For aspiring business students to engage in a sequence of international business experiences and apply the SWOT Analysis Framework for a rural microenterprise.

Students will:

• Engage in real-time with local business experts and rural business owners
• Explore details of existing microfinance opportunities
• Understand how business principles are applied in a small business in a rural setting
• Learn how to use business assessment tools during a consulting process
• Develop business communication and assessment skills
• Work to develop intercultural competencies throughout the course.

Entrepreneurship Business planning Learning Objectives: Students that successfully complete the program will be able to:

• • Analyze a business’s strengths and weaknesses to develop appropriate solutions.
  • Learn how to consult with clients from rural and indigenous communities.
  • Discuss economic and social issues impacting rural and indigenous communities in a developing country.
  • Understand microfinance concepts utilized in community banks
  • Create a SWOT Analysis for a small business.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Module1: Country Overview and Role In Globalization

Talk with GB Economic Development Expert to learn about the countries unique role in globalization and both the economic and social effects. Self-paced activity: Analyze and reflect on the effect of globalization in rural/indigenous communities and their integration in Global Supply Chains.

Module 2: SWOT Analysis Framework and Client Selection

Live virtual session with our business advisors to introduce SWOT analysis and prepare questions for upcoming client consultation.  Self-paced activity: Group reviews client information and informs staff of client selection.  Draft questions for Initial Client Meeting. Practice your Spanish.

Module 3: Meet the Client- Consultation Day 1

Coordinator presents three potential client profiles and supports students in choosing. Self-paced activity: Group reviews client information and informs staff of client selection.

Module 4: Client Consultation Day 2

Coordinator presents client information, including a virtual business tour, and the context of the business beforehand. Self-paced Activity: Students review the Spanish business packet and Executive Summary template to prepare their initial questions for the clients.

Module 5: Deliverable Submission and Final Mentor Feedback

Group submits final deliverables and presentations for final feedback from mentors. Self-paced Activity: Make any last edits to the presentation and final deliverables based on mentor feedback.

Module 6: Presentation to Client and Final Reflections

Group presents via a video conference to the client with the coordinator providing translation. Group receives feedback from the client. Up to 2 hrs. Self-paced Activity: Group decides to make a donation to capitalize any loans needed for the specific client or helps create a Kiva profile for them. Students complete the evaluation survey and prepare final reflections. Procure cooking materials and watch the instructional cooking video.