Learn about entrepreneurship from local start-up founders and innovators in an informal setting. No grades. No exams. Just like-minded go-getters exploring what it takes to start and run a business. Research shows that when you are starting your own business, you don't want to do it alone. E2 gives you the opportunity to get the scoop from actual business founders and to bounce your thoughts, ideas and questions off a group of peers... before you launch!

E2 is a six week course taught in person and online, and covers the following topics:

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Define entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and innovation and how each has changed the world. Explore why entrepreneurship is more important than ever and how each generation can uniquely contribute to advancing the field.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

What skills and mindset are required to be an entrepreneur? Review well-known successful serial entrepreneurs to identify patterns, habits, and practices that led to their success.

Market Opportunity Analysis

Review the basics of market analysis, the difference between innovation and improvement, and how to put data behind your ideas.

Legal Issues, Patents and Intellectual Property Protection

Explore corporations, legal issues shared by all small businesses and how to protect your product or service with a patent.

Entrepreneurial Sales and Marketing

Examine sales concepts and modern marketing strategies, channels, and campaigns.

Financial Management for Small Business

How do founders finance their business start-ups? Explore financial concepts and terminology behind any successful business.

Innovation DuPage adapted our popular E2 curricula for junior high school students and piloted the program in Bensenville Middle Schools. Students participated in a semester-long program, developed business ideas, and participated in a program-culminating pitch competition.

Interested in E2 Emerging Entrepreneurs Juniors program at your junior high school, please contact Innovation DuPage.

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