Retail Management and Entrepreneurship
Course Description

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO RETAIL MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program. Students deciding to enter the field of Retail Management and Entrepreneurship will prepare them for small business ownership and retail operations.  In Grade 9, the students will be given an overview of retail, small business and other forms of merchandising. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science skills are integrated throughout the curriculum.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (3 credits)
In Grade 10, students will focus on the principles of business management and entrepreneurship. Instruction will cover topics such as buying, selling, payments, stock records, negotiating terms and conditions with buyers. Students will also be introduced to business planning, franchising, corporations and e-commerce, and sports marketing.  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated as required.

RETAILING (3 credits)
In Grade 11, students will be operating an upscale gift shop in the school, which will be open to the public. Students will be expected to perform all the operations of running the gift shop to include budgeting, sales promotions, events coordination, product merchandising, and inventory control. They will also be introduced to entertainment marketing and to entrepreneurship trends. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated in this curriculum.

MARKETING (3 credits)
In Grade 12, students will continue to operate the gift shop. Instruction in managing and marketing strategies will include the development of a marketing plan, endorsements and promotions, organizing a sales force and evaluating sales and management styles. Students will learn basic accounting principles and preparing financial statements. The students will also have an opportunity to explore an area they wish to concentrate on through the Work Based Learning (WBL) program.  Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills.  Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based test. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated as required.

Students can choose to further their education at numerous colleges and universities across the country in order to obtain a four year degree in retail marketing, business management, or visual merchandising.  Immediate retail employment opportunities in all product areas are available.