About this Program

They say necessity is the mother of invention. Since 2020, a golden age of entrepreneurship has emerged, born out of economic need. According to the Kauffman Foundation, a grantmaking organization focused on advancing entrepreneurship, 30% of new entrepreneurs in 2020 had previously been unemployed. These new entrepreneurial leaders need to know how to create sustainable value and launch ideas, motivate and develop talented people, and champion innovative approaches.

In this program, you'll learn how to craft a compelling pitch to execute your vision. We'll examine all major aspects of founding and operating a business — finance, sales and marketing, human resources and more — and discuss common traits of successful startups, investors and intrapreneurs. We'll also explore key roles within the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Finally, you’ll build your own leadership persona. 

Designed For

Anyone who wants to start or operate their own business, join an early stage startup, invest in or advise a new company, pitch a new venture at their current workplace or become a stronger leader. 

See Requirements

What You’ll Learn

• How to refine your vision to design a business model and implement a winning business strategy
• Methods for defining customer segments, needs and pain points, and for optimizing sales and marketing channels
• Essential skills for budgeting, financial modeling, forecasting, and risk assessment and mitigation
• How to understand and navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Insights on your leadership style, personal strengths and areas for improvement, and tips for overcoming common barriers in the workplace

Get Hands-On Experience

• Build and pitch your business plan and get guidance and inspiration from established entrepreneurs and investors
• Work in small teams to evaluate and support each other's ideas
• Reflect on how to leverage your strengths with the guidance of a leadership coach

Earn a Joint UW-WWU Certificate

Offered jointly by UWPCE and Western Washington University Outreach and Continuing Education, the winter offering of this program draws students from counties across western Washington. Once you complete the program, you'll earn a joint UW-WWU certificate.

SCHOLARSHIPS & FUNDING

You may be eligible for a scholarship or funding to cover some of the costs of this program. Please visit the Scholarships & Funding page to see available opportunities.

The Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) Certificate Scholarship is a unique opportunity for students in this program. This scholarship is funded in part by BECU and the Seattle Finance Collective.

After you apply and are accepted into the WEL Certificate program, you'll receive additional information about how to apply for the WEL Certificate Scholarship or the UW Certificate Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. 

Career Stats

OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.