Understanding the Nature of Small Business. PACE Revised. Level 2. Unit 1. Research & Development Series No. 240BB1.

This unit on understanding the nature of small business, the first in a series of 18 modules, is on the second level of the revised PACE (Program for Acquiring Competence in Entrepreneurship) comprehensive curriculum. Geared to advanced secondary and beginning postsecondary or adult students, the modules provide an opportunity to learn about and try out entrepreneurship ideas so that students can make a preliminary assessment of how these ideas relate to personal needs. The units on this level contain detailed explanations of small business principles, suggestions on how to find information and use techniques, and encouragement for creating a future business. Students completing this unit should be able to perform these competencies: (1) describe the characteristics of a small business by type, (2) identify potential small business opportunities and determine ones they would select to follow, (3) describe the process of starting a small business, (5) discuss how competition affects small business, and (6) analyze what major factors will affect the success or failure of a selected type of business. The unit is organized into five sections. Following a preliminary section on how to use the unit (with vocabulary and a review of the objectives for this topic on level 1), the unit's information is presented in question-and-answer format. Individual and group activities, an assessment to be completed with the teacher, and sources used to develop the unit follow. A list of the modules of Revised PACE, Level 2 completes the unit. (KC)