Small Business Entrepreneurship Certificate

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Business
HEGIS: 5004
Curriculum Chair: Richard Hyland
Telephone: 914-606-6553
Email: Richard.Hyland@sunywcc.edu

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Spring 2018. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Certificates Defined

Certificate programs are designed to provide a mix of theory and practical training leading to immediate employment upon completion. People who pursue certificates might have an advanced degree and typically want to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Others might enroll in a certificate program to “test the waters,” with an eye toward pursuing an associate’s degree. Credits earned now in a credit-bearing certificate will apply later toward an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College. Click to learn more about the differences among the award types.

Program Description

The Certificate Program for Small Business Entrepreneurship is designed for individuals interested in starting or maintaining a small business. Completing this certificate will help the small business entrepreneur maximize the skills and abilities necessary to do business in our complex environment.

The courses selected will provide the entrepreneur with the basic business foundation necessary to compete in today’s world. In New York State alone, small business employs more than half of the private sector work force and accounts for 99% of new business creation.*

This certificate provides entrepreneurship instruction across the curriculum in Management, Marketing, Communications, Computing, Accounting and Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management. Students can apply all 25 credits to the Business Administration A.A.S. degree program or to the Marketing A.A.S. degree program.

This program is for the student interested in a business sampler and the entrepreneur looking to manage business in the 21st century.

* NYS Empire State Development 2004

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate an understanding of how to research a business plan.
Demonstrate an understanding tenets of financing entrepreneurial ventures including various methods of debt, equity and bootstrapping.
Demonstrate an understanding social entrepreneurial ventures and why they are vital for today’s society.
Demonstrate and understand the current business environment.

Program of Study

Minimum Total Credits - 25

Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click to download the Small Business Entrepreneurship Certificate Educational Plan (PDF) .

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Small Business Entrepreneurship Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.