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Frances Sharpe

Guide to Entrepreneurship Programs and Courses

Get smart about taking the entrepreneurial path

By Frances Sharpe, freelance writer/editor

Can entrepreneurship really be taught? Yes! Approximately 2,000 colleges and universities offer at least one course in entrepreneurship, and many private and government-sponsored programs teach the skills you need to be a successful business owner.

Taking advantage of the programs and courses available can help you:

  1. Gain hands-on experience through internships.
  2. Find investors to fund your startup venture.
  3. Develop relationships with mentors.
  4. Plan strategically.

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


Stay in school

College courses planning, risk management, raising capital and more. Many programs emphasize hands-on learning with internships and mentoring.
I recommend: For a comprehensive directory of accredited business degree programs, visit AllBusinessSchools.com or take a look at Entrepreneur.com's recommendations for the “Top 100 Entrepreneurial Colleges”. Don't have the time or can't afford tuition for B-school? Check out what business school deans have to say at DeansTalk.net.

Learn the ABCs of the SBA

The Small Business Administration offers a host of national training events and online classes, and its Small Business Development Centers provide a variety of training programs and courses. Whether you want to learn more about writing a business plan, strategic planning, starting a business, or being a young entrepreneur, there's a course for you.
I recommend: Visit the SBA training site for a list of free online courses, a calendar of upcoming low-cost events in your area, and a resource library. For courses in your area, find a Small Business Development Center.

Study up on economic development councils

Many state and local economic development councils offer entrepreneurial training programs. Some provide intensive programs lasting several weeks; others offer weekend courses or one-time seminars.
I recommend: Get a list of state and local economic development councils from the Economic Development Administration.

Get an education in street smarts

Learn from entrepreneurs who've already made it big in business. Discovering the real-life challenges entrepreneurs faced as they built their businesses can provide insight you may not find in a classroom.
I recommend: VentureVoice.com offers podcasts from entrepreneurs who reveal their experiences in business ownership. Interact with top entrepreneurs and venture capitalists at their Startup Workshops.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Nothing beats hands-on experience so take advantage of opportunities for internships with entrepreneurial companies.
  • Network with fellow students. The business connections you make in school can develop into business partnerships down the road.
  • Get to know your professors. They are usually very well-connected and can introduce you to venture capitalists if they believe in you and your business.

The official source of Entrepreneurship Programs and Courses is
the Small Business Education and Training page at Business.com

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www.Online-Education.net

Recommended Solution Providers

Degree-Finder.com: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Schools
Complimentary service for finding colleges, career schools, and online degree programs.

eLearners.com
Comprehensive web portal that provides resources to online learners and connects them with online learning providers.

Find.edu
Find schools by entering the type of program by subject and zip code. Includes local and online schools.

All Business Schools
All Business Schools is a comprehensive online directory of accredited business degree programs and business career resources. Our mission is to help you find the degree and education resources you'll need to realize your personal goals.

Educator's Corner: Stanford Technology Ventures Program
The STVP Educators Corner is a free online archive of entrepreneurship resources for teaching and learning. The mission of the project is to support and encourage faculty around the world who teach entrepreneurship to future scientists and engineers, as well as those in management and other disciplines

Best Sites to Learn More

SCORE
Contains informative articles written by successful business people covering business related topics.

Entrepreneur.com: Top 100 Entrepreneurial Colleges
With the top 50 national programs, the top 50 regional programs, 73 entrepreneurship emphasis programs and 124 limited curriculum programs, you'll find all the information you need to embark on an entrepreneurial education.

SBA: Training
Training site that includes free online classes, a map for local training events, a resource library, and a link to online colleges and universities.

Internal Revenue Service: Online Learning and Educational Products
Links to tax related products and education for small business people.

United States Department of Labor: Employment and Training Administration: Workforce Professionals
Workforce professionals assist businesses, workers, and job seekers to help build a better workforce system. The tools and resources on this page assist workforce professionals in the development of America's workforce.

Best Blogs and Forums

Venture Voice
Podcasts on entrepreneurship, venture capital and businesses. Also contains list of conferences and a blog with business experiences from the leading business experts.

BizDeans Talk
Deans from top business schools in America and Europe discuss Management Education in an open debate with renowned business education journalists and other guests authors.



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