Key takeaways
- Whether or not to pursue entrepreneurship programs online is a personal choice, and here we aim to help you make an informed choice.
- Online entrepreneurship courses offer significant advantages over on-campus programs, including that they are more affordable.
- Students pursuing an online entrepreneurship course have the option to complete the course at an accelerated pace, finishing a 4-week program in two.
- With online entrepreneurial classes, you can customize your learning experience and focus on building the skills you desire.
- Harvard University offers a range of free and paid online entrepreneurship courses that you can access.
- If you are looking for a comprehensive range of free online courses, explore available options at HP Life.
- University of Pennsylvania offers a range of affordable entrepreneurial courses priced at $79 per month and spanning 4 weeks.
Is entrepreneurship learned or more of a natural ability you are born with? The question has been at the center of many arguments in entrepreneurial circles and outside. However, it’s a question with no right answer. For many, entrepreneurial instincts come naturally, and history is ripe with such examples. However, many others learn it and they learn it well through entrepreneurship degrees, entrepreneurship courses, entrepreneurial classes, and even free online entrepreneurship courses offering entrepreneur training.
In all honesty, the world of online learning has opened a plethora of exciting learning opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, the demand for entrepreneur courses online is driven by advancing digital technologies, replacing an increasing number of jobs. However, the emergence of digital technologies is not the only driving force behind the rise of entrepreneurial activity in the US.
This guide explores some of the best entrepreneurship courses available online and discusses why you should go for them.
Related: 5 signs that you should opt for entrepreneurship majors
10 reasons to go for entrepreneurship programs online
Are online business courses for entrepreneurs really worth the time and effort? Well, yes! There are countless advantages that online business courses for entrepreneurship present to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Build industry experience and gain an education
To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to know the ins and outs of the industry you want to operate in. Truth be told, there is no better teacher than experience itself, which is where online entrepreneurship education wins. You can pursue a full-time job while getting a formal education in the field.
Customize your learning experience
Moreover, you can actually customize your learning. While some skills are easier to learn on the job, others need formal guidance and training. Once you’ve identified which areas you need additional help with, you can take relevant business entrepreneurship classes covering topics that are of interest to you. If you are working in the marketing department and lack accounting or financial management skills, pursue online courses in said areas to develop a well-rounded entrepreneurial skill set.
Related: 5 things you need to know about undergraduate entrepreneurship programs
Take your entrepreneurship class when you want to
If you are not someone who does well with morning classes, you can take your online entrepreneurship courses at night, or even during your lunch break if you are not keen on learning late at night. The choice is up to you, and you decide your learning schedule. You can even skip learning in the middle of the week and take all your classes on the weekend if that suits you.
Become a certified professional by earning an entrepreneur certificate online
The validity or worthiness of online entrepreneurship degrees and courses is often scrutinized. However, by earning an entrepreneurship certificate online from recognized and accredited online institutes, you can keep the scrutiny at bay. Moreover, many renowned universities offer online certifications and even entrepreneur degrees online, which can add substantial value to your resume.
Online entrepreneurial courses are a cost-effective option
On-campus programs require traveling to and from campus, which presents a significant cost to the student. Moreover, the overall cost of attendance of traditional programs involves multiple overhead costs such as accommodation, utilities, and more. In comparison, online programs are more cost-effective as the entirety of the cost of attendance includes only tuition and technical support fees, if applicable.
Adopt an accelerated learning pace with online entrepreneurship classes
When you learn entrepreneurship online, you benefit from the ability to learn it faster than in an on-campus program. On-campus business courses for entrepreneurs spanning six months will take six months to complete. There is a set schedule that all students need to follow, which makes pursuing an accelerated pace impossible.
However, in an asynchronous online entrepreneurship course, you can learn entrepreneurship at your own pace. Take six classes in one day, study every day instead of only once a week, the choices are endless.
Embark on your entrepreneurial journey with a well-rounded skill set
You could have an engineering degree and still develop a well-rounded entrepreneurial skill set with relevant entrepreneurial courses. Whether you want to learn financial management, human resources management, strategic planning, project management, marketing, or even how to secure funding for self-employed individuals, you will likely find relevant business entrepreneurship courses online. You can make a list and start learning each skill one by one.
Build a network of like-minded professionals
Shark Tank judge Lori Greiner told Scrub Daddy founder that when it comes to business, connections are everything. She was not wrong, as is clearly evidenced in the astounding success Scrub Daddy has had over the years. If you have a viable business idea and the right connections, launching your business becomes a breeze. Through business classes for entrepreneurs, you can build your own network of entrepreneurs. Moreover, you can get in touch with industry professionals and gain access to resources not commonly known.
