Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management - Career Certificate

Pitch a business plan

Create a business from scratch

Understand the nuts and bolts of a small business—then learn how to start your own.

As part of this certificate at CLC, you pitch a business plan, which helps hone your entrepreneurial skills, including:

start a new business
manage a small business
basic financial accounting for a small business
how to manage a project

What can you do with a Certificate in Entrepreneur Small Business Management?

This certificate prepares you to start your own business or to work with an entrepreneurial mindset within an established business.

Upon completion, you can stack the credits/credentials you earned from this certificate toward the Business Administration Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Highlights

100% Online

This degree can be completed 100% online. It’s up to you!
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $91,143
  
  Median
  
  $260,181
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $435,771
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43.81
  
  Median
  
  $125.08
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $209.50
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.46%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.15%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  32.29%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  50.4%
  
  Doctorate
  
  7.7%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47,760
  
  Median
  
  $69,307
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $107,598
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.96
  
  Median
  
  $33.31
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.72
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.18%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.62%
  
  Some college
  
  20.03%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.62%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  45.22%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.33%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,430
  
  Median
  
  $67,248
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $99,813
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.91
  
  Median
  
  $32.33
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $47.98
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95.24%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,427
  
  Median
  
  $112,019
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $269,068
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.72
  
  Median
  
  $53.85
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $129.36
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  39.11%
  
  Certificate
  
  5.72%
  
  Some college
  
  21.59%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.99%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  27.44%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.15%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $46,814
  
  Median
  
  $80,046
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $141,225
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.50
  
  Median
  
  $38.48
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $67.89
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  32.67%
  
  Certificate
  
  12.12%
  
  Some college
  
  8.71%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.22%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  41.29%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,176
  
  Median
  
  $78,471
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,920
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.72
  
  Median
  
  $37.72
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.11
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.35%
  
  Certificate
  
  8.7%
  
  Some college
  
  17.39%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  21.74%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  47.83%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $63,636
  
  Median
  
  $108,967
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $202,677
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.59
  
  Median
  
  $52.38
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $97.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  76.19%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  19.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ACC 110	ACC 110 Accounting in Business Class Description This course is an overall introduction to the discipline of accounting. Emphasis is on understanding processes used to collect, analyze, and report financial information in business organizations. Topics include the accounting equation, generally accepted accounting principles, financial reporting, financial statement analysis, budgeting, and cost control.	2	Online/Virtual options available
BUS 121	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 131	BUS 131 Entrepreneurship Class Description This course focuses on the entrepreneurial process and prepares students for developing a mindset for thinking creatively. The course examines the concepts and tools related to the development of new entrepreneurial ventures, including developing an idea, starting a new venture, growing the venture, successfully harvesting (selling) it and starting again. In a pragmatic way, students are engaged to discover critical aspects of entrepreneurship and what level of competencies, experience, attitudes, resources, and networks are required to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 110
Course Title	ACC 110 Accounting in Business Class Description This course is an overall introduction to the discipline of accounting. Emphasis is on understanding processes used to collect, analyze, and report financial information in business organizations. Topics include the accounting equation, generally accepted accounting principles, financial reporting, financial statement analysis, budgeting, and cost control.
Credits	2
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 121
Course Title	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 131
Course Title	BUS 131 Entrepreneurship Class Description This course focuses on the entrepreneurial process and prepares students for developing a mindset for thinking creatively. The course examines the concepts and tools related to the development of new entrepreneurial ventures, including developing an idea, starting a new venture, growing the venture, successfully harvesting (selling) it and starting again. In a pragmatic way, students are engaged to discover critical aspects of entrepreneurship and what level of competencies, experience, attitudes, resources, and networks are required to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose ACC 121 instead of ACC 110.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
BUS 111	BUS 111 Fundamentals of Finance Class Description Study of basic methods and quantitative tools of Business Finance. Short and long term investment decision making for businesses and individuals.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 219	BUS 219 Small Business Management Class Description This course is focused on the role of small business in our society, the problems and opportunities connected with starting a new venture, and the management skills required to successfully operate the on-going business. Students will explore the strategic and organizational factors that lead to profitability and growth. The course is intended to meet the needs of those now managing a small business, those considering the possibilities of entrepreneurship and those who wish to learn more about how small businesses operate.	3	Online/Virtual options available
BUS 227	BUS 227 Principles of Marketing Class Description (Formerly BUS 122) This course provides students with the elements and best practices of the marketing world and the application of those practices. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of market research through situation analysis of an industry’s environment, examination of a business’s strengths and weaknesses and insights into target marketing. Students will then analyze the situation and learn to develop product, price, distribution and promotion strategies accordingly. Emphasis is on basic marketing principles and solving business problems through a formal written marketing plan.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 111
Course Title	BUS 111 Fundamentals of Finance Class Description Study of basic methods and quantitative tools of Business Finance. Short and long term investment decision making for businesses and individuals.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 219
Course Title	BUS 219 Small Business Management Class Description This course is focused on the role of small business in our society, the problems and opportunities connected with starting a new venture, and the management skills required to successfully operate the on-going business. Students will explore the strategic and organizational factors that lead to profitability and growth. The course is intended to meet the needs of those now managing a small business, those considering the possibilities of entrepreneurship and those who wish to learn more about how small businesses operate.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 227
Course Title	BUS 227 Principles of Marketing Class Description (Formerly BUS 122) This course provides students with the elements and best practices of the marketing world and the application of those practices. Students will explore the basic fundamentals of market research through situation analysis of an industry’s environment, examination of a business’s strengths and weaknesses and insights into target marketing. Students will then analyze the situation and learn to develop product, price, distribution and promotion strategies accordingly. Emphasis is on basic marketing principles and solving business problems through a formal written marketing plan.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose ACC 122 instead of BUS 111.

Total Credit Hours

19

Business Administration at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Business Administration. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Business Administration program overview

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Frequently asked questions

Our student profile is varied. Your classmates bring a range of experiences to the coursework. Most are non-traditional, which means they graduated from high school more than a couple of years ago. However, there are also students who come to the program right out of high school.
Compared to a four-year university, your class sizes are smaller and your instructors have a greater connection with students. Faculty devote 100% of their time to teaching (no research required) so they can be dedicated instructors and make themselves more accessible to you.
The practical, real-world focus—that’s what our students tell us. Even the more abstract skills (writing, communication, analysis) are taught so you can see how to apply them in day-to-day work.
Many courses in this program are offered in an online format.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.

The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

View current tuition and fees

Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.

View courses with variable tuition and fees

Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

What students say about CLC

Leanne Linsky
Graduate
“The CLC student body is diverse, my classmates had more work and life experience. When I transferred, I was better prepared for university life.”
Leanne studied business administration at CLC. She transferred to earn a bachelor's degree, then a master's degree and created an online app for comedians.
Read Leanne's story

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Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management Certificate

Pitch a business plan

Create a business from scratch

What can you do with a Certificate in Entrepreneur Small Business Management?

Highlights

100% Online

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

WIOA Program

Stackable Credentials

Career Outlook

Chief Executives

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fundraisers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

General and Operations Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Online Merchants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Search Marketing Strategists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Supply Chain Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 10 Credits

Semester 2 9 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Business Administration at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

Are there students like me in the program?

How is my learning experience going to be different at CLC?

What’s the best thing about this program?

Can I take my classes online?

How much does this program cost?

What students say about CLC

Leanne Linsky

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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