Turn ideas into reality with entrepreneurial skills

Professor Ivan Guardiola lectures at the FLC Innovation Center

Whether you're earning a degree or exploring a startup idea, the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certificate gives you hands-on experience creating, launching, and growing new ventures.

Open to current students from all majors as well as community members, you'll build skills in opportunity recognition, business planning, innovation tools, financial analysis, and pitching—all in a flexible certificate that complements your primary field of study or professional goals.

From day one, you'll apply what you learn by starting real businesses. Students launch ventures with seed capital, tackle creativity challenges like the Stanford $5 Challenge, and use frameworks like Blue Ocean Strategy to test and refine their ideas. These experiences give you portfolio-ready ventures and the confidence to step into entrepreneurial roles or launch your own business.

  • Entrepreneurship Certificate
Entrepreneurship Certificate

What you'll gain

  • Entrepreneurial mindset — learn how to spot opportunities, develop business models, and turn creative ideas into viable ventures.
  • Cross-disciplinary value — bring perspectives from any major into innovative, market-driven solutions.
  • Real-world experience — launch actual businesses, pitch to community members, and leave with ventures you can show investors or employers.

Program highlights

  • Core courses — Management Principles (BA 300), New Business Venturing I & II (ENT 204, 205), Business Creativity and Innovation (ENT 306).
  • Hands-on learning — launch student-run businesses with seed capital, Blue Ocean Strategy projects, and Business Model Canvas analysis.
    Small classes, close mentorship — work directly with faculty experts in entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Open to all majors — designed to complement your primary field of study.
  • Competition opportunities — engage with Hawk Tank Business Plan Competition and community pitch events.

Learn about all of the Entrepreneurship Certificate requirements

Michael Valdez, Associate Professor of Management on our small business and entrepreneurship degree

"Entrepreneurial thinking is essential in every field. The Entrepreneurship Certificate gives students the mindset and tools to spot opportunities, launch ventures, and innovate in their communities. With hands-on learning, mentorship, and regional business connections, students gain the skills to create impact and shape their careers—no matter their major."

Michael Valdez
Professor of Management
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