Program Overview

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, START-UP AND BUSINESS PLAN

Course Overview

The topic of entrepreneurship is very relevant for Italy, particularly at this historical moment that finally sees an increase in the awareness of the importance of new innovative businesses, the so-called startups, for our economic system and its future development. In a mature economy like ours, it is precisely the development of new businesses that drives the growth of new employment and GDP.

Course Details

• Code: 80473
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• Credits:
  • 3 cfu anno 2 MANAGEMENT 8707 (LM-77) - GENOVA
  • 3 cfu anno 1 MANAGEMENT 11874 (LM-77 R) - GENOVA
• Language: English
• Teaching Location: GENOVA
• Semester: 2° Semester
• Teaching Materials: AULAWEB

OVERVIEW

The main goal of this course will be to explain, with many practical examples and also with in-class testimonies from important actors in the startup ecosystem, what startups really are, what distinguishes them from traditional SMEs, what rules to follow, and what opportunities to seize in order to enter this world as a main player, that is, as an entrepreneur startupper.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Activity at hand aims at fostering the business culture with specific regard to the new entrepreneurship and the knowledge of the drivers it depends on. The focus is on Start Ups and the main topics about rise and development of new technology based ventures such as startup innovation systems, rules and public policies, funding systems will be addressed. Specific attention will be devoted to the Business Model analysis as well as to the Business Plan arrangement.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objectives of this teaching are:

1. Awareness of the fundamental characteristics of a startup, understood as a new innovative company that follows the reference entrepreneurial model in its creation and development;
2. Learning the method for market analysis and for developing and drafting a Business Plan, intended as the synthesis of all the topics that a potential startup entrepreneur must explore, master, and develop before approaching the market—both investors and potential clients;
3. Practical application of all this knowledge through the development of an Elevator Pitch to be presented to all students in a final session.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is structured into 12 two-hour sessions, one of which—toward the end of the course—will be dedicated to a visit of three young startups based in Liguria. An additional two-hour session will be devoted to a meeting with three startup investors based in Genoa.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching is primarily designed to clarify and raise students' awareness of the challenges and opportunities related to the creation of a new innovative company that aligns with the fundamental principles of the startup entrepreneurial model.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

• Teacher: MASSIMO VANZI

LESSONS

The lessons take place in the second semester, according to the schedule and timetable defined by the Department of Economics.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students, the final evaluation is based on group project presentations. Specifically, students will be required to draft and present in class an Elevator Pitch, developed in small teams of up to 5 students, following the guidelines provided during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final evaluation of the Elevator Pitch will typically take place during the last scheduled class session, in a dedicated session where all students and teams that are ready will present their projects in front of the class and a qualified jury.

Exam Schedule

• Date: 18/12/2025, 22/01/2026, 05/02/2026, 28/05/2026, 18/06/2026, 16/07/2026
• Time: 14:30
• Location: GENOVA
• Degree Type: Orale