Entrepreneurship Certificate program

Entrepreneurship Certificate Program overview

Do you have a great idea? Ready to turn it into reality? The Entrepreneurship Certificate Program is designed to give you the skills, experience, and connections you need to build a successful business—without any extra credit load! Whether you're a sophomore or a grad student, this program is for YOU.

What you'll get

  • Hands-on learning: Dive into interactive workshops that cover all the essentials of launching a startup.
  • Flexible format: Join workshops that fit your schedule—whether you prefer in-person or virtual.
  • Real-world experience: Participate in a 16-hour capstone project, summer internship, or other experiential learning opportunities like job shadowing and networking—all year round.
  • Mentorship: Connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts to guide you on your journey

Program highlights

In an academic year:

i. Workshops: Take 2 foundational workshops (9 hours each) + 1 elective workshop (6 hours) or

Sessions: Take any 6 individual sessions across foundational workshops + 3 elective sessions.

ii. Experiential learning: Put your skills to the test with a 16-hour summer project or experiential learning opportunity. The summer workshop is optional—engage at your own pace!

Why you should join

  • Earn digital badges: Showcase your skills with a digital badge for every workshop you complete.
  • Certificate of Completion: Complete your workshops and capstone project to earn your Entrepreneurship Certificate.
  • Valuable connections: Learn directly from successful entrepreneurs and build a network that will help launch your career.

This is your chance to jumpstart your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t wait—apply now and secure your spot!

Register now

Pilot phase: Workshops and sessions

Through interactive activities, stimulating and thought-provoking discussions, and practical exercises, these Entrepreneurship workshops are designed to ignite your imagination, fuel your creativity, and equip you with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Sessions: In-person and virtual participation (Zoom)

Time: 9 a.m.–noon weekly
A. Foundational Workshop I - Entrepreneurial Thinking and Creativity
   Session 1 - Ideation: Friday, Oct. 11, 2024
   Session 2 - Innovation: Friday, Oct. 18, 2024
   Session 3 - Creative Problem Solving: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 

B. Foundational Workshop II – Business Model & Planning
  Session 1 - Business Canvas Model: Friday, Nov. 1, 2024
  Session 2 - Opportunity Evaluation: Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 
  Session 3 - Financial Planning: Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 

C. Elective Workshop
Time:
9 a.m.–noon weekly
 Session 1 - Navigating Legal Foundations for Startups: Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 
 Session 2 - Sales Strategies: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
 Session 3  - Funding Strategies and Investor Relations: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
 
D. CAPSTONE/Experiential Learning: 16 hours 
   i. Community events: 4–6 hours, Oct. 2024–Aug. 2025
   ii. Problem-solving project (individual or group): 10–12 hours, May–Aug. 2025

Register now

Indiana University South Bend

1700 Mishawaka Ave
South Bend, IN 46615
Phone: 574-520-4872