Pathways to Entrepreneurship
At a Glance
Fulfill Your Dream of Starting & Growing Your Own Business
Our Pathways to Entrepreneurship training program prepares you to venture into the exciting world of entrepreneurship. Learn core competencies in business planning, market research, budgets & forecasts, and much more. Includes 1-on-1 consultation with a Small Business Development Center rep.
Schedule:
Online classes offered January, April, July & October
Next Start Dates:
January 12 and April 13
Approx. Number of Hours/Weeks:
78 classroom hours (plus additional consultation) / 8 weeks
Program Cost:*
$1,129 (up to 100% may be covered by the Ratcliffe Works Grant; Apply for Assistance)
Certification Earned:
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification
What You’ll Learn
Have a business idea but not sure how to bring it to life? Entrepreneurship is more than just having a great concept—it’s about turning vision into action and taking ownership of every step along the way. Valuable tools and insights you will acquire in this program include:
- Recognizing & evaluating business opportunities
- Creating an effective business plan
- Financial management & funding sources
- Marketing plan to build customer base
- Business accounting & human resources
- Managing risk & growth strategies
Curriculum
Explore different topics covering essential aspects of entrepreneurship. All classes are online/asynchronous, including assigned 1-on-1 consultation with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) which is required to sit for the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification exam.
View all current course offerings. Not all courses are offered within every term schedule.
Prepare for your venture into entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are most successful when equipped with knowledge and understanding of the business landscape. Find out everything you need to know to own and operate your business. Start your business on a solid foundation with core competencies including business planning, market research, budgeting and accounting, human resources, managing risk, growth strategies, and more. One-on-one consultation with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) included and required to sit for the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification exam.
Licensure/Certification Earned
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification, sponsored by Intuit and the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship
Why Choose Carroll’s Pathways to Entrepreneurship Program?
- Completely Online: Earn this certification 100% remotely.
- Business Plan Development: Receive step-by-step guidance to create your own business plan by the end of the course.
- Personalized Guidance: Benefit from 1-on-1 consultation with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), tailored to your unique business needs.
The Pathways to Entrepreneurship course helped give me the insight to form a strong foundation for the business to build off. It helped me to better understand business, informed me of things I hadn’t even thought about, and helped give me the push I needed to start my business.
Get Paid to Prepare for This In-Demand Career
Career Outlook
Now is an exciting time to start a business! According to a U.S. Department of the Treasury report, in 2024, new business applications in the U.S. were at record highs—about 50% above pre-pandemic levels. Small businesses continue to drive the economy, creating the majority of new jobs and fueling innovation across industries.
Funding opportunities are expanding too. Whether through loans, venture capital, or private investors, most entrepreneurs plan to raise capital to grow their business. Entrepreneurship is also becoming more diverse and accessible, with younger adults, women, and people of color launching businesses in greater numbers than ever before.
Surveys show that entrepreneurs rank among the top 10% for career happiness in the country.
You will finish the Pathways to Entrepreneurship program with a business plan in hand, along with the confidence and know-how to turn your innovative business idea into a thriving venture!
- What is the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification?
The Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) Certification is an industry-recognized credential delivered by Certiport and sponsored by Intuit and the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. It validates foundational knowledge in business planning, operations, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship—skills essential for starting or growing a small business. - What are the benefits of a community college entrepreneurship program?
Students benefit from a flexible, 100% online learning experience combined with personalized guidance from both the course instructor and a local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultant. This community-based support connects you with real-world expertise, local resources, and practical feedback as you develop your business idea. - What kind of training is included in the Pathways to Entrepreneurship program?
The program includes self-paced, asynchronous online modules covering entrepreneurship fundamentals, along with scheduled one-on-one consultations with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) representative. This combination allows you to learn independently while receiving personalized guidance tailored to your business goals. - Who should enroll in the Pathways to Entrepreneurship program?
This program is ideal for:- Aspiring entrepreneurs exploring a business idea
- Individuals in the early stages of launching a business
- Small business owners seeking formal training and structure
By the end of the program, you will have a clearly defined business concept and a professional-quality business plan.
- Are there prerequisites for this program?
No prior business experience or prerequisites are required. The program is open to anyone interested in entrepreneurship or small business ownership. - Is financial assistance available for the Carroll Community College entrepreneurship program?
Yes! Through Ratcliffe Works and other programs, students may qualify to have up to 100% of the cost of the program covered. Check your eligibility today. - Is the cost of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification exam included in the course?
Yes. The course fee includes the Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification exam, as well as access to practice exams to help you prepare. - How long does it take to complete the entrepreneurship program at Carroll?
Most students complete the Pathways to Entrepreneurship program in approximately 8–9 weeks, depending on individual pace and engagement with course materials and consultations.
Get Started Today
410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.