Small Business Entrepreneurship

This Certificate prepares students who intend to open and operate their own small business or accept a management position in as mall business. All courses are CSU transferable.

20-25

The goal of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement is to provide students with the comprehensive, multi-disciplinary skills necessary to successfully launch, operate, and grow their own small businesses, or to assume key management roles within existing small enterprises. The program bridges foundational business theory with practical applications in sales, marketing, financial literacy, and risk management.

To earn the Small Business Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement, students must successfully complete 7 required core courses for a total of [21.0] units, with a grade of C (or P) or better. The course sequence is designed to establish a foundational understanding of business and entrepreneurship before layering on specialized, practical skills in marketing, direct sales, business law, personal finance, and commercial insurance. This holistic program can typically be completed in three semesters. It provides immediate, actionable skills for launching or managing a small business, while ensuring all coursework is CSU transferable for future academic progression.

This certificate does not require the creation of any new curriculum. It innovatively packages existing courses across multiple business disciplines into a single, highly focused occupational credential. It serves as an excellent standalone, rapid-entry credential for aspiring founders, while its 100% CSU transferability ensures it acts as a robust building block for students pursuing advanced degrees in Business Administration.

While entrepreneurship certificates exist across the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), Pierce College’s iteration is exceptionally comprehensive. Many regional programs focus solely on theory and marketing. This certificate sets itself apart by mandating Commercial Insurance (INSUR 103) and Personal Finance (FINANCE 001). This guarantees that Pierce College graduates are not only capable of launching a business, but are financially literate and legally protected against the risks that commonly bankrupt new regional ventures.

40-50

N/A