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If you’d like to learn more about the Small Business Entrepreneurship program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available
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Program Overview
Learn the principles of planning and operating a small business.
Topics covered in the Small Business Entrepreneurship program include:
- Small business appraisal and opportunities
- Writing business and marketing plans
- Business and nonbusiness selling presentations
- Social media campaigns
- How to find success utilizing an entrepreneurial mindset
- Successful management and operations techniques
- Legal principles in the business world
See what Madison College can do to help you start your own business.
We support budding entrepreneurs annually at the Madison College Challenge business plan competition. All Madison College students interested in starting their own small business are encouraged to enter. Finalists have a chance to win a cash prize micro-investment, as well as many other great prizes that will help you develop a successful small business.
Small Business Entrepreneurship Program Details
Students in the Small Business Entrepreneurship program can attend full- or part-time.
Small Business Entrepreneurship classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Graduates of the Small Business Entrepreneurship program are ready for a range of professional positions, including:
- Small Business Owner/Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Department Manager
- Merchandiser
- Sales Representative
- Sales Associate
Note: Small Business Entrepreneurship is an Associate Degree program. If you are looking for the Technical Diploma program, please find the Entrepreneurship program in the related programs menu at the bottom of this page.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
First SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterSelect one of the following courses:Fourth Semester -
Admission
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.
Application Dates
Summer 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is July 15, 2025
Fall 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2025
Spring 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2026
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Small Business Entrepreneurship career.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Small Business Entrepreneurship program at Madison College, you will be able to:
- Create a fluid and dynamic business plan.
- Manage the financial resources and systems of a small business.
- Establish and maintain efficient business operations.
- Use marketing strategies that are appropriate to the size and nature of your business.
- Analyze, evaluate and act on creative ideas to grow the business.
- Develop a professional network to create business opportunities.
- Manage and motivate your employees.
- Build and maintain strong client relations.
- Identify and incorporate appropriate technology for business.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2024 Number of Program Graduates 26 Number of Surveys Sent 26 Number of Surveys Returned 7 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 1 Percent Available for Employment 14.3% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 28.6% Available for Employment
2024 Graduates Employed 1 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 0.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 100.0% Employed - No Response 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 Number of Satisfaction Responses 3 Very Satisfied (4) 2 Percent Very Satisfied 66.7% Satisfied (3) 1 Percent Satisfied 33.3% Unsatisfied (2) 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 3 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 66.7% When Employment was Obtained
2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 1 Before Enrollment 0 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% While Attending the College 1 Percent While Attending the College 100.0% After Training at the College 0 Percent After Training at the College 0.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 5 In College District 0 Percent In College District 0.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 20.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 4 Percent Location Unknown 80.0% Salary Trend 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count Average Monthly Wage Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week
