Learn to Run a Startup Business

Starting a successful small business is a possibility for entrepreneurs with skills, knowledge and passion to bring their product or service to market. This 100% online will teach you the principles for opening and running a small business or start up. Key topics include the communication and leadership skills, management principles and financial and legal concepts needed to start and operate a new business entity.

Man in a suit.
Disclaimer
Career Training courses are not eligible for VA or GI Bill® funding. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Small Business Owner Job Outlook

  • According to TheHill.com, there are over 582 million entrepreneurs in the world. FreshBooks estimates that more than 15 million Americans are full-time self-employed. Entrepreneurship is a nearly-unlimited opportunity, given skills, knowledge and determination.
  • FactFinder data indicates the 83.1% of American entrepreneurs started their own companies.
  • Entrepreneurs start their own companies at any age and may be either male or female. Guidant Financial says that 60% of new businesses are started by people between the age of 40 and 60. Babson's data indicates that as many women start businesses as men.

What You Will Learn

  • Know the various types of financing available for entrepreneurs, from venture capital to traditional financing sources
  • Gain confidence and improve management communication skills needed to collaborate with vendors, clients, and partners, including employees
  • Understand legal requirements for starting and running a business
  • Learn the essentials of creating and developing a successful business plan
  • Learn to use a business plan as a tool for internal strategic management and external positioning
  • Explore the business development process
  • Understand how to create change

Instructors

Kelley Burgess

Kelley Burgess is a public-speaking coach and author and presenter of the half-day seminar "Serving with Maximum Effectiveness." Previously spent five years teaching speech, debate, and mediation at the high-school level and was named in "Who's Who of America's Best Teachers" in 2003, 2004, and 2005. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland.

Katrina McBride

Katrina McBride's career reflects extensive experience in organizational leadership, marketing strategies, and market development in multi-national corporate environments. Her leadership abilities have been utilized to develop new programs and functional areas. In director-level positions for Nortel Networks, she led strategy for competitive intelligence, emerging markets, and lead generation. McBride holds an M.A. in organizational management and a B.S. in psychology.

Ready To Start?

This is a self-paced course that can be completed 100% online. Open enrollment means you can start anytime.