Entrepreneurial Studies

Undergraduate Certificate

What will you learn in our business certificate?

Our entrepreneurship development program focuses on more than problem-solving. It prepares you to spot and make the most of opportunities others might overlook. You’ll be prepared to lead and tackle tough challenges creatively when helping a company or small business grow. You’ll also test your skills in hands-on exercises and group projects in product planning and market analysis.

In your business certificate program, you’ll:  

• Uncover the foundations of business! Build up critical skills like decision-making, problem-solving and communication when you set your venture in motion.
• Discover what helps entrepreneurs thrive, overcome obstacles and transform bold ideas into real-world strategy.
• Analyze opportunities, craft impactful business plans, manage resources efficiently and wow potential supporters with your vision and strategy.

This entrepreneurship development program goes beyond launching new businesses. You'll practice coming up with creative solutions across different situations and industries – and you'll sharpen your decision-making and resource management skills.

As you develop and test your strategies, you'll receive support from a variety of experienced mentors, including teachers, entrepreneurs and investors. Plus, you’ll gain real-world experience through the New Venture Challenge, where you can compete for funding to support your ideas.

Highlights of our business certificate

At CMU, you'll start thinking like an entrepreneur long before you graduate.

• Test your skills: Compete in the New Venture Challenge to win funds for your business ideas. This annual contest rewards creative students in several different categories.
• Be inspired: Work on projects that help bring your ideas to life and engage with support offered by the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship. 
• Grow your network: Meet investors, alumni and entrepreneurship faculty with first-hand business experience. Build connections through business student organizations like CMU Innovates.