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Entrepreneurship

Overview
Curriculum
Outcomes
Faculty
Cost
Requirements

Overview

careers

Manager
Marketer
Independent Contractor
Sales
Small Business Owner
Enterprising Entrepreneur

The Mitchell Technical College Entrepreneurship program is a unique opportunity for skilled tradespeople to put their passions to work for them. Presented in a two-days-per-month format spread over a full school year, the Entrepreneurship program is an opportunity for students to extend their education or for those who have already begun their careers, or even already started their own businesses, to learn skills that will help them succeed as sole proprietors or in larger-scale enterprises.

The Entrepreneurship program consists of courses designed to develop strategic thinking and planning, professional selling, leadership, and project management. The eight entrepreneurship courses and four leadership courses, delivered in two days of classes monthly with assignments to be submitted between sessions, will equip graduates with the necessary skillset to launch and manage their own businesses and entrepreneurial ventures or manage existing technical businesses.

Designed specifically for working professionals and skilled tradespeople, the Entrepreneurship program goes beyond technical expertise to teach the business skills needed to build and manage a successful company. Students learn how to create realistic business plans, manage cash flow, price services for profitability, acquire and retain customers, lead employees, navigate regulations, and streamline operations using modern business technology. Whether your goal is to launch a new venture, grow an existing trade-based business, or move into a leadership role, this flexible hybrid program provides the practical knowledge and strategic mindset needed to achieve long-term business success.

The Entrepreneurship A.A.S. degree program is ideal for past graduates of programs such as Architectural Design & Building Construction, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Progressive Welding Technology, Diesel Power, Automation Controls/SCADA, the Culinary Academy of South Dakota, and more. Enrollment preference is given to those applicants who have completed their training at Mitchell Tech.

*NEW* – A diploma option is now available for students with no previous technical degree/diploma.

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Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree, Diploma, or Certificate

Semesters

First Semester

ENTR200 > Strategic ThinkingStudents are introduced to the principles and techniques of problem solving, creativity and opportunity recognition that are critical to an entrepreneurial mindset. A wide variety of creative problem solving and theory building skills are presented and students have the opportunity to apply those to the development of an innovation or invention.3 credits

ENTR205 > Business Model DevelopmentCreating new businesses, capturing new markets, and enhancing organizational effectiveness occur through improving productivity or innovation, or both. Students will explore the building blocks to develop successful frameworks, strategies, funding techniques, business model and design-driven innovation. Focus is on the selection of an appropriate business model.3 credits

ENTR210 > How to Build a StartupFocus is on the startup and operation of a business. Students examine the accounting, finance, management, and marketing (tools) and processes (application of tools) as they pertain to entrepreneurial endeavors. Develops overall managerial awareness and analytical skills in small business problem solving.3 credits

ENTR215 > Professional SellingProfessional selling is predicated on question-based selling. Students learn how to conduct an interview and make recommendations to customers. This course provides students with the knowledge and skill sets needed to give them the ability to make effective sales presentations to businesses or consumers, including direct selling.3 credits

LDR201 > Principles of LeadershipDesigned to help students understand the principles of leadership, students will develop the knowledge, confidence, skills, and self-image necessary to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in business. Provides a foundation in the fundamentals of entrepreneurial leadership, as well as a source of how to assess and motivate themselves.3 credits

LDR206 > Leadership DevelopmentThe Franklin Covey Leadership academy is integrated to develop leadership character and competencies. An introduction to the skills and tools necessary to become a modern leader. Each learner will evaluate personal leadership effectiveness, individual motivation strategies, and personal missions and goals3 credits

> Communications Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours21 credits

Second Semester

ENTR225 > Business Plan Development3 credits

ENTR230 > Market Analysis3 credits

ENTR235 > Advisory BoardsEstablishing a strong advisory board to utilize external expertise is vital to any business, small or large. This course will teach students about the team of professionals, often called an advisory board, and the impact this group of experts can make in successfully operating a business. Advisory boards may be comprised of a(n) accountant, lawyer, insurance agent, banker, and personal advisors.3 credits

ENTR240 > Customer Development3 credits

LDR221 > Project ManagementEffective project management skills are important to professionals in any business. In this course, students will learn how to define, plan, and execute a project whether the goal is simple or complex. Students will discover the tools and skills for delivering projects on time and on budget while meeting performance specifications. Students will explore the basic components of project management and the project life cycle.3 credits

LDR226 > Strategic Leadership and PlanningThis course provides a survey of the traditional functions of management in a startup business with a primary emphasis on planning, organizing, controlling, and leading. This emphasis involves coverage of managerial decision making, leadership, motivation, interpersonal communication, staffing human resources, organizational structure, design, and change and development.3 credits

> Math Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours21 credits

Total Credits Required to Graduate with a Diploma: 42

Graduate with an AAS Degree

[entdip_courses]Total Credits Required to Graduate with an AAS: 60

Requirements

Computer Requirements

This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:

Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

Outcomes

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Understand the nature of entrepreneurship
Demonstrate knowledge of information in accounting, management, marketing and quantitative analysis
Confirm an entrepreneurial business idea by engaging in critical thinking, analyzing situations, constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems
Market the entrepreneur and their ideas
Identify personal attributes that enable best use of entrepreneurial opportunities
Explore and implement entrepreneurial leadership and management styles

Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Ryan Van Zee

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Cost

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $125

Scholarships

$500

Lisa Jolliff Memorial Scholarship

About
Eligibility
Criteria

In memory of Lisa Marie Jolliff, her family is honored to establish the Lisa Jolliff Memorial Scholarship for a student attending Mitchell Technical College. Lisa was a caring, giving, loyal, reliable, genuine, and hardworking person. She believed in doing things the right way, keeping her word, helping others, and giving her best in everything she did. She was someone people could count on, and her kindness and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Lisa was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and dedicated member of her community. Her family wanted to find a meaningful way to honor her life and the qualities she represented. Through this scholarship, we hope to continue the spirit of giving that was such an important part of who Lisa was. The Lisa Marie Jolliff Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance to a Mitchell Technical College student who demonstrates dedication, perseverance, a strong work ethic, and a desire to build a successful future through education. Our family hopes this scholarship will be more than financial assistance. We hope it will be a way for Lisa’s qualities and values to continue to live on. She was caring. She was giving. She was loyal. She was reliable. She was genuine. She was hardworking. These are the qualities we remember and cherish, and they are the qualities we hope this scholarship will honor. By helping a student pursue an education and work toward a future career, we can carry a little piece of Lisa’s legacy forward and allow her spirit of caring and giving to continue touching the lives of others. In loving memory of Lisa Marie Jolliff— a life that made a difference, and a legacy that will continue. The Family of Lisa Marie Jolliff

Must be enrolled full-time in an on-campus program.
Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application.
Preference is given to students with limited funding opportunities and/or social supports.

Must be enrolled full-time in an on-campus program. Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application. Preference is given to students with limited funding opportunities and/or social supports.

$500

Tony and Betty Sieler Memorial Scholarship

About
Eligibility
Criteria

The Tony and Betty Sieler Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the lives, values, and legacy of Tony and Betty Sieler. Throughout their lives, they demonstrated a strong work ethic, a commitment to serving others, and a belief that success is achieved through perseverance, dependability, and a willingness to embrace challenges. This scholarship is awarded to a second-year Precision Agriculture student who exemplifies the qualities that Tony and Betty encouraged in their family and community. Candidates should demonstrate hard work, reliability, and the determination to see projects and responsibilities through to completion. Preference will be given to students who willingly accept challenges, think creatively to solve problems, and use their talents and abilities to help others succeed. Precision Agriculture continues to evolve through innovation, adaptability, and service. This scholarship seeks to recognize students who not only excel in their studies but also embody the character, initiative, and commitment that Tony and Betty believed were essential to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Through this scholarship, their legacy lives on by supporting future leaders in Precision Agriculture who are dedicated, dependable, innovative, and committed to serving their communities.

Must be enrolled fulltime in the Precision Ag Technology program. Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application.

$1000

Van Buskirk Family Foundation Scholarship

About
Eligibility
Criteria

The Van Buskirk Family Foundation Scholarship supports students pursuing education in the Heating & Cooling Technology, Architectural Design & Building Construction, and Electrical Construction & Maintenance programs at Mitchell Technical College. This scholarship reflects the Van Buskirk family’s commitment to strengthening the skilled trades workforce in South Dakota and the region. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate a history of community involvement. Preference may be given to students who express a commitment or strong interest in remaining in South Dakota after graduation. By investing in technical education and supporting students dedicated to their communities, the Van Buskirk Family Foundation aims to help develop the next generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to the region’s workforce and economic growth.

Architectural Design & Building Construction
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology

Must be enrolled fulltime in a Mitchell Technical College program with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Must be enrolled in the Architectural Design & Building Construction, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, or Heating & Cooling Technology program. Must have a history of volunteering. Preference will be given to students committed to remaining in South Dakota upon graduation and who are from within 150 miles of Sioux Falls.

$2500

Jack & Donna Steele Family Scholarship

About
Eligibility
Criteria

Must be enrolled fulltime in a Mitchell Technical College program with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application.

Must be enrolled fulltime in a Mitchell Technical College program with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application.

$500

Fly High Scholarship

About
Eligibility
Criteria

Established in 2025, this scholarship supports students who consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to their academic pursuits and active participation in extracurricular activities. It is intended for individuals who show clear potential to become future leaders within their chosen industry. The award recognizes dedication, achievement, and leadership promise, encouraging recipients to continue developing their skills and contributing meaningfully to their academic and professional communities.

Must be enrolled fulltime in the Precision Ag Technology or Drone Aviation & Geospatial Technology program.
Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application.

Must be enrolled fulltime in the Precision Ag Technology or Drone Aviation & Geospatial Technology program. Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application.

$1000

Central Plains Dairy Foundation Scholarship

About
Eligibility
Criteria

This scholarship was established in 2026 through funds provided by the Central Plains Dairy Foundation. It is awarded to students enrolled in their second year of Mitchell Tech’s Animal Science program, with preference given to those who have an interest in pursuing a career in the dairy industry.

Must be a 2nd year student
Must be enrolled fulltime in Animal Science program
Must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
Must complete the online MTC scholarship application

Students enrolled in their second year of Mitchell Tech’s Animal Science student with an interest in pursuing a career in the dairy industry may qualify for this scholarship.

Entrepreneurship

Overview

careers

Manager

Marketer

Independent Contractor

Sales

Small Business Owner

Enterprising Entrepreneur

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

Graduate with an AAS Degree

Requirements

Computer Requirements

Outcomes

Faculty

Cost

Other Required Costs

Scholarships

$500

Lisa Jolliff Memorial Scholarship

$500

Tony and Betty Sieler Memorial Scholarship

$1000

Van Buskirk Family Foundation Scholarship

$2500

Jack & Donna Steele Family Scholarship

$500

Fly High Scholarship

$1000

Central Plains Dairy Foundation Scholarship

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