Small Business Startup

Pre-College Program - HMG 165 A

Production Management
 

My interest in business started with fashion. I was frustrated that I couldn't find the clothes I wanted to wear so I figured I would design my own. My initial idea to provide myself with my own wardrobe slowly evolved into a label that I want to grow and expand.

My research into the fashion industry led me to other industries and business ventures. The various business models and responsibilities that come with them are exciting and challenge me. Starting a business at a young age is an task that has only been explored by few and I look forward to joining this group of talented individuals.

Week One Summary

The first week of Business Start-Up at FIT I have gained more insight and knowledge than I ever could have imagined. Day 1 we dove right into the initial stages of starting a business. Each day presents new challenges and sparks a multitude of questions. The format of the course does not tell you how to start and run a company, it provides you with the information needed to organize, strategize and execute business operations under any circumstance. The information covered in this course does not limit the students to “high-school level’ possibilities.  Business Start-Up has and will provide us with the tools we need to start businesses and aid the current, suffering economy.

Week Two Summary

Week  2  exposed our class to the creative aspects of a business.  Creating business cards, flyers, posters and brochures showed us that presentation and creativity are as much a part of the business world as the bare facts and statistics. Using information from this class has enabled me to move forward with my personal business venture. The various lessons from  this class allowed me to contact legal counsel  and apply for licenses and permits that I need to lawfully start my business. I also have heard back that at some time later this week my company will officially take the title of LLC (Limited Liability Corporation). Week 2  gave me the tools to move my company forward in multiple, significant ways.

Week Three Summary

Business Start-Up 101 has one of the most empowering experiences I have encountered. Our last week has included discussions on advertising, sound financial management and marketing among other topics.  I can say, with out a doubt, that I will complete this course not only with the necessary knowledge required for starting and running a successful business, but  the confidence to enter an adult dominated environment. The personal confidence I have gained from this class, to be taken seriously by those ten to twenty years older than me,  is an invaluable gift that will aid me in all of my future challenges. Professor Vega has single handedly turned a class full of uncertain teens into determined and capable business men and women. I look forward to potentially working with him on future business ventures.   For any person interested in business or unsure if business is for them, this course can provide you with the answers that you are looking for. 

Jane Fensterstock

Hey there, my name is Giovanna Orama, yes it rhymes with Obama. My family and friends call me Gia.

So a little about me, I grew up in Queens and have always had an interest in fashion and travel. Thus, I enrolled in this business class because I would like further my knowledge of the business industry and one day hopefully be able to combine my love for fashion and my knowledge in this industry in hopes to one day open my own international fashion company.

Week One Summary

Week one in Professor Vega’s start up business class has truly broadened my knowledge of how to create an organized functioning business. The class is fast pace which means most of the time I have to go back to review and enhance my notes, this can be a good thing for those who have a hard time staying on task. Every day upon entering Professor Vega greets us kindly, we log on to our computers, and get right to work. He gives us a lot of useful and helpful information, great websites and sources that we could one day use to open our business. He teaches about strategy and organization which are essential in the business world.  This class is a great way to learn and get a head start on business.

Week Two Summary

I  enjoyed week two of the business class  because there was more creative projects than week one. Even though I took a while to finish the projects, I had fun learning how to use the different programs  and perfecting my projects, which maybe the reason I never got to finish my projects on time. However the final product is exactly what I want it to look like. The only thing I can say that I don’t like about the creative aspect is that I never have enough time in class to finish and since I don’t have the programs at home I can’t finish them on my free time. I can say it’s sad to see this class coming to an end.

Giovanna Orama

Hi Everyone I'm Brittany Lewis! Today I am taking this small business at FIT.  In NYC the city that never sleeps! I'm 15 years old and my life runs on Fashion, Music, Art, and Urban Culture!

Those three things describe me in every way possible.  So very naturally I want a boutique of my own.  The only problem was I didn't know how.  This is the very reason I'm taking this class.

For me to learn how to collide my views on Fashion, Music, Art and Urban Culture in one store! I am just so ready to start learning how to make a booming business that I love!

