Education for women entrepreneurship is an individualized process. Choices and options are many. There are online courses and certifications, workshops and business and marketing correspondence programs. The student needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask these questions, “Is it the diploma or certification that is important and necessary for my career path?” or, “Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get me in the workforce quickly?”

You can find good non-accredited business training for women. Research schools and training programs the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend. There are plenty of con artists out there, on the web especially, offering less than sterling courses too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for women entrepreneur training:

1. Find established schools and training programs for women entrepreneurs.

2. Attend seminars and get online business training for women.

3. Locate small network groups and resources that help women start businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use brick and mortar establishments for women owned business education

Take classes at an accredited school for a Bachelors or Masters Degree that holds up under scrutiny. Begin your search for entrepreneurship training for women with established schools.

I recommend: You can earn a Masters Degree in entrepreneurship at SMU Cox. This program is for individuals who want to build a solid foundation in managerial entrepreneurship. Courses emphasize accounting, finance, strategy, operations, marketing and management. FullSail University offers a full array of accredited programs that accelerate women entrepreneurs in competitive markets. Earn Bachelors or Masters Degrees in entertainment, Internet marketing or any number of innovative fields.

Attend seminars for women entrepreneurs or take rigorous online classes

There are many fine online programs. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: CCL offers leadership seminars for women. The Baron Series offers programs for the business-minded woman.

Find small business groups and resources that focus on training for women entrepreneurs

Look around and you may be surprised at some of the unique programs and resources specifically available to women entrepreneurs. Find grants or loans to start a small business, support and networking buddies online.

I recommend: Center for Women and Work at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers resources, an online virtual library and other unique tools to help women entrepreneurs. WE, as in Women Entrepreneurs, helps women in business as well. SCORE has a Women Entrepreneur website of helpful articles, mentors and workshops. More resources still are available at Homebased-Working-Moms. This association for women entrepreneurs, who are also moms, offers networking and resources.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing classes for women entrepreneurs. If you want accredited programs, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of training programs that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find good courses that meet your needs.