Entrepreneurship

Innovation is the cornerstone of the tech startup world, but launching a successful venture requires more than just technology—it demands entrepreneurial skills. The Entrepreneurship Certificate provides an intermediate-level foundation in key skills for launching a tech-focused venture. The curriculum covers entrepreneurship fundamentals, product and marketing strategies, technical skills for non-technical founders, and financing and legal considerations for entrepreneurs.

This program equips learners with the knowledge and tools to transform an idea into a viable business opportunity.

Who Should Register

This program is ideal for:

• Aspiring tech entrepreneurs seeking to build a strong foundation in entrepreneurship.
• Professionals transitioning to the startup world who want to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
• Non-technical founders aiming to acquire essential technical and business skills.

Why Choose Nexford

Nexford University empowers global citizens with skills they need to advance their careers and lives. As a Public Benefit Corporation based in Washington, D.C., Nexford prioritizes public good over profit, offering innovative, learner-focused education. Through cutting-edge technology and personalized learning models, Nexford delivers impactful, scalable education designed to align credentials with workforce needs and prepare learners for lifelong success.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Government-issued identification.
• A passport-style photo or “selfie.”
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• An official transcript verifying a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or recognized international equivalent.

Additional notes:

• Documents not in English must be accompanied by an official translation.
• Learners enrolling in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program must self-certify high school completion or its equivalent.

Required Courses

ENT2100 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Introduction to Entrepreneurship introduces learners to the concept of entrepreneurship by exploring the “Lean Startup” movement to help frame what a startup is and how learners can approach new markets and businesses from a product perspective. Learners evaluate a business idea, assess its viability in a broader market, and create a simple prototype to test the idea with customers.

ENT2150 Product and Marketing Skills for Founders

Product and Marketing Skills for Founders introduces learners to foundational product and marketing skills that are relevant to building and launching a tech startup. This course builds on concepts of “Lean Startup” to enable learners to refine their business ideas by gathering reliable customer feedback. Learners are introduced to fundamental concepts in product design.

ENT3200 Technical Skills for Non-Technical Founders

Technical Skills for Non-Technical Founders examines the technical foundation of digital product development and design. Learners are exposed to the various technical components of a product and develop a framework for vetting technical business partners.

ENT4250 Founders, Financing, and Legal

Founders, Financing, and Legal prepares learners for the business and legal realities of launching and growing a startup. Learners evaluate the importance of a cofounder, explore the process and need for pitching and raising investor funds, analyze the value of various legal structures, and examine how equity and compensation are unique to startups.

Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to:

• Launch and manage their own tech-focused startup.
• Navigate the entrepreneurial process from ideation to execution.
• Effectively lead product development, marketing, and operations in a startup environment.

Potential career opportunities include:

• Startup Founder
• Business Development Manager
• Innovation Consultant
• Entrepreneurial Advisor