When I first heard that there was a class for Small Business Start-up I immediately thought back to all the ideas I had in my head about wanting  start my own boutique or that the class could even help develop the one job I really want. I thought to myself this was the perfect class and what  made it all  the better was that it was in New York City, my favorite place. The one job I really want to do is become the editor of a fashion magazine such as Glamour, Elle, or Vogue. I like to write, but I'm also really into fashion. When I grew up I kept switching around what I wanted to be. First there was being a spy, then a model, then a doctor, next a fashion designer, a photographer and then I finally realized that I was really interested in being involved in a magazine like Vogue. 

For the future I hope to live in the city and what better way to get to know NYC then to take a class at FIT? I think that taking a business class will really help me learn some aspects of what I need to know for the future and even use those skills in my everyday life. I will soon be a sophomore in high-school and as I get closer to college I want to know exactly what I'll want to major in. Others things that I like to do on the side are photography and snowboarding. A few months ago a friend was telling=2 0me about  the FIT Live classes and I knew that right away I had to check out what courses they offered and sign up  as soon as possible.

Week One Summary

In this First week of Professor Vega’s class it was kind of intense by when I say intense I mean so much information for your brain. I am just so excited to start my own business! I had no idea it took this much work in the background to run a business I have a new respect for business owners small and large. Learning this information makes me want to be able to share with others but I think I’m am be kind of stingy on this one because as Professor Vega says “Their your competition!”

I can’t believe our first week is already done I feel like its been a month with all of this informative information. For example did you ever think that your business needs to have a certain amount of permits and certifications to be a legit business? And that each state has its own laws? These are questions you should really consider with your business or you and business will be headed for failure.

These are just one of the many helpful and informative questions that Professor Vega asks us in classes and he also helps you to answer them clear than what you think Is logical in your head! I advise anyone who is thinking of starting any type of business or going into a line a business take this class it’s a real I opener and what could it hurt because “if you can talk the talk, why not walk the walk!”

Week Two Summary

What can I say but “all though we’ve come to the end of the road” [hold on boys II men moment!]. Sorry about that but it’s just so sad it’s the second week of class gone [tears]. I don’t want it to be over Professor Vega is the "ish" I mean the best:]. This week was much more moderate let me give you a better meaning so I don’t down play this masterpiece we call Professor Vegas work knowledge.

The information section was still filling the goodie bag aka the brain, but the creative component was so reliving of the fullness because you got to “put your money where your mouth is!”  Which is always fun for those who have game in the court of business?  Which we learned from Professor Vega throughout this whole session.  This week we really felt like we were on our own business hours working until the day was done which for us was 12:30. You had to use all the skills given in week one the most important had to be BALANCE!

You could apply that to everything the flyers to your business card down to your time spent on certain tasks. The most challenging for me had to be making a brochure because I have never seen one for a fashion business but I had to sit and think and wwwaaahhhhhlaaa! It came out gorgeous and it didn’t even take me a long time taking all the advice Professor Vega had given me.

Course Summary

Omg! I can’t believe it’s over [tears] it was so quick, but I learned a lifetime of information I thanks to Professor Vega. Which I’m going to miss him extremely! Especially his funny comments one in particular about being “homegrown” [laughs] that one was the funniest I have to say.

Through this whole three week journey I’ve met so many young and talented people who are like minded in small business as I am now [I’m going to miss them so much].  To Professor Vega for the best information in this small amount of time I really do appreciate him more than words can explain I am going to miss him the most! I can’t believe I’m actually tearing up typing this but it’s truly how I feel [&] I’m sad its over, but I hope to see everyone again hopefully at the ribbon cutting ceremony of their new business! =) good luck to everyone! As Professor Vega says “we are the new economy!”

Brittany Lewis

Hello my name's Eva, I'm a junior from the Jersey Shore. This is my first time attending the F.I.T.  Summer Live 09 program.

Its that time when you have to start thinking what you want to do with your life and I feel that the only way I am going to know is if I try it out. I'm interested in shoe design and eventually want to branch out into accessory design too. I know that in order to progress towards my dream I have to learn about the business part and how the industry works. I'm excited to learn how to put my ideas into a reality and know from hard work, success will follow.

Week One Summary

My first week at the Summer Live Program, I felt was very informative and interesting. I learned continuous information, facts, ideas, and opinions about the business world, also including international. The first question you had asked me was; do I have what it takes to own and manage a business? My answer was yes at first, but then kept changing once I had been taken through the detailed written plan of running only a small business. I didn’t only learn information about this industry but also myself.  My strengths and weaknesses were put in front of me; determining how to improve and overcome these hurtles was rather a challenge. I’m still today working on it.

