business plan competition told a panel of seven judges in 10 minutes or less why their business plan deserved to win the first place prize of $25,000. Knowledge at Wharton presents summaries of all eight plans before announcing the first, second and third place winners. It’s a chance to test your abilities to recognize quality business concepts, or at least to see if you agree with the judges. Good luck…

More From Knowledge at Wharton

How Early Adopters of Gen AI Are Gaining Efficiencies

How Is AI Affecting Innovation Management?

Is ChatGPT a Better Entrepreneur Than Most?

Looking for more insights.

Sign up to stay informed about our latest article releases.

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Wharton Online

Academic programs, wharton offers a broad slate of academic programs for every stage from the global youth program to executive education ., and with our focus on  teaching excellence , wharton creates transformative educational experiences for all our students., undergraduate, wharton undergraduate program (bs in economics).

Wharton’s undergraduate degree program offers you business and more — an innovative program that combines business and liberal arts on one Ivy League campus. Students choose specialized areas of study with more than 20 concentrations offered across the 10 different departments. Graduates earn a BS in Economics from the Wharton School.

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The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business (BS /BA)

This unique, four-year interdisciplinary undergraduate program integrates business education, advanced language training, and a liberal arts education. Huntsman graduates earn two degrees — a BA in International Studies from the School of Arts and Sciences and a BS in Economics from Wharton.

The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (BS/BSE or BS/BAS)

The M&T Program focuses on the technical and managerial skills necessary to define and solve problems in today’s complex technologically intensive society. Graduates earn both a BS in Economics from Wharton and either a BS or a BAS in Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management (BA/BS)

The Vagelos Program offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines extensive coursework in both bioscience and business and prepares students for careers in the rapidly expanding life sciences sector. Graduates earn a BA in Life Sciences from the College of Arts and Sciences and a BS in Economics from Wharton.

Nursing & Health Care Management (BS/BS)

This coordinated dual-degree program addresses the dynamic changes in the delivery and financing of health care services in the United States and the public’s concern about the quality, cost, and management of health care. The program combines a BS in Nursing from the School of Nursing with a BS in Economics from Wharton.

Additional Dual Degrees

Wharton students can pursue an additional degree by designing their own dual-degree program, choosing from among more than 50 areas of study at Penn’s three other undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Nursing, and the School of Engineering & Applied Science.

MBA Program (MBA)

The Wharton MBA offers unmatched global options and a distinctly collaborative experience — with more courses and programs than any other business school. Students get the business knowledge and specialized skills to expand career choices and join one of the world’s largest and most prestigious alumni networks.

MBA Program for Executives (MBA)

Available in Philadelphia, San Francisco, or our  new Global cohort, the Wharton MBA for Executives is the full Wharton MBA — the same degree, innovative curriculum, and world-class faculty as in Wharton’s globally acclaimed full-time program – in a specially designed part-time schedule.

Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies (MBA/MA)

The first joint-degree program in international management, the MBA/MA Lauder Program prepares future business leaders by integrating the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies from Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences. The program emphasizes cross-cultural competency and advanced language training.

Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program (JD/MBA)

The Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program is a fully integrated three-year program that combines Wharton’s MBA program with Penn’s elite law school.

Wharton/School of Advanced International Studies (MBA/MA)

This 3-year, dual-degree program, which pioneers area studies and the integration of international politics and economics, is offered with the Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of The Johns Hopkins University in Washington, DC. Students work towards a Wharton MBA and an MA in international relations from SAIS.

Wharton/Engineering (MBA/SEAS)

Combine your Wharton business studies with one of a Penn Engineering’s wide range of disciplines to expand on your experience or pursue a new field of interest.  Students can complete these dual degree programs in anywhere from 4-6 semesters, depending on the specific program’s structure and also the timing of admissions.

Wharton/Kennedy School of Government (MBA/MPA, MBA/MPA/ID, MBA/MPP)

Wharton students may choose one of three dual-degree programs with Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government (KSG): Master in Public Administration, Master in Public Administration/International Development, or Master in Public Policy. All are typically two-year programs, but the dual-degree option allows students to complete the KSG portion of their dual degree over three semesters.

With 12 world-leading graduate and professional schools at Penn, students can select from the following dual-degree options: Biotechnology, Design, Education, Engineering, Law, Medical Sciences, Nursing, and Social Work. This includes the Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program  with Penn Law.

