Entrepreneurship certificates

Entrepreneurship certificate programs are designed to cover the basics of launching and growing a business. They are typically best for motivated learners who have a passion for small business and are eager to learn some new tips and ideas.

Learn about the benefits of entrepreneurship certificate programs and discover how they can potentially improve your career options.

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Why earn an entrepreneurship certificate online?

Short, focused program

A typical program lasts just four to six months, as compared to an average of four years for a bachelor’s degree. This gets you into the small business world more quickly.

Practical, real-world skills

Entrepreneurship certificate programs focus on practical skills, such as validating a startup idea and finding funding.

Proof of your knowledge

Investors want to know that their money is in good hands. An entrepreneurship certificate can help prove that you understand the business side of your idea.

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What you'll learn

An entrepreneurship certificate will teach you what you need to know to start a small business, including:

Identifying and validating business ideas
Creating a solid business model
Prototyping and developing a minimum-viable product
Forecasting finances
Securing funding from sources such as venture capitalists and angel investors
Marketing a small business
Scaling a business while minimizing risk and maximizing efficiency

What can you do with a certificate in entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship certificates are designed to prepare students to run small businesses. This type of certificate can help you start a company in virtually any industry you can imagine. You’ll need the technical skills to create your product or service, but the entrepreneurship certificate program can help prepare you for the business side of your new company.

Here are a few positions that earning an entrepreneurship certificate can potentially qualify you for, with each role's required skills as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Construction manager

Construction managers are responsible for all aspects of residential or commercial construction projects. If you want to run your own construction company, you could earn a general contractor license or hire someone licensed to work for you. Either way, your entrepreneurship certificate can help you manage the details of your projects.

Required skills: Planning, organization, budget forecasting, project management, leadership
Median annual salary (May 2023): $104,900

Meeting, convention, or event planner

Meeting, convention, and event planners are responsible for their clients’ biggest events, from destination weddings to corporate retreats. Some people specialize in a specific type of planning, such as birthday parties or retirement parties, while others do it all. Either way, this can be a great small business if you are a people-person with an eye for detail.

Required skills: Creativity, time management, communication, adaptability, hosting
Median annual salary (May 2023): $56,920

Preschool director

Preschool directors are responsible for the care and education of toddlers and children under kindergarten age. Setting up a formal preschool may be relatively smooth or much more difficult, depending on your state’s regulations. A related small business opportunity is in-home daycare or childcare, which typically requires less formalities.

Required skills: Childcare, early childhood education, activity planning, budget management
Median annual salary (May 2023): $54,290

Frequently asked questions

Is an entrepreneurship certificate worth it?

Many small business owners find that an entrepreneurship certificate is worth it. This is especially true if you can create a great product or service but lack the business knowledge to write a business plan, develop accurate financial forecasts, and grow the company in a sustainable way.

How long does it take to earn an entrepreneurship certificate?

Many entrepreneurship certificate programs are about four to six months long. While a bachelor’s degree in business covers a lot of theory, a certificate program focuses exclusively on the skills and knowledge you need to get your company up and running.

How do you choose the right entrepreneurship certificate program?

All entrepreneurship certificate programs cover the basics of business startup and management, but there can be some important differences. Things to consider include:

Cost: Program costs can vary widely by school, as can financial aid alternatives. Take a look at the school’s financial assistance page on their website to get an idea of what your final costs might be.
Progression: Many online entrepreneurship certificate programs are self-paced, while others are instructor-led. Consider whether the class meets at specific times and what the workload is. Some programs focus more on exams, others on hands-on projects, so also consider your own learning and testing styles.
Related certifications: Some schools offer a variety of business-related certifications that could prove to be useful as you grow your company. Examples include marketing strategies, financial analysis, and entrepreneurial storytelling. Choosing a school with multiple options could make it easier to further your education in the future.

Published July 7, 2025