Entrepreneurs set the roles for their businesses, and learning is a lifelong process. It’s easy to get online certifications to expand your skills and improve your company’s reputation, and you can conveniently complete these programs during your lunch break. Online courses for entrepreneurs can develop your skill set and provide you with a competitive advantage.
Here are the best courses for entrepreneurs to take.
1. Coursera Entrepreneurship Specialization
This is one of the best online courses for entrepreneurs that offers a flexible schedule. It’s perfect for those with a busy routine or startup managers. The course focuses on developing business opportunities, strategies for business growth and financing. There is a capstone project at the end of the class.
You can take just one or all of the courses, depending on your specific needs. The material is self-paced and taught by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The certification requires a fee, but there is an opportunity for financial aid.
2. Coursera Essentials of Entrepreneurship
This is one of the shorter online certifications, so you can take this course even during the peak of your business cycle. Another benefit is the deadlines are flexible and can be moved around. The class teaches skills like managing a startup, spotting new business opportunities and facing challenges.
Other important lessons are the value of a business plan and how to achieve success in a new company. Enrollment is free, but adding the certification will cost around $35.
3. Coursera Innovation: From Creativity to Entrepreneurship
This online certification is offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Courses focus on building an organization’s foundation in innovation and creativity. You learn how to have an entrepreneurial mindset, harnessing the power of strategy.
Take the lessons to build toward the final project. The course is flexible, so you can work around your schedule. It’s also one of the best courses for entrepreneurs because it focuses on soft skills like teamwork. Collaboration is an essential but often overlooked topic. The course will take about eight months to complete and is beginner-friendly.
4. Udacity’s How to Build a Startup
This is one of the best courses for entrepreneurs because it’s free. The certification is an intermediate-level class taught by industry professionals, and the main objective is to teach people to launch a startup quickly and efficiently. It’s one of the online certifications focusing on collecting customer feedback and using it to refine your products.
The program has various teaching styles, from self-paced learning to interactive quizzes. The course is good for people who clearly know their business objectives.
5. Harvard University Technology Entrepreneurship
This is one of the best tech-focused online courses for entrepreneurs. The program is a class exploring new technology, such as artificial intelligence, and how to pair it with customer needs. It uses real-world examples centered on a systemic approach to entrepreneurship.
The idea is to understand how you can use new technologies effectively. The course is also shorter but provides helpful video lectures from Havard professors. You must sign up for the paid verified track to receive the certification.
6. Harvard Business School Entrepreneurship Essentials
Harvard’s course helps you connect your ideas to create a successful business. It centers on strategies to build and finance new ventures. The user platform is simple to use and well organized, so you can save time and get through the lessons quicker. The syllabus is well laid out, with a clear table displaying the title of the module and the main takeaways.
The one thing to remember is that the price is higher than other courses at $1,750. Also, it offers less of a flexible schedule. Therefore, you’ll need to complete the program with plenty of free time.
7. Udemy How to Come up With Killer Business Ideas
This is one of the best courses for entrepreneurs to develop the next big idea. Unlike other certifications, it doesn’t just focus on logistics. Instead, it centers on the creative approach that builds a company.
The lessons focus on how to generate ideas and objectively assess them. You’ll also learn to analyze areas of business and spot potential opportunities. Udemy also provides flexible scheduling and top-rated instructors. The one thing to note is the higher price point and less content.
8. Edx Becoming an Entrepreneur
The certification is offered in conjunction with MIT. It provides entrepreneurs with the encouragement and information needed to succeed. You’ll learn how to build an idea from the ground up. The tone of each lesson is friendly and approachable but offers thoughtful content.
The courses are both digital and in-person, and there’s a combination of short videos and interactive activities. You must pay for the verified track to get the certification.
9. Ultimate Digital Marketing Bundle by Reliablesoft Academy
This is one of the more comprehensive online courses for entrepreneurs. It teaches you how to build and promote your brand’s online presence and offers effective digital marketing techniques. You need to attract customers to be a successful entrepreneur, and this program will show you how to use online marketing to increase your client base.
The program is excellent for beginners, and you’ll learn the following:
- Search engine optimization
- Facebook ads marketing
- Google ads marketing
- Content marketing
- Social media marketing
Unlike other programs, you only pay once and get lifetime access and updates. After passing the exams, you’ll get an SEO and a digital marketing certification.
10. Entrepreneurship: From Business Idea to Action
This fast-paced course explores topics like writing a business plan and creating pitches.
It discusses what it takes to run a startup and how to get support. Once you enroll, the first step is creating a self-development plan to build your brand. Then you’ll learn how to develop business ideas and raise finances. Other topics include working with mentors and producing sales action plans.
Here are a few more valuable skills you’ll learn:
- How to source resources for your business and build networks
- How to work as part of a team and create an effective business model
- How to use resources for long-term business development
You can either subscribe to Future Learn Unlimited or choose a one-time lower payment.
Top Online Certifications to Consider
Gaining certifications allow you to become a better business owner, and learning online makes it easier to complete this process. Consider these best courses for entrepreneurs to grow your company today.