Doctoral Programs

Wharton’s PhD program in Accounting takes a multidisciplinary approach to meeting the needs of today’s complex markets — integrating finance and economics with broader perspectives on organizational issues and the business environment.

Applied Economics

Wharton’s PhD program in Applied Economics gives students the tools and training to get jobs in business schools, public policy programs, and applied-oriented economics departments. Drawing on a large faculty of applied economists across multiple Wharton departments and the Law School, the program allows specialization in a number of areas.

Ethics & Legal Studies

Wharton’s PhD program in Ethics and Legal Studies is the first doctoral program of its kind, built on Wharton’s pioneering work in business ethics. It focuses on ethical and legal norms of conduct in management. Students take core courses in ethics and law in business, plus courses in one additional concentration (e.g., management, finance, marketing, or accounting).

Wharton’s PhD program in Finance provides a solid foundation of the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance, drawing heavily on the discipline of economics. Students prepare for careers at the world’s leading academic institutions in the areas of: Banking and Financial Institutions, Corporate Finance, International Finance, and Financial Instruments and Portfolio Management.

Health Care Management & Economics

Wharton’s PhD program in Health Care Management and Economics provides an interdisciplinary health services research focus applicable across private and public sectors. The program combines intensive training in health care systems and health services research with advanced training in a traditional business discipline.

Wharton’s PhD program in Management is flexible and interdisciplinary, applying social science disciplines and research methods to management problems. It offers specializations in strategy, international business, organizational behavior and theory, and human resource management.

Wharton’s PhD program in Marketing is interdisciplinary — students generate creative ideas and hypotheses, develop the analytical skills needed to evaluate them, and receive the training to communicate them. Students work with faculty who lead in developing new research methodologies and implementing new decision models and techniques in the practice of marketing.

Operations, Information Management, & Decision Processes

Wharton’s PhD program in Operations, Information Management & Decision Processes emphasizes research on real management problems and maintains a balance between theory and implementation. The faculty trains scholars in decision processes, information and decision technologies, information strategy, operations management, and operations research.

Wharton’s PhD program in Statistics allows students to engage in both cutting-edge theory and applied problems. These include problems from a wide variety of fields within Wharton, such as finance, marketing, and public policy, as well as fields across Penn such as biostatistics within the Medical School and computer science within the Engineering School.

Executive Education

Wharton executive education.

Wharton Executive Education provides world-class learning experiences that are delivered live virtual, on campus and online. Our programs are innovative, evidence-based, practical, and results-focused to prepare individuals and organizations for greater success and to have an immediate impact.

Open Enrollment for Individuals

Our highly interactive on-campus and live virtual programs prepare executives with leadership and business acumen to accelerate professional success.

Custom Programs for Organizations

We collaborate with world-class organizations to create powerful, outcomes-driven learning solutions that help their senior-level executives reinvent, reimagine, and embrace change.

Wharton Online offers courses to millions of learners who use them to advance their careers. Our courses are designed to bring high-quality, relevant business education to learners wherever and whenever they need it.

Global Programs

Wharton-insead alliance.

The Wharton-INSEAD Alliance extends top-quality business education across four dedicated campuses: Wharton’s U.S. campuses in Philadelphia and San Francisco, and those of INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, and Singapore. The Alliance offers student exchange programs, a collaborative research center, and joint executive education programs.

International Exchange Programs

At the undergraduate level, Wharton offers 20+ programs with the world’s top business schools. Penn also has partnerships with more than 100 programs across the globe where Wharton students can take arts and sciences courses. For MBA students, Wharton offers semester-long international exchange program options at 17 partner schools in 15 countries.

Huntsman Program in International Studies & Business (BS/BA)

The Huntsman Program is a unique, four-year interdisciplinary undergraduate course of study that integrates business education, advanced language training, and a liberal arts education. Huntsman graduates earn two degrees — a BA in International Studies from the School of Arts and Sciences and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School.

Global Curriculum

At all levels of education, Wharton’s curriculum integrates coursework that provides students with international expertise and experience. Students may focus their studies in international business through concentrations or majors or through special hands-on courses and programs such as the Wharton International Program and Global Modular Courses.