You wouldn’t think some of these minor questions were important, but in the end, they really do put you in the aspect of things. For example, making the right decisions, getting along with different personalities, having the physical and emotional stamina for running a business are all key questions that you should have going through your mind when planning a business.  Your main idea for your business should be able to keep expanding as your business progresses. Attracting smart market and production deals, x-amount of inventory and the right people is what makes your business the best it can become.

Financial services, such as revenues, expenses, net profit, credit, and capital are also very good to keep track of and maintain well. Hiring professional help; attorneys, lawyers, etc. will increase your knowledge even more on regulations, licenses, smart business choices, and help you follow the right way in steering your business to a well productive company.  The first week alone, has helped me tremendously in not only the business industry but also daily life. I’m more informed in just buying a house, and taking out a loan; one thing I would most definitely need in the nearby future. Thank you for teaching me all this information and I hope we  will have a better next two weeks, getting closer to our business plan; and shaping the future.

Week Two Summary

During our second week at F.I.T., Professor Vega taught us the responsibilities of owning a store. First we discussed security measures and how to protect our business physically and from cyber space.  One important issue he had said was to always do a background check on your employees.  You want to make sure their clean and don’t enclose any issues that will affect you or your business.  Are they dependable?  In addition, inserting camera systems in and around your store and installing RFID tags into your merchandise inventory would be key items to purchase.

He mentioned investing in specialized software and applications for your computer would better your company in expanding it even further, making it quicker and easier to process data and information. We furthered into advertising, learning the best ways in promoting our business. He helped explain to us what to expand on and advice on leaving certain things out. All of which we need to keep our customers informed and our business open. It’s hard to believe that this program is almost over and we learned this much information in such a short amount of time. By the end of this week I’ll be one more step closer in creating opportunities for myself and succeeding in my shoe business.

Eva DuPont

My name is Taylor Leonard-Coleman and I am a going to be a junior in high school from Queens, New York. This is my first year taking a pre-college course at FIT.

I am going to be taking the Small Business Start-Up course. I love everything about fashion and what it involves. I hope to own a small business one day in the future with the help to this course. My love for clothes and the fashion world has made me want to pursue a fashion career for almost all my life. I am excited to begin this course and hopefully will learn a lot from it.

I am hoping that this course opens my eyes to how the business side of the fashion world really works. Many things in my life add to my love of fashion. Music and traveling have added to my love of fashion over the years, from seeing different colors in different countries or the way a song sounds. Having my own business in the future excites me to know that I will do something that I love.

Week One Summary

Although the first week of this class was went by quickly I definitely learned a lot. In a short couple of days I learned everything from how to get a loan to how to name your business. This course has been really helpful and I am glad I still have time left to learn about the ins and outs of starting a small business. There isn’t much that I dislike about this class only that there are times where things can be tedious but that is with any class. I enjoy my other classmates inside and outside of class. Talking about different aspects of the class at home has helped me understand the class a little easier as well. The creative side of this class was something I didn’t really expect. I have loved the way we are allowed to express our creative talents into something that can blossom into our own real small business someday.

Week Two Summary

The second week of the small business start-up course was packed with information. I really enjoyed everything that we did including the note taking. The creative aspect of the class has really been interesting to know that I can include business with creativity. In the short time that I have had in this course learning the ins and outs of the business world has really been eye opening. Looking into how much things actually costs in comparison to what is needed to start up a business made me realize that it isn’t always easy. The feedback that I got from the professor on my work was really rewarding to know that I am able to start my own business using the tools from this class.

Week Three Summary

This last week at FIT has been fun filled with hard work and creative components.  I love all the excitement doing projects, learning new information and everything else in this course. From making up a logo to looking at the ins and outs of all the forms needed to start up a business I really did learn a great lot. Not only from my professor, Ari Vega, but from my fellow classmates as well.

Course Review:

This three week course taught me so much. Things I would have never been able to learn on my own.  I would definitely recommend this course to anyone that is interested in not only starting their own business, but who wants to increase their knowledge about the whole process.  The professor was someone who really enjoys what he teaches as well as understands fully what is needed to put into a business of any kind.

