Ever had an idea you thought would make a great business? You're not alone - some of the best, most successful companies started with an idea just like that coupled with the drive, passion, and expertise of a brave entrepreneur. Starting a successful venture from scratch requires navigating through a number of challenges whether legal or economic considerations and also requires the mastery of certain controlling functions independent of a great idea. Whether faced with accounting, finance, marketing, or management issues, successful entrepreneurs have the initiative and drive to take on all of these unique challenges and get their product or service to market. In this course in Entrepreneurship, students will learn how responsibility and initiative are encouraged as business strategies are conceived and worked through into a promising business plan for a successful venture.

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of American business, turning great ideas and services into successful businesses every day. But starting a business and growing it to a successful enterprise requires more than just a good idea - owning your own business requires an adaptive, flexible, and well-rounded skill-set that will ensure you're prepared to navigate through a multitude of business issues. In short, successful entrepreneurs wear every hat in their business - they're effective managers and savvy negotiators all paired with an unmatched work ethic.

The Entrepreneurship program pulls together all of the education and skills necessary for success in starting your own business or just cultivating that entrepreneurial spirit necessary to start a new division in your current role working for another company. From drafting the initial business plan to financing your vision and managing your staff, the Entrepreneurship program covers everything successful entrepreneurs require to start, build and grow their next venture.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Create components of a viable business plan
• Demonstrate management, leadership, and communication skills for running and growing a business
• Demonstrate techniques for analyzing costs, preparing financial documents, and reporting requirements
• Design an effective strategy for marketing, customer service, selling, and relationship building
• Create a plan for researching, securing, and managing the financial aspects of the enterprise
• Devise a plan for business operations that will ensure the business delivers on its promises to customers
• Use Microsoft Office®

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Entrepreneurship (B-ENTPR) Credential

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.