E CITY students learn the basics of small business creation and operation, the importance of market analysis, record keeping, speaking skills and other traits of successful entrepreneurship. Class topics include stock market/investing, inventions/product development, market research/strategies, advertising/publicity, record keeping, negotiation, positive thinking, and oral presentation skills.
How can you get involved?
E CITY Administrative Support Assistant- Time Commitment: 15-20 hours per week
Part-time position to support E CITY’s Administrative and Development Manager and other staff members with administrative tasks and/or support E CITY’s Program Department with program support tasks.
Speak to a class!
The classroom instruction is brought to life when an entrepreneur or other business professional comes in to speak to the students.
Guest Speaker- Time Commitment: 45-60 minutes per session (including Q & A time)
Guest speakers share details about their jobs, how they got started, and stories about their inspirations, successes and failures. We also welcome speakers with expertise that relate to in-class topics.
Host a field trip!
Real-life experience colors classroom learning when students have the chance to see a business in operation and meet a person who works there.
Field Trip Host
Time Commitment: 1-1.5 hours
Students are eager to see all types of businesses. Field trip hosts welcome about 15 students into the workplace for a tour, led by the owner or a key employee. The host should mention some in-class topics, so that students relate the topics to real business experiences.
Coach a student!
Business Plan Coaches work one-on-one with students to help them format their business plans in presentation formats and prepare for the In-Class Competition.
Business Plan Coach
Time Commitment: 8-10 hours over 3 or more classes
(coaching strategies provided)
The students need your guidance in the proper use of business language, reviewing financials, and practicing their presentations. They also need help understanding basic business concepts such as the economics of one unit of sale, market research, marketing plan, sale price, and more.
Judge a competition!
Business Plan Judges provide feedback and support to students following the presentations of their final business plans during the In-Class and E CITYwide Competitions.
Business Plan Competition Judge
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours
(Judging criteria and forms provided)
Judges listen to and evaluate the business plan presentations of our students at the competitions. During the In-Class Competition, judges will confer and select two winners and present them with cash prizes. During the E CITYwide Competition, judges confer and award four winners with cash prizes. Judges will also offer the students suggestions to strengthen their plans and business ideas.
Apply for your background check.
Jessica Koppen
Assistant Director of Programs
E CITY
7100 Euclid Avenue
Suite 210
Cleveland, Ohio 44103
t: 216.456.2098
f: 216.456.2098
jessica.koppen@ecitycleveland.com