Interdisciplinary Programs

The jerome fisher program in management and technology (m&t) (bs/bse or bs/bas), health care management program (mba).

Earn a Wharton MBA with a Health Care Management major. One of the first and the leading program of its kind, the HCM program combines a robust health care curriculum and tightly connected student and alumni community with access to all the resources of Wharton and Penn.

Global Youth Program

On campus programs.

Wharton Global Youth On-Campus Programs are immersive, pre-collegiate experiences for students currently enrolled in grades 9–11. Led by Wharton faculty and instructional staff, these programs explore topics driven by Wharton research and teaching. Students get the chance to engage with our rigorous business education while studying and networking with global peers, all before they head to college. View our current on-campus program offerings:

• Data Science Academy
• Essentials of Entrepreneurship
• Essentials of Finance
• Leadership in the Business World
• Management & Technology Summer Institute
• Moneyball Academy

Online Programs

Wharton Global Youth’s Online Programs are interactive, pre-collegiate experiences for students currently enrolled in grades 9–12. Led by Wharton faculty and instructional staff, these programs explore topics driven by Wharton research and teaching, and have been adapted specifically for the virtual classroom. Students engage with our rigorous business education while studying and networking with global peers, all before they head to college. View our current online program offerings:

• Essentials of Leadership
• Future of the Business World
• Moneyball Academy: Training Camp
• Moneyball Academy: Training Camp (FLEX)
• Understanding Your Money

Pre-Baccalaureate Program

The Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program is an academically intensive opportunity for exceptional high school juniors and seniors to enroll in credit-bearing courses that span the breadth of Wharton’s business curriculum. Through a mix of live and independent coursework, engaging real-world activities, and robust university resources, students will experience a world-class education recognized globally for intellectual leadership and innovation.

Learn more about this opportunity to earn college credits .

Major Areas of Study

Explore the breadth and depth of knowledge within our degree programs – 19+ undergraduate concentrations , 21 mba majors , and 9 doctoral programs ..

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Lessons Plans

Enrich your classroom with wharton global youth..

We offer more than 400 free lesson plans developed by educators that cover the full scope of business and finance topics, including accounting, career development, communication, computation, economics, entrepreneurship, information technology, international business, management, and personal finance.

Browse our lesson plans for high school educators below, organized by National Business Education Association standard subject areas .

NBEA Standard Subject Areas

• Career Development
• Communication
• Computation
• Entrepreneurship
• Information Technology
• International Business
• Personal Finance

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Entrepreneurship and Small Business

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Sample Business Plans

Benchmarking, videos & online courses.

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Business FAQ

Search for additional books in  Franklin , our online catalog, using  business planning  as a subject.

Business Plans Handbook is a multiple volume collection of actual business plans.

• Business Plans Handbook from Gale Virtual Reference Library Online versions of the Business Plans Handbook starting with Vol. 39, 2017.
• Business Plans Handbook Vol. 1-11 From referenceforbusiness.com
• IndustriusCFO Industry Metrics This resource lets you view Industry Benchmarks for more than 2,000 industries down to individual Counties and Metropolitan Areas.
• RMA eStatement Studies Online version of RMA's Annual Statement Studies, for financial and industrial ratios. Source of composite financial data, including balance sheet and income statement information and ratios, provided by member institutions. Arranged by industry and business size.
• D&B Industry Norms and Key Business Ratios Call Number: HA214 D815 ISBN: 978163053916 Latest edition held at the Lippincott Library Information Desk
• LinkedIn Learning Search for business plan or related topics to view courses with videos related to entrepreneurship.

BPlans.com  has a section titled:  Writing a Business Plan  

SBA.gov:  Write Your Business Plan

SCORE : Business Plans and Financial Statements Templates Gallery

Capital One: Business Plan Workbook

Business Plans Index - compiled by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, includes both free and subscription resources

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• Last Updated: Feb 22, 2024 2:05 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/entrepreneur

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Breaking Gender Barriers in the Board Room

How Ellen Stafford-Sigg WG88 influenced the leadership of Deloitte over 35 years

Using GenAI as a Collaborative Teammate

The technology can fill critical gaps and build trust.

