This course examines both traditional and emerging business structures, financial models, and forms of partnership used to create and sustain social, cultural, or environmental change. Course descriptionHow is change funded if not with philanthropic dollars? How do you convert social capital to economic capital? What are the advantages and disadvantages of creating an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) versus a cooperative versus incorporating as a 501c3 Nonprofit? When is a joint-venture appropriate and when is a partnership agreement a better option? This course examines both traditional and emerging business structures, financial models, and forms of partnership used to create and sustain social, cultural, or environmental change. A key premise of this course is that the business structure and financial model used by an organization should align and advance (not undermine or constrain) its social, cultural, and environmental values and ability to achieve its purposes beyond profit. After analyzing a range of examples and cases, students apply a methodology taught in the course to identify a business structure and financial model that will best reflect their values and the type of change they are seeking to advance. / This course is part of the Master of Arts in Creative Leadership and is a graduate level course. / Please note that this course does not qualify for the $25 alumni tuition rate.Open to students ages 18 and above. View complete policies including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.Class meeting detailsThis online course is asynchronous, meaning that there are no set class meeting times. Instead, the course is project-based, with 2 to 3 deadlines per week, and students can choose a time and place that works best for them to complete the work. Course activities may include readings; video demonstrations and tutorials; online discussions; projects; and critiques.PrerequisitesNoneRequired materialsHardwareA computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.TextbooksSee canvas.mcad.edu/books for a list of required textbooks.Class resourcesThis class uses Canvas, MCAD's learning management system. Please see the link for more information.Class savingsRegister on or before January 19 and save $25.Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).Additional savings. Are you eligible?QuestionsContact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765. Register Title Non-credit Tuition $990.00 Tuition Type Non-credit TuitionTwo Credit Tuition Not Yet Open for Registration Registration opens January 5. Date: Mon, Jan 12, 2026 - Fri, Mar 6, 2026 Time: Asynchronous Day(s) of the week: Asynchronous Ages: Open to student ages 18 and above. Term: Spring 2026 Instructor: Joseph Barisonzi Location: Online SKU: CL 6207 01 SP26 Prerequisites: None