what course should i take if i am planning to start a business

by David Gleichner 8 min read

Among the courses that will be important to any budding entrepreneur are:

  • Business Foundations to pick up the basics of business, so you have a solid foundation to build your own.
  • Economics to understand the trends that shape supply, demand, and commerce, so that your own business operates well under the strains of global economics.

Full Answer

Which subject should I choose to study to start a business?

Take a look at each subject and decide which one satisfies your interests and goals the most. Going into economics may be the most obvious choice for someone hoping to start a business, but you’d be surprised how many students shy away from economics.

What degree do you need to be an entrepreneur?

While there is no specific degree requirement for an entrepreneur, earning your degree can equip you with the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the business world. There are various academic disciplines that can help you to own and run your own business. Many business owners have a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

What classes do you need to take to form a business?

Before you take any steps toward forming a new business, make a plan to figure out what classes you can take to prepare for the path you’re about to tread on. Some of the most important subject areas to focus on include entrepreneurship, marketing, business and management.

Do you need a business degree to start your own business?

A business degree will certainly be helpful, but many company owners don’t have the time to invest in the full college experience. Look for classes that cater to business owners since these will often provide more real-world examples and hands-on learning opportunities.

How to start a specialization?

What is entrepreneurial mindset?

What is a capstone course?

What is a new venture creation course?

How long has Michigan State University been advancing the common good with uncommon will?

Does Coursera give financial aid?

Can you get a certificate for a specialization?

See 4 more

About this website

Start-Up Classes For Small Businesses | Free Online Classes

Starting a small business can be one of the most exhilarating, empowering, and life-changing things you will ever do in your life. Get rid of your boss, set your own hours, choose the people you work with every day, make as much money as you want…who wouldn’t want all of this!

Free Startup Tutorial - How to Start a Startup / Business

My name is Julien Meyer and I am a career entrepreneur. Along with three tech startups (collegeTKTS, CollegeStack & BlurtBox) I have run countless entrepreneurial ventures over the last 10+ years.

Creating a Business Start Up - Free Courses in England

Over half a million businesses are started every year; however, 30% of these fail within the first two years. Having a better understanding of the initial processes and requirements of a business start-up can increase the chances of your business succeeding in the UK.

What to do if you don't know your target audience?

If you don’t know who is in your target audience, you will need to enroll in some basic marketing courses to get a solid understanding of how to determine the audience and reach those who are in it. Marketing courses will help you learn about a number of topics related to this important aspect of business ownership.

How to learn about small business funding?

Look for classes you can take that will help you learn more about small-business funding, including where to look for investors, the differences between angel investors and venture capitalists, how to value your business when taking on investors and other factors related to financing. Depending on the class, you might even have a chance to pitch your business idea to a seasoned investor or two who can give you pointers and feedback for when you face the real thing.

What is the goal of a business instructor?

The goal of the instructors is to take the mystery and confusion out of the process of starting a new business while helping students build on their own skill sets to learn how to better act on innovative opportunities. Another aspect of new business ownership is pitching yourself and your ideas to potential investors.

What is the most important subject for new business owners?

Entrepreneurship . One of the most important subject areas for new business owners to study is entrepreneurship . As a business owner, you are officially in the entrepreneur category, so you’ll need to develop the skills that come with this title.

What is the most difficult thing to do as a first time business owner?

One of the most challenging things for first-time business owners is handling the finances. Financing a company is a necessary step in the process unless you’re planning to bankroll your own business. Even if you have money set aside for the venture, you may find yourself in need of additional capital in the future.

How does a company's success hinge on its target market?

A company’s success hinges on the ability to reach its target market. If you’re selling a product, people have to know about the product and want to buy it. When your company offers a service, it’s critical to identify the pain point the service can eliminate and really sell the benefits of choosing your company over another that may offer something similar. If you don’t know who is in your target audience, you will need to enroll in some basic marketing courses to get a solid understanding of how to determine the audience and reach those who are in it.

What are the most important subjects to focus on?

Some of the most important subject areas to focus on include entrepreneurship, marketing, business and management . You don’t have to sign up to earn a college degree to learn more about business management and strategy; many courses are available online as one-offs for you to pick and choose what skills you need.

Do You Need a College Degree to Start a Business?

But more than half of the self-employed hold four-year degrees and depending on the field, the numbers are even higher. For example, the HVAC technician working out of his own van may have taken a few business courses to run his own shop. But if you intend to work in healthcare or the legal field, a degree may not only be important to your success; it may be required by law.

Why Get a Business Administration Degree?

A Bachelor’s in Business Administration gives you a solid foundation, along with real-life examples and experience that you can use to nurture your own business idea. Business Administration degree programs teach you the fundamentals of how big and small companies run and where they fit into the global marketplace. Among the courses that will be important to any budding entrepreneur are:

What Soft Skills Will a Business Administration Program Teach?

Through case studies, classroom assignments, group projects, and presentations, business programs also teach you to hone the soft skills that differentiate successful business leaders from those who fail. Among the most important business skills are:

Why is the syllabus so easy to understand?

The syllabus is easy to understand for business-minded people because the course is very targeted. It imparts skills that are basic to any business startup. Everyone in your class is also into business, which presents the perfect opportunity to network.

Why is finance important for a startup?

Finance is essential for a startup business to know how to manage money. The investments, the expenses, the costs, and the profits, everything is a part of this course. You’ll also learn how to read and write a balance sheet and profit & loss (essential for any business owner).

Why is marketing important?

With this major, you’ll know what offers will do best for your business and how to reach a maximum number of target audiences. These are especially beneficial for startups.

Why is niche important?

The reason why this is an essential factor is that every niche or industry has specific fields related to it and vice-versa.

