Business Startup Basics Certificate

Program Overview

Madison College's Business Startup Basics Certificate program empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to launch and manage small businesses. Through hands-on learning, students develop expertise in marketing, operations, finance, and customer service, fostering their entrepreneurial spirit and preparing them for success in small business ventures.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

Madison College's Business Startup Basics Certificate program provides individuals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to launch and operate a small business. The program focuses on developing marketing and financial plans, understanding small business operations, and providing exceptional customer service.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the essential knowledge and skills to start and manage a small business.
• Develop students' understanding of marketing principles and their application in small business settings.
• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of small business operations, including management, finance, and customer service.
• Foster students' entrepreneurial spirit and provide them with the confidence to pursue their business ventures.

Program Description:

The Business Startup Basics Certificate program consists of 14 credits and can be completed in one semester. The program is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students and is offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

Outline:

Content:

• Marketing principles and strategies
• Small business development and management
• Operations management
• Customer service and relationship management
• Financial planning and budgeting

Structure:

• The program consists of five required courses:
• Mindset for Success
• Small Business Development
• Operations Management
• Marketing Principles
• Field Experience

Course Schedule:

• The program is offered in a flexible format, with courses available both online and in person.
• The course schedule varies each semester and is subject to change.

Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• Mindset for Success: This course introduces students to the entrepreneurial mindset and provides them with the tools and techniques to develop a positive and growth-oriented attitude.
• Small Business Development: This course covers the fundamentals of small business development, including market research, business planning, and legal considerations.
• Operations Management: This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of small business operations, including management, finance, and customer service.
• Marketing Principles: This course introduces students to the principles of marketing, including market segmentation, target marketing, and marketing mix.
• Field Experience: This course provides students with hands-on experience in a small business setting.
Students will work on real-world projects and gain practical knowledge of small business operations.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Case studies

Assessment Criteria:

• Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the course material.
• Students are also assessed on their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world business scenarios.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Guest speakers

Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced faculty members who have extensive knowledge and experience in small business management and entrepreneurship.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes hands-on learning through projects, simulations, and field experiences.
• The program provides students with access to resources and support services, such as the Small Business Development Center and the Madison College Incubator.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Small business owner
• Entrepreneur
• Marketing manager
• Operations manager
• Customer service representative

Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in small business management and entrepreneurship.
• Graduates of the program are well-positioned to start their own businesses or to work in small business settings.

Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program have a strong foundation in small business management and entrepreneurship.
• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to launch and operate a successful small business.