Small Business Entrepreneurship

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Small Business Entrepreneurship

Program Number: 101451

Your Degree: Associate Degree

Estimated Time to Complete: 63 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years

Delivery Method: 100% Online, Some Online/Some In Person

Area of Study: Business

Estimated Program Cost: $11,675.81

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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.
Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester
10-104-104
Selling Principles
Dive into personal selling with this dynamic course. Analyze the relationship between selling and marketing, develop ethical standards, and evaluate buyer motivation and resistance. Learn to build trust through product knowledge and relationship strategies, understand the selling process, and create effective sales presentations for goods, services, or ideas.
3 credits
10-106-100
Mindset for Success
Designed to foster the attitudes and skills that can inspire and empower you throughout your career regardless of your chosen path. Develop and improve skills in creativity, ambition, critical thinking, innovation, opportunistic thinking, and teamwork through experiential and problem-solving approaches. Become an engaged workplace contributor and develop a workforce-ready mindset.
3 credits
10-106-168
Microsoft Office for Business Applications
Learn basic features of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook using Microsoft Office 365. Explore Excel to create workbooks, write formulas & functions, manage data, and produce charts & graphs. Discover how Word can automatically generate footnotes, insert citations, and create a bibliography. Create presentations through PowerPoint focusing on layout and design elements. Manage email and calendar using Outlook. Students must have file management skills including saving, organizing, and retrieving files.
3 credits
10-145-117
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Dreaming of starting your own business? This course is designed to inspire and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit. Students will examine the entrepreneurial process and characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, how to identify and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities, and the critical elements of an effective business plan -- including management, marketing, and financial data. So whether you dream of a new business, or have a plan that needs further development, this course can help you reach your goals.
3 credits
10-801-195
Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.
3 credits
10-804-123
Math with Business Applications
This course integrates algebraic concepts, proportions, percents, simple interest, compound interest, annuities, and basic statistics with business/consumer scenarios. It also applies math concepts to the purchasing/buying and selling processes.
3 credits
Second Semester
10-101-106
Accounting Fundamentals
Surveys accounting principles and practices with an emphasis on interpretation, rather than preparation, of financial statements. Presents basic business terminology, cash basis and accrual basis accounting, ratio analysis, payroll, and budgeting. This class is not for students majoring in accounting.
3 credits
10-145-125
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Business Marketing
This course explores how artificial intelligence can boost marketing strategies for small businesses. Learn to leverage AI tools for customer insights, targeted advertising, personalized content, and data-driven decision-making to enhance brand visibility, drive sales, and streamline marketing efforts effectively.
3 credits
10-145-126
Customer Engagement Strategies
This course explores how businesses can enhance customer experience and build lasting relationships through meaningful interactions and proactive measures. Students examine journeys, data-driven personalization, loyalty programs, and community building. The course equips learners to design engagement plans that increase satisfaction, retention, and advocacy.
3 credits
10-145-105
Operations Management
Small business management strategies are applied to policies and operations. Included are applications to budgeting, marketing potentials, forecasting, layout, staffing, work flow, scheduling, and general business decisions. E-commerce is also explored.
3 credits
10-145-123
Leading Your Life with Emotional Intelligence
Explore the history and research, as well as the different components of emotional intelligence that affect all aspects of your life. Learn how our emotions drive learning, decision-making, creativity, relationships and mental health. Develop strategies to help you build cooperative relationships, handle difficult situations, and create energy and enthusiasm to foster meaningful change in your personal and professional life. Create an action plan to improve and strengthen your emotional intelligence as well as experiment with techniques that facilitate working with others of varying emotional backgrounds and competency levels.
3 credits
Third Semester
10-145-102
Small Business Development
Provides an introduction to prospective small business owners to the principles involved in planning and operation. Attention is given to small business appraisal and opportunities. Emphasis will be placed on factors that contribute to a successful business operation.
3 credits
10-145-131
Mastering Mindfulness: The Power of Living in the Present
Build skills to create closer connections with others. Examine the importance of savoring in everyday life. Develop active listening skills to build more fulfilling relationships. Apply techniques for living more mindfully.
1 credit
10-145-132
Mastering Mindfulness: Pathway to Personal Development
Students will use one’s strengths to increase overall well-being, examine the connection between one’s mind and body, design a plan to live a more meaningful, present life, and create positive habits that assist in coping with life’s challenges.
1 credit
10-145-133
Mastering Mindfulness: Strength and Self-Reflection
Students will learn about the power of gratitude, create strategies to build an optimistic mindset, develop mechanisms to increase resilience, and discover the positive impact of forgiveness.
1 credit
10-801-198
Speech
Explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, supporting evidence, delivery techniques, active listening, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, form the basis of the course. Includes informative, persuasive, and occasion speech presentations. Audience requirements to be determined by individual colleges.
3 credits
10-809-199
Psychology of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.
3 credits
Select one of the following courses:
10-145-118
Small Business Internship
This course requires a minimum of 144 hours of employment in an area related to the student’s future business plans. Reports and discussion in class are coordinated with student employment. Employee appraisal, evaluation and harmony on the job will also be topics of discussion.
3 credits
10-145-190
Small Business Etiquette and Professionalism
This course focuses on the core knowledge and skills that are crucial in owning a small business or exhibiting the entrepreneurial mindset. This class will examine how to effectively work with others, as well as discover how to lead a team, resolve conflict, and learn about overall etiquette in the workplace. Students will conduct an orientation/training presentation, complete a business concept pitch and develop an elevator speech.
3 credits
Fourth Semester
10-102-143
Organizational Management
Learn why results and relationships are key to effective management, in the context of the traditional managerial elements of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. Apply techniques for problem solving, critical thinking, decision-making, delegation, motivation, change management, and political savvy behavior to case studies, simulations, and activities. Self-assess Emotional Intelligence (EI) and apply techniques to improve EI. Manage tasks while working independently and/or remotely.
3 credits
10-102-160
Business Law 1
This survey course covers legal principles used in the business world. Major emphasis is placed on contracts along with torts, federal and state courts, criminal law, marital property and bankruptcy and wills. The course is taught on a level suitable for an associate degree student. Federal, state and case law serve as the basis of study.
3 credits
10-116-145
Introduction to Human Resources
This course explores the basics of human management including strategic human resource planning, issues in human resources, planning, equal employee opportunity, analyzing and staffing jobs, training and development, and global and international employment.
3 credits
10-145-120
Global Entrepreneurship
This course introduces an entrepreneurial mindset philosophy focused on the critical skills and personal qualities essential to a successful global business. Course Objectives: 1. To help students learn how to analyze opportunities for global entrepreneurship 2. To familiarize students with the issues and challenges facing global entrepreneurs. 3. Apply your existing entrepreneurial skills into a global context with an experience studying "global" organizations. 4. To familiarize students with the power of networks while working globally.
3 credits
10-809-166
Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Applications
This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.
3 credits
How to Apply
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then 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
Fall 2026
Application open
Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
Application open
Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Summer 2027
Application available on September 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is July 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
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
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
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.
It's Free to Apply