What happens if you don't reach the right audience?

If you don’t reach the right audience, no one will even notice your services and products.

How to stay motivated when starting a business?

Interests can help you stay motivated and positive about your work. So make sure that you are genuinely interested in the business you’re about to start.

What are the skills needed to be a successful business?

Communication. While this may be surprising to some of you, communication skills are essential in the business world. From communication with your business partners and employees, to being able to get your message across. Other aspects of the subject include creative writing, journalism, and blogging.

What is accounting in business?

Accounting. Accounting covers the basics of finances for businesses. The student learns about credits, debits, revenue recognition, expenses and equity. Several courses fall under the accounting label, and it's really up to you how far you want to go.

What is a technology course?

Technology Course (s) Technology is a part of every business in some form or another. Students should learn about the different software they will encounter. Word processing, accounting and the Internet are just the basics of what a potential business owner needs to know.

What is the course on oral communication?

This course develops written and oral communication. Students learn how word choice and audiences affect the message. The course typically covers communication theory, technology, job applications and speeches.

What is business finance?

Business Finance. Usually under the business administration section of a college's course list, business finance focus es on preparing the potential business owner to manage a business's fiances. It covers basic concepts such as managing cash flow, creating statements and project projections.

Can a business survive without advertising?

Advertising. A business won't survive without advertising. Learning about the different methods will help the potential business owner to pinpoint the most effective methods for the type of business. It also gives students a firm background that can later help them take advantage of new forms of marketing.

Why do we need computer science?

A computer science course could well be the answer to propelling your business to the next level. Such courses are especially helpful if you own an internet business such as a web hosting provider or domain registrar. A variety of computer science courses are available with many subjects to learn, so be sure to choose one that’s most relevant to your business.

What is confidence building course?

Sometimes known as public speaking courses, confidence building courses could give you the added advantage when speaking at public events or making presentations. Confidence is key to have for all business owners to be a success.

Why is it important to take management courses?

By taking leadership and management courses, you can be sure you’re going to be a leader that inspires.

What are the things that are important for a business to succeed?

Employee safety, customer service, marketing knowledge , and management experience are all factors that could be the difference in succeeding or failing. Consider the above courses if you truly want to take your business to the next level, they will save you money in the future and could lead you onto another career path if your business isn’t successful.

Why do you need to take marketing courses?

Many businesses around the world stay at the same level and don’t grow because business owners don’t know what to do next. By taking marketing courses, you can be sure you’re always going to be in the know when it comes to fresh marketing trends to take your business forward. This could prove to be one of the most important courses to take in your business career and you should strongly consider one if you’re serious about taking your business to the next level.

Why do you need a first aid certificate?

Having a first-aid certificate or equivalent could benefit your employees hugely, especially if you work in a dangerous environment such as a warehouse or on a construction site. Your employees will also feel more comfortable working for you if they know they are going to be well looked after should any injuries occur.

Why is it important to learn English?

Getting your English together is an excellent way to help build partnerships in the future. Sending emails and letters is often a big part of the job as a business owner, and it could also benefit you if you’re a public speaker or you regularly update your social media platforms with the latest content. It’s easy to learn basic English, but it’s a high standard of English that could make a difference when it comes to building new relationships.

How to start a specialization?

To begin, enroll in the Specialization directly, or review its courses and choose the one you'd like to start with. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization.

What is entrepreneurial mindset?

An entrepreneurial mindset stands alone in terms of its importance. No other attribute, personality, inherent entrepreneurial proclivities, training, or demographic profile is common to all successful entrepreneurs whether Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, or the neighborhood florist or grocer.

What is a capstone course?

The Capstone course will bring all of the tools and lessons discussed together for you to launch your business. It may not be the business of your dreams, but it will be a functional business giving you the execution capability to start something you are passionate about. Direction Signs.

What is a new venture creation course?

This course is the first in a series on starting a business. Though new venture creation is the focus of the specialization, this course is important for everyone.To create a successful business it is not only about what you do (technical execution), it is also about how you think. This course provides learners with insights to re-frame their thinking in order to maximize their chances for success.

How long has Michigan State University been advancing the common good with uncommon will?

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.

Does Coursera give financial aid?

Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved.

Can you get a certificate for a specialization?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

image

Entrepreneurship

  • One of the most important subject areas for new business owners to study is entrepreneurship. As a business owner, you are officially in the entrepreneur category, so you’ll need to develop the skills that come with this title. Unlike business classes, which tend to focus on more general principles of business and formation options, entrepreneur-fo...
See more on kabbage.com

Marketing

  • A company’s success hinges on the ability to reach its target market. If you’re selling a product, people have to know about the product and want to buy it. When your company offers a service, it’s critical to identify the pain point the service can eliminate and really sell the benefits of choosing your company over another that may offer something similar. If you don’t know who is …
See more on kabbage.com

Business

  • If you don’t have any business experience, now is the time to enroll in a few business courses. A business degree will certainly be helpful, but many company owners don’t have the time to invest in the full college experience. Look for classes that cater to business owners since these will often provide more real-world examples and hands-on learning opportunities. Many startup com…
See more on kabbage.com

Management

  • Small-business owners often report that management is one of the most challenging aspects of the venture. If you have never managed people, campaigns, projects or deadlines before, you’re probably starting to feel a bit lost. Taking management courses in these areas will make a big difference in your confidence level as you take on the role of managing and overseeing every as…
See more on kabbage.com

Workshops and Resources

  • Small-business owners can also look for government programs that can help them build their skills and get support and resources. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a number of workshops and training courses designed to help entrepreneurs learn more about every aspect of their endeavors, from raising money to writing a solid business plan to marketing through social …
See more on kabbage.com