Taylor Leonard-Coleman

I think that knowing the skills to create a business would give me so many opportunities. My father started his own business a few years ago, and by watching him I learned that there was nothing better than being your own boss. I'm more interested in communications and public relations rather than opening a store and selling products.

I chose to take this class because I think that its important to know these skills especially in the poor economy as when I finish college there could still be a lack of jobs. 

Week One Summary

After listening to Professor Ari Vega talk about the class, I knew it was a good fit for me. Even if in the end I do not open my own business, I think that this class offers a lot of valuable information and will significantly help me in my future.

Small business start up is similar, yet different compared to what I thought it would be like. I expected to run through all the strategies and requirements for running a business, but I did not realize just how many little details one has to consider. I never once thought of having security for the door to my business. It makes me realize how much work running a small business is, never mind running a huge corporation. Although I have only been in the class for a week, I have gained an enormous amount of respect for business owners. Regardless of the type of business, owning a business takes time and effort- two qualities that require a lot from a person. I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of the class as well. I strongly believe that experience prepares a person best for any situation. Creating flyers, brochures and logos helps me to separate the "business" side of owning a business and the "creative" side. Both are equally important, and at times equally challenging. I look forward to completing the course and learning all I can about small business start up. 

Hayley Bingham

My name is Katie Foerste, I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am 17 years old and am going to be a senior at Highland School of Technology. I am in the finance pathway at Highland and love to learn about business. I am also a active member of Future Business Leaders of America, which I enjoy taking trips with other members to numerous conferences around the country. What got me interested in business was my family. I have a very business oriented family with a father that has been in the capital markets industry for over 30 years and grew up with it being the main topic at the dinner table.

In my future I hope to one day become a buyer for a major department store like Neiman Marcus. I also love to travel and explore new things. So maybe I could become a traveling fashion buyer! I took this class to broaden my prospective on business and have a good time learning with new people. I love to be in a business environment and have knowledge of fashion so I feel that I am in the right place. :) 

Week One Summary

I have experienced a great deal during my first week in Small Business Start-Up at FIT.  I have really enjoyed taking this course and listening to Prof. Vega.  I have learned many new things and have truly broadened my horizons on business.   The class offers a great deal more information to learn then I was expecting. I feel like this class has opened up an amazing opportunity for me.  From the people I’ve met to the numerous things I have learned.

I would recommend this class to anyone. If you are just wanting to learn a little about business because you have realized that you are now living in the 21st century or you plan to open a boutique or hope to become a major fashion designer one day, this class is for you! I am very happy that I made the decision to be a part of this Small Business Start-Up class and can’t wait for these next 2 weeks!!

Week Two Summary

I really enjoyed my 2nd week at FIT.  It was a lot more interactive then the first week, and that’s what I liked. We did a lot of creative things like designing brochures, flyers and posters.  It helped to enhance my graphics skills on the computer.  We were allowed to make the work our own and design them as we wish with a few guidelines which helped to bring out peoples creative side.

I am looking forward to this last week at FIT.  I will be sad to leave all the new things I have learned and the new people I have met. This has been a great experience for me and I am so glad that I got the opportunity to be a part of this group of people.  Before I came I had no absolute clue as to what I wanted to do with my life and FIT has helped me to get a grasp on my future.

Week Three Summary

This last week at FIT has for sure been the best of all. I loved making the websites.  I felt like it was a collaboration of all our work put together. This course and the friends I have made have made a mark on my life, which I would not give up for anything. I did not imagine coming here that it would be anything like what I experienced; it has been so much more. The people I have met here are so amazing there are literally just not even words to describe it. Coming from a small town outside of Charlotte I had some nerves in the beginning and came to realize that it is a completely different world here, and I loveeee it! I am sad it is over but instead of being sad I am rejoicing that I go this amazing opportunity.

Katie Foerste

I am taking this class because I hope to start my own business one day. I have always been in a believer in the idea that people should make a career out of something that makes them happy and they love, then see if people will pay then for it. Ever since 5th grade I have known that I want to do something evolving sewing. I feel its so rewarding to be able to create something new out of basic materials.

Perusing this interest, I have went to a couple Fashion Programs including a couple of sewing camps, Marist College summer pre-college program and now FIT.  To be honest, though I rather be taking an art, sewing, or design class now, I realize that it is really important to also develop a business sense now. If I don't know how to manage a business, no matter how awesome my clothes and accessories are, I know I would not be successful. So that is why I am taking this course.