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.

Graduate Summary

Graduate Report Summary Overview
Count Percents	2024	2025
Number of Program Graduates	26	32
Number of Surveys Sent	26	32
Number of Surveys Returned	7	5
Percent of Surveys Returned
Available for Employment	1	3
Percent Available for Employment	14.3%	60.0%
Not in Labor Market
Percent Not in Labor Market	28.6%	20.0%

Available for Employment
Count Percents	2024	2025
Graduates Employed	1	1
Percent of Graduates Employed	100.0%	33.3%
Employed in Related Occupation	0	1
Percent Employed in Related Occupation	0.0%	100.0%
Employed in Unrelated Occupation	1	0
Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation	100.0%	0.0%
Employed - No Response	0	0
Percent Employed - No Response	0.0%	0.0%
Seeking Employment	0	2
Percent Seeking Employment	0.0%	66.7%

Reaction To Training at Madison College
Count Percents	2024	2025
Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)	3.7	3.8
Number of Satisfaction Responses	3	5
Very Satisfied (4)	2	4
Percent Very Satisfied	66.7%	80.0%
Satisfied (3)	1	1
Percent Satisfied	33.3%	20.0%
Unsatisfied (2)	0	0
Percent Unsatisfied	0.0%	0.0%
Very Unsatisfied (1)
Percent Very Unsatisfied	0.0%	0.0%

Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
Count Percents	2024	2025
Number of Primary Reason Responses	3	5
Preparation for Getting a Job	1	2
Percent Preparation for Getting a Job	33.3%	40.0%
Career Change	0	0
Percent Career Change	0.0%	0.0%
Improvement of Existing Skills	0	1
Percent Improvement of Existing Skills	0.0%	20.0%
Preparation for Further Education	0	1
Percent Preparation for Further Education	0.0%	20.0%
Personal Interest	0	1
Percent Personal Interest	0.0%	20.0%
Other	2	0
Percent Other	66.7%	0.0%

When Employment was Obtained
Count Percents	2024	2025
Number of When Employment Obtained Responses	1	1
Before Enrollment	0	0
Percent Before Enrollment	0.0%	0.0%
While Attending the College	1	1
Percent While Attending the College	100.0%	100.0%
After Training at the College	0	0
Percent After Training at the College	0.0%	0.0%

Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
Count Percents	2024	2025
Number of Employment Location Responses	5	2
In College District	0	0
Percent In College District	0.0%	0.0%
In Wisconsin, Not in District	1	1
Percent of In Wisconsin	20.0%	50.0%
Outside of Wisconsin	0	0
Percent Outside Wisconsin	0.0%	0.0%
Employer Location Unknown	4	1
Percent Location Unknown	80.0%	50.0%

Salary Trend
Salary Trend		2025
Full Time Employment (Related Job)	Full Time Salary Count	1
	Average Monthly Wage	$2,316
	Average Hourly Wage	$13.46
	Average Work Hours per Week	50.0
Part Time Employment (Related Job)	Part Time Salary Count
	Average Hourly Wage
	Average Work Hours per Week

Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025
Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions
Eco Essentials Owner/Proprietor Janesville
* - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu