About this Program

The number of female-owned businesses in the United States has soared in recent years. One major study found that the number of these companies increased five times faster than overall business growth between 2007 and 2016. As Angela Braly, the former CEO of WellPoint Health Networks, once said, "The most important factor in determining whether you will succeed isn't your gender, it's you. Be open to opportunity and take risks.”

This certificate program explores the fundamental principles of entrepreneurship that are paramount for success in today’s business climate. You’ll learn what makes for a compelling vision and how to craft a business plan to execute on that vision. We’ll examine all major aspects of founding and operating a business — finance, sales and marketing, HR, management and more — and discuss common traits of successful startups.

Designed For

Women who want to start or operate their own small or mid-sized business, or those who want join an existing early-stage company.

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What You’ll Learn

• How to develop a vision and strategy statement and design a business model
• Methods for defining customer segments, needs and pain points and for optimizing sales and marketing channels
• Essential aspects of budgeting, financial modeling and forecasting, and risk assessment and mitigation
• Strategies for pitching a proposal to investors, partners and management
• Insights on your leadership style and tips for overcoming common barriers facing women in the workplace

Hands-On Experience

You’ll complete a group project to create a business plan for a startup you would like to build, and receive feedback from established business investors.