Week One Summary

I found the first week to be very good. While, at first I had trouble adjusting to all the information being put in front of me, by the second and third day, I was able to take notes more efficiently. The class is very informative and is proving to be a very good choice. I’m excited to see what this next week holds.

Week Two Summary

I really liked the second week of this class.  I had finally gotten entirely use to the style and speed of everything, so that allowed me to get more out of each class. We learned about many things I never knew was even required to start a business, such as certain permits, forms and how to calculate the money necessary to start your business. We also had ‘creativity periods’ where we were able to make business cards, letterheads, advertisements and brochures for our rising companies. It was a nice balance of notes and creativity periods. I am definitely getting a lot out of this class.

Colette Cunningham

I decided to take Small Business Start-Up  because my goal is to own my own international company in the field of fashion. I want to be a designer and produce designer women's dresses and dressy clothing for women, and then maybe branch out into designer youth clothing as well. I want to start off with one product and then expand my business as I go along, and eventually produce everything from designer dresses to shoes, to jewelry.

I plan to start it before graduating high school, as I am going into 11th grade. I feel that this class will teach me some important skills necessary to function in the wholesale business world, or any other business that I may decide to pursue a career in. I am looking forward to learning how to start my own business, and learn how to start something from nothing. I have experience in the wholesale business of children's outerwear and shoes.

Although I love fashion and art I still want to keep my options open to other career choices. I always saw myself making designer women's clothing. When I was younger I used to design outfits for my school computer classes for power point projects, and I would design my own line of clothing. My friends and family would always be impressed with my art work and we always talked about me becoming a fashion designer. With my father in the apparel business it seemed like a great idea. My father helps guide me with my career choice and beginning to start a business.

Starting a business must be harder than it sounds because so many people fail. I feel that if I learn every aspect of it I will succeed, and create a successful world wide company.  I would love to incorporate my artwork into any career that I choose. I love painting, drawing, and abstract art, as well as fashion. I also love hip hop dancing, surfing, playing tennis, and am involved in charity work, especially fundraising and working with special children, and am very involved in student council. After I become successful in my fashion design business I want to open my own art gallery, become a certified zumba and yoga teacher, and maintain these goals on the side of my business as well as have a family.

Week One Summery

During my first week of Small Business Start Up in FIT I learned more than I ever thought I would in such a short time. I really enjoyed this course, and am eager to learn more. Each day I gained more knowledge about building my own business, and I feel that by the end of the three weeks of this course I will be able to start up my own small business.

Week Two Summary

Over the second week of this class we expanded into making brochures, logos, business cards, posters, and other things necessary for when first starting a business. I really enjoyed it, and everyone who saw my work was very impressed. This week has gone by so quickly and I am sad that this course is almost over

Annie Shamah

Hi, my name is Jack Sommer. I will be a junior in the fall. I'm taking this small business class at FIT because I want to possibly start my own business when I grow up. One reason for this is that when I'm older I want to love my job and not dread going to work every day. Though it would be nice to have a good amount of money too, it is more important to me to have a great job.

I'm an artist and photographer. I mostly draw cartoon characters (think Disney, not anime). Though I do not know exactly what I want my business to be of yet, I am currently thinking of such ideas as shirts, canvases, hats, wallets, and other merchandise or clothing. I already have set up a website but I wish to continue to expand my work and find out more about how to run a business as well as everything that is involved with it. I feel this class will contribute to my growing knowledge and inspiration of how I wish to proceed with my hopeful future career.

Week One Summary

After a week has already quickly passed, I feel I have already learned a lot even though we are only one-third of the way through the class. This class really goes into the details and various aspects of a business, which is extremely helpful to me. I think the thing that is helping me the most though, is learning the financial aspects of a business because I did not know too much about it before. It is also fun to do the creative projects, such as making an opening day flier and a logo. I am beginning to feel more and more confident that I will be able to one day possibly open my own business. I am glad I decided to take this course and feel it is the right class for me to be in. I am looking forward to the next two weeks of class.

Week Two Summary

Wow! Week two has passed in the blink of an eye and I am continuing to gain more ideas, knowledge, and confidence in business. I really enjoyed making a brochure. I am looking forward to the final week of the class. However, I hope it doesn’t pass too quick!