A Wharton Legend Wows the Crowd at Impact Tour NYC

Emeritus finance professor Jeremy Siegel brought the audience back to the classroom before fielding questions from Dean Erika James.

Inside the 52nd Iditarod

Race CEO Rob Urbach WG91 talks livestream logistics, remote rescues, and building a dog-brand empire.

A Family Affair

How Hannah and Malick Diop WG09 collaborated with a famous relative to disrupt the beauty and entertainment industries

Alumni Book Roundup: Winter 2024

Aviation adventures, tales for children, and remembering a baseball legend

Insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos

An insider shares his decades-long experience with the annual meeting of international leaders in the Swiss Alps

How to Develop Talent in a GenAI World

Leveraging artificial intelligence to recruit and train future leaders

Insights From a Gig-Economy Executive

Taskrabbit CEO Ania Smith WG02 reflects on the digital platform’s growth, navigating global change, and the importance of resilience.

5 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Nonprofit Board

Make sure the board aligns with your passions and skills

Don’t Leave Your Job — Refresh It

Professor Samir Nurmohamed offers guidance for finding new opportunities within your current role

A Moment for Community and Opportunity

Pam Perskie W97, the new president of the Wharton Club of New York, reflects on the strength and impact of the alumni network

40 Years of Wharton’s Business Economics and Public Policy Department

Faculty and alumni reflect on how the first program of its kind has evolved

Black and African MBA Events Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Conference turns 50 this year, while the Wharton Africa Business Forum marks its 30th

When to Speak Up in Meetings

Professor Michael Parke’s recent paper shows how employees can harness the power of “strategic silence”

A Veteran’s Lessons in Leadership

Daniel Moore WG00’s non-traditional journey from Air Force Captain to real estate CEO

The Benefits of a ‘Living Business Plan’

Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as a “living business plan.”

A living business plan is more than a piece of paper. It is, instead, something that any investor can see, touch, smell and even taste. It will take your new business idea from written concept to a real prototype—and demonstrate proof of concept.

Here’s how to make a dead business plan come alive.

Be Realistic: The first aspect of a living business plan is to make your costs the lowest they can be … and make them based on realistic assumptions.

Your business model needs to demonstrate that it will take less than 18 months to reach your break-even point. If you need more than 18 months to reach break-even, then you need to either change your business, or the way you do business. There are few, if any, investors (except maybe your parents!) who will wait that long for your business to start making a profit.

Create a Prototype : The next aspect of a living business plan is the creation of a real prototype. An entrepreneur armed with a good prototype is able to show potential investors how the proposed product will work without having to rely exclusively on diagrams or the investors’ powers of imagination.

Offer Proof of Concept : The final step in creating a living business plan is “Proof of Concept.” Once you have your working prototype, you must prove the economic feasibility of your business, and the viability of the product or service you are bringing to market. You need to get external confirmation that your prototype has a real market.

Once you can demonstrate Proof of Concept by showing the marketability of the product or service, then you have some degree of traction.

Basically, it all comes down to showing the investor that there really is a demand for your product or service. As the saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” There is no better way to develop investor interest than finding real customers who will part with their money to buy your product or service. No matter how small your sample, if you can show there is a market for what you’re selling, and you can show how that sample can be duplicated over and over again, then you can demonstrate a strong business opportunity.

To review, there are three important things a living business plan achieves:

1. It demonstrates to investors that your business is more than just an idea.

2. It helps an investor to evaluate your entrepreneurial skills.

3. It allows the investor to assess if the business concept is something that makes financial sense to pursue.

Especially in today’s challenging environment, the odds of finding an investor to part with their hard-earned money based solely on a paper explanation are slim. Why depend on such terrible odds when you can completely change the equation—and put everything in your favor—by creating a living business plan?

Finding the Money Finders

There are armies of “finders” who specialize in searching for people with capital. Now, small businesses, go out and find the finders.

Insuring the New Next Best Thing

Startups will soon be able to raise capital from crowdfunding, but investors might want to look into an innovative insurance product before they jump in.

Seeding a Revolution for Entrepreneurial Capital

A call for attention and support for an unprecedented opportunity for early-stage businesses and job creation, before it’s too late.

Easier Angel Investing for Job Creation

The simplest way to increase jobs in the United States is to allow more people to invest in entrepreneurial companies that produce the greater majority of jobs.