Online Certificate Courses

The reasons and benefits for certification programs, and the resulting certified students is clear and compelling. Certifications are valuable for all students, even those who pursue a business-oriented track. The Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification is designed to teach students at the K-14 level — the basic skills they need to start and run a business.

ESB is endorsed by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, NFTE. And, it is also endorsed by the American Council on Education.

Why Certification in ESB?

ESB certification engages and prepares students who will pursue additional postsecondary training or those who elect to enter the small business sector immediately upon high school graduation. The entrepreneurial concepts validated by this certification ensure that these students are college and career ready

ESB Certification Is Divided Into Six Objective Domains

• THE ENTREPRENEUR: Students must identify their strengths, weaknesses and risk tolerance
• OPPORTUNITY RECOGNITION: Students identify the benefits and drawbacks of starting a new business, purchasing an existing business or buying a franchise. They also analyze the demand for goods, services and opportunities in a specific environment, and identify potential customers for a business.
• STARTING A BUSINESS: Students learn the value of a business plan and the legal structures for a business. They also gain knowledge about business licenses and regulations.
• BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Students identify human capital needs, get information about required taxes and intellectual property issues, learn about standard operating procedures and more.
• MARKETING AND SALES: Students develop customer communications, and media and advertising strategies. They identify the characteristics of a successful sale, analyze the costs and benefits of finding customers, and learn how to build relationships with customers.
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Students learn how to interpret basic financial statements, determine factors that influence the price to the customer, analyze cash flow, create a budget and identify the breakeven point for a business.

Certification Pathway

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