Third Week Summary

The third and final week flew by yet again. I learned much more financial information for a business that is necessary as well as continuing to use my creativity to make advertisements and more. Throughout these past three weeks I have learned many things about business. Whether it was financial aspects, marketing and advertising, or reaching out to your customer; I acquired a great deal of knowledge which I feel makes me more confident in the hope of one day starting my own business. I also feel like this class now puts me (and everyone else in the class) a step ahead of most other people who share similar ideas of starting a business. I am very glad I took this class and my only wish would be that it was longer! Thank you to Ari Vega for being a great teacher.

Jack Sommer

Hello my name is Sassy Bradshaw, I am going to be a junior at Norwalk High School next fall and I am currently taking the class Small Business Start-Up. When I first saw this class I thought it would be a good opportunity to help me learn more about general business, and possibly give me a better idea of what career I want to pursue. I wasn't sure what to expect from this class on the first day, however my first experience was extremely positive.

Although I have only had one class, I can't wait to see what's to come in the next three weeks. I can already tell that this class is everything I could hope for. With only one day under the belt I have learned so much. I feel as if I, already, have a better understanding what a business owner will need to be properly equipped and successful. In this day, I have also learned new business terminology and mandatory documents small business will need. Obtaining such a vast knowledge for business in one day shows how informing this class will be over all.

This class is also readying me for a new way of life. I haven't only learned in about business, but the physical and mental state that must be obtained as well. I know taking this course will leave me with life lasting lessons. Even if I do not open my own business in the future, the organizational lessons will influence me forever. 

Week One Summary

My first week in this class was informative and motivating.  I didn’t know when I signed up for this class, that it was going to be so intense.  I was expecting a brief overview of how to establish a small business and I thought we would be looking into other, already, established businesses. What I walked into was completely unexpected; however it was everything I could hope for.  I not only learned about starting a small business, but the physical and mental health that was required to comply with this. In just one week I changed my mind about my future, and decided I wanted to prosper by starting with a small business. Some of the aspects I appreciate most about this class are the large amount of material we learn in one day and the hands on activities. The three hours in Small Business Start-up fly. It feels as if we are taking notes one minute, making a logo the next, and then walking out of the door in no time. One week has given me more information about business then some people will learn in a life time, and I am so great full to enjoy the experience.

Week Two Summary

Week two of Small Business Start-Up went by faster than week one, if you can believe that.  When my professor said time flies when you’re having fun, I had no idea he was defining this class.  As I look at the clock for the first time every morning, to my surprise it’s already ten thirty and I have to pull myself away from my activity and go on a break, and after break class moves even more, impossibly, fast.  It is mind blowing to think about how much I’ve learned in just one more week. I haven’t only learned more business terminology and techniques, but great advertising ideas. Every week this class helps me make the decisions that will shape my future. Small Business Start-Up has given me a greater idea of the business world and weather I want to enter it or not. I was sad to end my second week because I knew it lead to my third and final week.  I wish this class could be extended so I could learn more about a small business and the capability to have to create one.

Sassy Bradshaw

I've always been fascinated in the world of business. I plan on opening my own business in the future. 

I'm taking small business start-up with hopes of learning about the business involved with owning a store or boutique. I'm very curious as to how the business works. I'm excited to learn the elements of running a business. Hopefully this course will lead me in the right direction to start my own business.

Week One Summary

My first week in small business start up has been strenuous but extremely helpful. My brain is cramped with tons of new information on how to start a small business. For example, we’ve taken notes on business plans, owner’s equity, demographics, legal aspects, partners, tax ID numbers, and many other topics. These are just a few examples from the twenty pages of notes I’ve taken. I’ve learned so many things about owning a business that I didn’t know before. All this information will be exceptionally helpful if I ever open a small business. Besides taking notes, we’ve also created an opening day business flyer and a logo. These projects were fun and productive. I’m confident that by the end of the three weeks I’ll have more awareness and confidence in the business world.

Week Two Summary

My second week in small business start up was fun and helpful.  We took a little break from continuously taking notes and worked on a few creative projects related to our business. For example, we created a brochure, a business card, a flyer, and a few posters.  These assignments will be tremendously valuable if I ever want to legitimately promote my business.  Besides working on the creative component, we took notes on topics like qualified employees, minimum wage, security systems, embezzlement, and communication systems. I never knew how many things you have to consider before opening a business, like how you’re going to protect it with security systems and how to avoid embezzlement.  I can’t wait to use all this useful information when I open my small business.

