BUS-117B - Develop a Business Plan for Entrepreneurs - Gary Quire

Introduction

Welcome to BUS 117B: Develop a Business Plan for Entrepreneurs! My name is Gary Quire, and I am excited to be your professor for this course. I am a Full-Time Faculty Member here at College of the Canyons and have both a bachelor degree in business management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Redlands. Go Bulldogs!

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially camping with my family. I truly enjoy helping students learn how the world of business works and how these concepts connect to real life opportunities.

College of the Canyons is a close-knit and supportive community, and my goal is to make this a positive and engaging learning experience for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns throughout the course, I am here to help you succeed!

I am looking forward to a great semester together.

Warm regards,
Professor Gary Quire

Course Description

Presents techniques for business plan development and creation. Utilizes skills and resources available to assist entrepreneurs in developing and launching a business including ethics, legal business structures, entrepreneurial marketing, sources of funding, networking, and pitching.

What to Expect in this Course

Student Expectations & Getting Started in Canvas

Welcome to your online learning adventure! Taking an online course is a little different from being in a traditional classroom, but it offers flexibility, independence, and a chance to learn in a way that fits your schedule.

In this course, you will be attending an asynchronous class through Canvas. Everything you need; lectures, assignments, quizzes, projects, and communication, can be found right there in Canvas.

Getting Started

• Log in on the first day of class: It is very important to log in to our BUS 117B course in Canvas on the first day of the semester and complete your required day one quiz assignment. Students who do not log in and participate may be dropped as no-show.

• Stay active in the course: Plan to log in to Canvas at least three times a week to review materials, complete assignments, read announcements, and participate in discussions. Staying connected is the key to success!

Navigating Canvas

You can access Canvas by visiting cv.canyons.edu in your web browser. Once logged in, you will find BUS 117B: Develop a Business Plan for Entrepreneurs on your Dashboard.
Click the course title to enter, and you will land on the Home Page, where the entire course is clearly outlined to help you stay organized and on track.

Canvas Help & Support

If you are new to Canvas, I encourage you to explore the Canvas user guides and tutorials available on the login page. They are a great way to get comfortable with the system.

If you ever need technical assistance, support is always available:

• COC Canvas Student Support: (661) 362-3344 (during college business hours)

• After-hours support: (877) 889-9052

• Email: cvsupport@canyons.edu

Personalizing Your Canvas Profile

I also ask that you personalize your Canvas profile by adding an avatar image. It does not have to be a photo of you, just something appropriate that represents you. This small touch helps create a sense of community and connection in our online class.

Remember, the entire course will be taught through Canvas, and everything you need for success will be organized and ready for you there.

I am excited to guide you through this course and look forward to seeing you online!

Types of Assessments

What to Expect: Course Assessments

In this course, you will have the opportunity to engage with the material in a variety of ways designed to help you learn, apply, and demonstrate your understanding of key entrepreneurship concepts. Here is what you can look forward to:

• Quizzes & Exams: These will help you check your understanding of important topics and prepare you for learning how to be an entrepreneur.

• Online Discussion Boards: You will share ideas, connect with classmates, and explore real world entrepreneur issues together.

• Chapter Assignments: These assignments will give you hands on practice applying what you learn in each chapter.

• Business Plan Project: This is your chance to bring everything together! You will apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course and put together a Business Plan for a business idea.

Each of these activities are designed to support your learning and help you see how entrepreneur concepts connect to real-world applications. My goal is to make your learning experience meaningful, engaging, and relevant to your future success!

Textbook Information

Your Textbook

Great news! This course uses a Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) / Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook, which means you do not have to purchase anything, it is completely free and easily accessible!

The textbook is embedded right into your Canvas course, so you can conveniently read it online as you move through the modules. If you prefer, you can also download a copy directly from Canvas or access it anytime at www.canyons.edu/ztc.

I am excited to offer this resource to help make your learning experience affordable and seamless!

Other Relevant Course Information

The Unique Features of Learning Online:

Online learning is rewarding, exciting, and convenient! However, self-discipline, motivation, and attention to detail are keys to successful completion. You must commit to meeting firm deadlines for reading and completing assignments, participating in a virtual classroom, and completing the same volume of coursework that you would complete in a traditional classroom.

Some students incorrectly believe that online courses are easier than on-ground courses. On the contrary, an online course is equally challenging. You should anticipate spending a minimum of three hours each week in the virtual classroom i.e., online time. You should also be prepared to devote 2 to 3 hours of non-online time for each hour of online time. I will establish firm deadlines for you to read textbook chapters, complete assignments, take exams, et cetera.

Class participation occurs in part through an electronic discussion board on which you will respond to questions posed by me and to other students responses to those questions. The discussion board is the online equivalent of traditional classroom discussion and, thus, active and regular participation will be part of your grade.

Please visit COC Distance Learning website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student. Topics covered include exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, tips for student success, and others.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 11/12/2025 Sub#: 1989 Sub ID: 204722