Our round-up of the best foundational and intermediate online business courses for entrepreneurs.
Starting your own business is no easy feat. As an entrepreneur, you must know how to strategize, plan and execute efficient business models. While little compares to real-world experience to teach you these things, there is a way to expedite the process: education. It is well known that a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is among the most coveted degrees today. However, not everyone has the time or financial resources to pursue it. Enter: online courses.
Virtual courses require less time than physical classes. You just need a stable internet connection and, occasionally, money; after all, many of the courses are free! Not sure where to start? Rest assured, our catalog of virtual business courses will help you enhance your startup and set yourself up for success.
Entrepreneurship Essentials by Harvard Business School
If you truly mean business, this is the course for you. The Entrepreneurship Essentials course is four-weeks long and costs US$1,400. It is designed for early-stage or aspiring entrepreneurs and students. Professors from this prestigious school teach you the ins and outs of becoming an entrepreneur. From identifying, evaluating and testing ideas to bringing them to fruition—you go through every step of the business journey. You will also learn about strategic decision-making, fundraising and more. It is a self-paced course, thus giving you the freedom to complete it whenever your schedule permits.
Financial Markets by Yale University
Profit and loss, risk management, budgeting and more are integral to successful business leadership. The Financial Markets course teaches you what you need to know about markets and money. The free course demands 33 hours of your time, and you decide the pace. It promises to help you build “financially-savvy” leadership skills. As a business owner, your finances are always a top priority. This course will give you the tools you need to ensure you utilize your funds efficiently.
Business Strategy from Wharton: Competitive Advantage
Today, as a business, setting yourself apart from your competitors is key. The Business Strategy course from Wharton helps you do just that. It is a free, six-week long course designed for people with foundational business knowledge. Through this course, you will learn how to create and execute a well-designed strategy. You will assess the impact of your strategies and learn how to identify challenges at the get-go. The course focuses on giving due attention to your unique value proposition (UVP) (the benefit your product or service provides users) while positioning yourself strategically for success.
Effective Business Communication by IIM-Bangalore
What is the best way to communicate with your customers? How is it different from the best way to do so with other businesses? The lack of effective communication has led many companies to come unstuck. This free, six-week long course teaches you how to ace written and oral communication. From letters, emails and summaries to presentations and more—you get to refine your communication skills through exclusive tools and techniques. The course demands that you have some prior managerial experience.
Digital Commerce Reinventing Business Models by Tec de Monterrey
That technology is constantly changing the way businesses function is evident. With the advent of social media, cryptocurrency and, now, the metaverse, businesses have plenty to keep up with. Given that, this four-week long, free course helps you use the digital wave to your business’s advantage. It is an intermediate course that teaches you project management techniques and value creation. You will also get to create digital strategies and campaigns that reflect your business goals and customer needs.
All the free courses mentioned above have an optional paid route. If you go for that, you receive unlimited access to the course’s resources and an official certification. You may also get access to additional workshops and tests. If that’s within your budget, you can opt for that, too!
So, don’t wait; go ahead and enrich your entrepreneurial journey with these courses.
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