Week Three Summary

The past three weeks have been a lot of fun. I’m departing small business start up knowing all the fundamentals of opening a business and managing it. This course has truly taught me everything I wanted to know about opening a small business. I’ve been residing at a low budget hotel with a few friends since the beginning of this course, and I’m going to miss it greatly. Commuting to class and living in the city has really made the FIT college experience real. I can’t believe today is the last day and I have to say goodbye to this class, my hotel, and NYC. I’m delighted I’ll leave this class more educated about the world of business than before. This experience has been the best and I thank FIT for having such amazing programs like this.

Luke Clerkin

Small business start-up appealed to me because ever since I was little I found the fashion industry very interesting.

I want to learn all of the aspects of running a business and selling goods.  I think the fashion world is a very competitive industry and appealing to the people is the hardest part.  It is very difficult to run your own business and I think that small business start-up is directed to getting you started and running instead of just thinking of an idea of what to sell. I can already tell I will learn a lot from this class and hopefully it will help me later on in life.

Week One Summary

I really love this class so far. I have learned so much about owning a small business already and I can tell I will learn a lot after the three weeks. I think it is so cool how Professor Vega knows so much about owning a small business and I know he can help us set goals. At first I though we were going to be doing a lot of work (which didn't excite because we just got out of school) but then I realized that this work is really fun and exciting. I know that everything I learn in this class will help me in life even if I don't own my own business.

Week Two Summary

I really liked week two because we did a lot of creative things. Making our posters, flyer, brochures, business cards, and more was so much fun. I really liked seeing all of the classes work and what they had in mind for their own small business. We also learned a lot about our small business' expenses and how important they were. We also learned a lot about your business' security and who to trust and not to trust. Not only have we learned a lot about the business world but a lot of these things will help us in life too.

Week Three Summary

I am SO glad I took this class. I have learned so much about starting my own small business and what I have to do to keep it up and running. I know that I will utilize everything that I have learned in this class throughout my life. Professor Vega has had so many experiences in the business world and has told us very useful things about applying for a job or hiring someone. After staying in NYC for the past three weeks on 21st and Lexington I have really gotten the feeling of college life and the pressure of college level work and classes. This really was a great experience and one of the best summers I have had yet!

Colby Chapman

I am taking this class because I am interested in creating a small business.

I have an idea for a small businesses and this course will help me see if that idea would be successful and realistic.  I am interested in designing clothes for safaris, hiking and other outdoor activities.

I would own a shop in a warm climate such as the Mediterranean or northern Africa in an area were lots of tourists visit. I would go on safaris and learn about the area so I could make the clothes helpful for the conditions of the area. I would also make other products useful for the area like hats or shoes.

Week One Summary

In week one I learned a huge amount more than I expected.  Before this week I knew almost nothing about small business. I now know a huge amount and I am confident that I will learn how to start a successful small business by the end of this class. The notes and websites that I have will be very useful in starting my own business.

Week Two Summary

In week two we did a lot of creative projects for our business. I made a business card, brochure, letterhead, and poster. I learned a lot from the lectures. The stories that Professor Vega shares with us will probably be very helpful when I have my own business. We learned how to find qualified employees, what security measures you should take for your business, and common functions.

Rachel Briant

I have decided to take the course Small Business Start Up during the summer live program because of my interests in the fashion business. I would love to start up my own fashion business because of my love for fashion and the feeling I get when I am working with fashion.

Throughout my life my goal is to start a business working with people who love fashion and are willing to do anything. Two of my other main focuses are fashion merchandising and being a fashion buyer. A buyer has a big responsibility to learn and know what the upcoming fashion will be and the new fashion people will love. I would love to have that responsibility because I would love to be in control of what people will be interested in and see what fashion works.

Being part of fashion stores will hopefully let me accomplish my goals in life in the fashion industry. I love working with the right people in the right department and with a group of people you can trust will lead you to the right place. Working with different personalities also gives me the experience of which type of people I eventually want working for me.

