Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has launched a new one-year certificate program designed for anyone ready to take their small business ambitions to the next level. The Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate gives current and aspiring business owners the practical knowledge and real-world skills to plan, launch, grow, and sustain a successful business in today’s market.
A Program Built Around Real Life
One of the most distinctive features of this program is its flexibility. Classes are 100 percent online, and students can enroll full- or part-time depending on their schedule and responsibilities. The program blends synchronous and asynchronous courses, meaning students get the convenience of working at their own pace while still having access to real-time instruction for more complex topics. For someone already running a business, caring for a family, or working full time, this program was built with that reality in mind.
What Students Will Learn
Over two semesters and 36 credits, students build a comprehensive foundation in everything it takes to operate a small business successfully. The curriculum covers business planning and growth strategy, cash flow management, pricing, and budgeting. Classes also explore accounting software QuickBooks and best-practice financial reporting, marketing and brand building, and the legal, HR, and compliance considerations that every small business owner needs to understand.
By the time students complete the program, they will have developed the tools to write and execute a clear business plan while attracting and retaining customers. Most small businesses that fold do so because of cash flow struggles; those who complete this program will be able to make confident financial decisions more likely to keep their business profitable.
The Opportunity Is Real
Small businesses are the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy. Nearly all businesses in the state, 99.6 percent, qualify as small businesses, and those with 20 or fewer employees make up a significant share of the local workforce. The average small business owner salary in Pennsylvania is $87,000, reflecting the real financial opportunity available to those with the right training and preparation.
Graduates of the program are prepared to step into roles such as Small Business Manager, Operations Manager, Business Administrator, Office Manager, or Business Operations Coordinator, whether that means launching something new or strengthening something already in motion.
Access to Opportunity
At Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, the mission has always been to create pathways to thriving futures for students from all walks of life. The Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate is a direct extension of that mission, offering an accessible and affordable path to economic independence and community impact.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.stevenscollege.edu/academics/certificate-programs/small-business-management-entrepreneurship/