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Course Descriptions

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting applications Single courses may be available Next program starts: Autumn 2009 Details will be posted in Spring Program location: Downtown Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Download a program overview >>

An integrated, comprehensive curriculum engages participants in learning through leading case studies, applying proven methods and addressing real business opportunities. The program begins with business development methods and progresses thru the business development process. Participants practice skills to enable them to generate more value, create new growth opportunities and keep the development project on track to ensure success.

Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a below) may be open on a space-available basis to professionals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.

2008-2009 Program Courses

Autumn Course

Business Development Methods

Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays 6:00-9:00 p.m., Sept. 30-Dec. 9, 2008; $1,099; 3 CEUs

Business development is achieved by targeting new markets or audience segments, optimizing delivery channels/partnerships and extending product or services lines. Participants learn to evaluate market opportunities, brainstorm proposals to expand or create new business and pitch proposals for sponsorship.

Topics:

• Innovation
• Market Research
• Creating and Capturing Value
• Delivering Value
• Pricing
• Competition
• Capturing and sustaining value
• Pitching biz dev proposals

Winter Course

Business Development Strategies and Planning

Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Jan. 6-March 17, 2009; $1,099; 3 CEUs

Successful business developers can shape a proposal into an approved plan that is ready to go-to-market. Participants learn the hard and soft skills needed to work with a team to turn the proposal into a more detailed design and create compelling business plans needed for securing staffing, resources and funding.

Topics:

• Business Plans
• Financial Modeling/Forecasting
• Marketing and Sales Strategy
• Project Management
• Risk Assessment/Mitigation
• Influence
• Collaborative Problem Solving
• Conflict Management
• Effective Communication

How to sign up for indvidual enrollment in this course

Business Development Ventures

Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., March 31-June 2, 2009; $999; 3 CEUs

Going to market or launching new ventures requires setting priorities, overcoming obstacles and closing agreements with key partners and lead customers. Participants learn from a Vice President of New Ventures how to evaluate options, set priorities, value opportunities and close agreements needed to create a successful implementation.

Topics:

• Business Models
• Opportunity Pipeline
• Prioritizing buy vs. build vs. partner
• Partnerships/Acquisitions/Licensing
• Valuation Basics
• Negotiation – Win/win, value creation
• Closing Agreements
• Selling to Board/ Venture Capitalists