Contact
Dr. Jackie Brandhorst
Associate Professor of Management
Dockery 400 S
Tel: 417-838-3662
Breadcrumb
Integrative Business Experience
Start a real one-semester business
UCM’s School of Business Administration has a unique opportunity called the Integrative Business Experience; we call it “IBE”. BSBA majors may take IBE during the junior year. During this 12-hour block of 4 courses, you and your team will start a one-semester business, complete a project for a non-profit organization chosen by your team and donate your profits to the non-profit. IBE is a great way to experience first-hand the interconnectedness of the various business functions.
UCM’s Integrative Business Experience Celebrates 100th Company
Since its inception in 2004, more than 2000 students in 105 IBE student companies have:
- Grossed over $750,000 in revenue
- Donated nearly $500,000 in profits to non-profit organizations
- Contributed more than 30,000 hours to non-profits for service projects
IBE is a 12-credit block of courses typically taken 1st semester junior year. During the IBE course block, students:
- Learn specific course content in management, marketing and finance
- Write a business plan for a one-semester business
- Apply course content to their team’s business
- Present their business plan to Equity Bank loan officers
- Sell a product and complete a student-led service project for a non-profit
The students are motivated for business success by the community service component in IBR
- IBE requires that students make a lasting impact on a non-profit organization that the students choose together.
- Students implement their business plan, pay off their loan, expenses and generate enough profit to finance their community service work.
- Past projects have included building parks, equipment, trailer for emergency response, gyms and meeting other needs.
IBE is required for many BSBA majors including Management, Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise, and Events Marketing & Management. Other business majors may also choose to take the IBE block.
Equity Bank
- supports IBE through loans to student teams
- provides feedback on loan proposals
- and funds student advisers
