This paper utilizes the lessons learned in all major introductory classes in the College of Business at Iowa State University to create a business plan for a new coffee house. The goal of the paper was to see if what I have learned in all my introductory major classes at the College of Business could help me build a small business. While at Iowa State every student in the College of Business is required to take an introductory class in all of the majors offered. The majors offered currently are Accounting, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. During the research phase I looked at notes and textbooks of past classes at Iowa State, as well as online resources. The project relied heavily on creativity because of the freedom that comes with building your own company. The finished business plan gives a background on the history of coffee, what I have learned from the College of Business, and how I applied the knowledge learned to open a new coffee house.

This study investigates the initial capitalization and financing patterns of recently established (new) and established (old) small businesses in Iowa. Analysis of survey responses indicates that significant differences exist between these two groups of firms. Specifically, new firms are found to have relied more heavily on debt financing than old firms. This suggests that new firms with high debt loads are likely not to survive and become old firms.