High school students enrolled in Renee Clock’s business ownership and marketing course recently created their own retail businesses; in the process, they learned about the steps required to open their companies and design their retail stores on the computer.

Before the business simulation began, the students were taught about the product life cycle, advertising, utilization of color schemes to entice others to buy a product, inventory control, start-up costs, and the effects of supply and demand on cost. The simulation phase entailed students buying and selling their products – using mock paper money – during class and recording all financial transactions using Excel worksheets. Using their acquired business ownership skills, the students competed to see who would make the most revenue.

Students who complete the business ownership and marketing class earn three college business credits through SUNY Farmingdale.