Shoes and handbags are my two favorite products in the fashion industry. I will eventually love to own my own fashion boutique that mainly focuses on shoes and handbags. I am not very interested in designing my own shoe/handbag collection but I will love to work with them.

I am a hard working human being who loves to take on challenges and different ideas that are thrown my way. I love to be hands on and in control at all times, leading me to eventually wanting to start my own business. I love to give other people opportunities at the same time and I will always be looking for people to help manage my business. I can’t wait to start my business and look forward to meeting new challenges each day and working my hardest!

Week One Summary

During the first week of the course Starting up a Small Business I feel much stronger in my knowledge of the business world. I was not expecting to learn nearly as much as I did, and I was very happy to hear otherwise. The information is a lot more complex than I thought it would turn out to be, but in the end my knowledge will be a lot more powerful. Week one showed me different aspects of what we are going to be learning and how much thought process goes into businesses. It was very beneficial kept me wanting to learn more. The information was very overwhelming but after studying and re-reading my notes I started to understand more about my notes.

Throughout the first week I felt I had more business knowledge then I ever thought I could have. As I continued to learn my mind continued filling up with interesting facts that I didn’t know were in the business world. I used to think owning a small business wouldn’t be that difficult or tricky but after going through the first week in this course, I realized I was completely wrong. The first week taught me what it takes to own a small business and some things that come along with it. Trying to start up the business comes along with a lot of determination and motivation.

Week Two Summary

During week two my knowledge of the business world continued to grow. Many things were learned and I cannot wait to continue learning. Week two was also based upon many creative components, which were very interesting. Business cards were made and brochures were finished. Having these components in your portfolio give you a better understanding of the artistic category in the business world. This can put you in the advanced placement aspect and you will be ready for anything. I feel very comfortable from where I am in the business world right now and look forward to expand my knowledge. Week threw hopefully will suit me just like week two did. After week two I feel like I am getting pushed in the right direction in this and finally feel like I am doing something right to accomplish my goals.

Tiffany Suarez

My name is Barbara Villena and I took this class because I want to further my knowledge in business. I have been doing business for the last 10 years and I want to incorporate the knowledge that I have into a career that I love. I love fashion and becoming a fashion merchandiser is something that I want to become. I hope to get a lot out of this class and incorporate it in my mother's business. As well as putting it to use in everyday situations.

Week One Summary

My experience in this class so far has been amazing. I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. But I have had so much fun in just o few days. I would not change a thing in this class. I has been not just informative but fun at the same time. Hearing about your experiences as a child has been very interesting but I have also gotten so pointers on them.

Week Two Summary

Wow! I can’t believe that 2 weeks have gone by already. It feels like nearly half-a-year had gone by. I have learned so much in such a short amount of time and yet had fun every step of the way.  I really love this class it is so much fun yet very interactive. Overall the material covered has been very informative and useful in my everyday life not just in a business aspect. At the dinner table each night I find myself just talking about this class and how much fun I am having. I was undecided of what career I wanted to pursue but having taken this class I saw that business was just the best way to go.

Barbara Villena

My name is Oneil Olonade and I am from Queens, NY.  I am interested in learning about business so I decided to take classes that would feed my hunger for knowledge.  While I don’t have any ideas for a business I feel this class will help me in the future.

            A little about me ummmm, I was born in Queens then moved Jamaica (the island) then back to Queens.  One long and horrible year of my life was spent in Texas, where I would have stayed had it not been for my dream to get into Fit for photography.  I hope to become a successful photographer later in life.

Week One Summary

Week 1 of the course was one that I enjoyed.  Although I arrived two days late to the course I never felt left behind.  Within the first hour I was quickly caught up with notes and felt like I was part f the class.  Within that same hour I realized that while I didn’t have an idea for my own business, the information that I was learning from Professor Vega, who is a very down to earth person, was something that would be very useful in my future.  I learned a lot and hope to continue to learn more during the course.

Week Two Summary

My second week of class was my first full week of the small business start-up course.  I felt that the lectures we had were more informative and did better to prepare me for the future.  Professor Vega continued to give constructive criticism on the work produced by myself and the other students in the course.  This week went by much faster than the first even though I was here the entire week and only partially for the first.  The class is made more enjoyable due to Professor Vega, who seems to enjoy teaching others the tricks of the trade that he has used to make himself a successful business owner.

Oneil Olonade