Program Description
A small business owner or entrepreneur is responsible for the growth, overall direction, and everyday operation of a business. Specific activities vary according to the business’ size and industry and may include: reviewing sales reports, profit and loss statements, and other financial reports; hiring, training, and managing staff; understanding federal, state, and local laws; marketing; and directing activities for sales or production staff. In this course series, students will learn foundational knowledge necessary for starting a business.
This program features foundational courses for a new business owner: instruction on key aspects of starting a business; how to write a business plan and why one is important; how to fund the start up and early growth of a business and identifying potential funding sources; and marketing basics needed to launch and grow a business.
Students entering this program should have good planning and organizational skills; strong oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and good problem solving skills.
Students will be better prepared to start their own business entity or manage a small business. Careers in this field are available in a broad range of privately held companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach:https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:
1. identify the skills needed to start a new venture,
2. demonstrate best practices for starting and operating a business and identify resources for success,
3. develop confidence to set and meet personal and professional goals, and
4. research and identify several opportunities for continued professional development after credential attainment.
CCBC Pathway
Business Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.
Program Credentials
CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).
Financial Aid and Payment Options
We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.
Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students. Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program.
Length of Training
6 months
Course series offered at various CCBC sites and remotely via Zoom.
Program Requirements
High School Diploma or GED recommended.
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.
Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.
Prior Learning Assessment
This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning: 15
Program Course Sequence
|
Course
Number
|
Course Title
|
Course Hours
|
Textbook Information
(approximate cost; subject to change)
|
Costs
T=Tuition
F=Fees
|
|
SBA 808
or
SBA 045
|
How to Start and Manage Your Own Small Business
The Entrepreneural Mindset with Coaching
|
10
or
16
|
Materials provided
|
$169
T-$51/F-$118
or
$249
T-$75/F-$174
|
| SBA 950 |
Customize Your Business Plan |
5 |
Materials provided |
$129
T-$39/F-$90
|
|
SBA 956
|
The A,B,C’s of Small Business Funding
|
5
|
Materials provided
|
$129
T-$39/F-$90
|
|
SBA 964
|
Small Business Marketing Strategies
|
6
|
Materials provided
|
$129
T-$39/F-$90
|
|
Course Series Totals:
|
|
26
or
32
|
$0
|
$556
T-$168/F-$388
or
$636
T-$192/F-$444
|
Career Coach
Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.