Career Description: The opportunity to own a small business has been the American dream for many over the past century. Small businesses employ over half of all private sector employees and have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years. Small businesses have a presence in virtually every industry and occupation. Owners of small businesses often apply both technical knowledge and skills along with business management knowledge to create and operate a successful business venture. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s recent data show a higher increase in new business starts in non-urban and rural areas of the state. Several initiatives promote and create growth of entrepreneurial activity in Greater Minnesota. Investing in small business development promotes the economic growth and vitality of the region. Completion of the program will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully start and operate a small business. Students will also have the opportunity to work with the Small Business Development Center located on campus to develop successful business plans.

Program Information: The Entrepreneurship Certificate program emphasizes the innovative and entrepreneurial skills required to success in the current business environment of continuous and unprecedented change. The ability to be responsive, flexible and creative lies at the heart of both new venture creation and ongoing businesses because each must anticipate, innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing world. The Entrepreneurship Certificate program is designed for those who are considering starting a business or current entrepreneurs who need the vital skills required to be a successful entrepreneur. Students experience all aspects of planning a new venture, from determining their personal vision to conducting market analysis to testing financial feasibility, drawing from the whole spectrum of business and management. The Entrepreneurship Certificate demonstrates why good planning leads to successful business performance. Students gain insight in how the various pieces of the business puzzle fit together for the venture to operate successfully.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Perform financial management tasks;
• Demonstrate effective written and oral business communications;
• Access, analyze, and interpret relevant information specific to business strategies;
• Create a business plan.