How to make your course available in Blackboard before the term start date:
Login and Navigate to the course you want to make active in Blackboard.
On the left menu pane, click on Customization -> Properties.
Scroll down to the Set Availability section, select YES to make the course available. Then go to the Set Course Duration section and select the Continuous button.
Click Submit when done. It is now available and accessible to the students.