Access free entrepreneur classes online
While online classes are considerably more affordable than on-campus ones, you can also access free online entrepreneurship courses. Some of these are more informative sessions focused on being motivational and providing aspiring entrepreneurs the boost they need to step out of their comfort zones. However, there are some others that aim to introduce you to entrepreneurial skills you must have before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey.
Related: What does an entrepreneurship career look like?
Avoid stagnation by learning while on the job
You can start your entrepreneurial venture and decide to take entrepreneur courses afterward. It is never too late to start learning, especially when some of the best courses for entrepreneurs are available online. If you feel like you are stuck and unable to navigate the market, you can always find suitable entrepreneurship programs online to help you. In fact, you can even pursue online entrepreneurship degrees and learn to bring innovation to your business ideas.
On campus vs Online entrepreneurship programs – which is better?
As we discussed earlier, there really is no right answer to such questions. The answer to this question significantly depends on personal preferences. However, here are certain facts that can help you decide which is the better choice for you.
| Online entrepreneurial courses | On-campus entrepreneurial courses |
| Learning flexibility | Stick to a campus schedule |
| More affordable than on-campus programs | Higher cost of attendance |
| Same certification or degree as on-campus programs | A degree doesn’t specify whether it’s earned online or on campus |
| Option to complete the program at an accelerated pace | Have to stick to the timeline |
| Lacks in-person interaction | A chance for in-person social engagement |
| A chance to learn with a global student body | Interaction is limited to those geographically present. |
Related: Frequently Asked Questions about business entrepreneurship degree
5 institutes offering the best online entrepreneurship courses
Whether you are searching for business classes for entrepreneurs spanning a couple of weeks, free courses for entrepreneurs, or the best online entrepreneurship certificate programs, you will find a suitable option among the five listed below. You’d be surprised to know that some of the world’s best universities are offering free entrepreneurship courses to help aspiring entrepreneurs gain the skills needed to create resilient and agile ventures ready to weather any storm they face in turbulent economies.
Harvard University
Harvard University offers several entrepreneurship programs online, including a couple of ones that are completely free and accessible to everyone. Here is a complete list of available entrepreneur classes on the university’s website.
| Program title | Cost | Program duration |
| Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies | Free | 12 months |
| Innovating in Healthcare | Free | 6 months |
| Winning with Digital Platforms | $1,850 | 5 weeks |
| Transforming Customer Experiences | $1,850 | 4 weeks |
| Credentials of Digital Innovation & Strategy | $6,500 | 6 months |
View the entire range of available entrepreneurship courses here.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
You can access a range of entrepreneurship courses through MIT OpenCourseWare. Here, you will find a range of online entrepreneurship courses offered by the university at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some available courses are listed as follows:
- New Enterprises
- Nuts and Bolts of Business Plans
- Leadership Development
- Seminar in Corporate Entrepreneurship
You can simply download these courses and start learning anytime and anywhere you please. Access the full range of available courses here.
HP Life
HP Life offers 8 entrepreneurship courses that you can enroll in today and start learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurial life. What makes a sweet deal even sweeter is that all of these courses are FREE. Available courses include:
- Circular Economy
- Starting a Small Business
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Growth Engine for Your Business
- 3D Printing
- Design Thinking
- Strategic Planning
University of Pennsylvania – Wharton Online
The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania offers a wide range of affordable online entrepreneurship programs. At just $79 per month, you can enroll in either of the following entrepreneur classes and gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the entrepreneurial landscape.
| Program name | Cost | Program duration |
| Developing the Opportunity | $79 per month | 4 weeks |
| Launching your Startup | $79 per month | 4 weeks |
| Growth Strategies | $79 per month | 4 weeks |
| Financing and Profitability | $79 per month | 4 weeks |
| Wharton Entrepreneurship Online | $79 per month | 4 weeks |
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University also offers a range of free entrepreneurship courses online. The university keeps adding new courses to its online portal to ensure aspiring entrepreneurs get knowledge relevant to the times. Currently, the university offers three entrepreneurship courses, namely:
- Starting a Business
- Managing a Business
- Growing a Business
Basically, Santa Clara University is a one-stop shop for budding entrepreneurs, providing them the knowledge needed to launch their business ventures.
Enroll in an online entrepreneurship program today to start your entrepreneurial journey!
Entrepreneurship programs online offer unprecedented ease of learning. When combined with the credibility earned, certifications add to one’s overall portfolio and job eligibility, their worth surpasses that of many 4-year degrees. Whether you want to start your own business or learn entrepreneurial ropes to secure corporate jobs, online entrepreneurship courses are an excellent option.
Related: 8 jobs you can get with an entrepreneurship degree
Not only can you pursue an online course at your own leisure, but they are also more affordable and offer many advantages over on-campus programs. However, the ideal program is always one that seems right to you. Make sure you do your research and weigh the pros and cons before selecting a program.