Entrepreneur Certificate Program

Turn your business idea into a plan with the Entrepreneur Certificate Program, offered at no cost through the Business Development Center at Old Dominion University in partnership with Startup Virginia.

Whether you are exploring entrepreneurship, preparing to launch, or working to strengthen an existing business, this flexible online program provides practical guidance, useful tools, and individualized support to help you move forward.

Program Overview

The Entrepreneur Certificate Program combines self-paced online coursework with personalized business mentoring. Participants receive:

• • An initial online orientation

• • Nine self-paced online training sessions

• • Downloadable course materials and additional business resources

• • Up to 20 hours of individual mentoring and coaching with a business professional

• • Additional training selected to address individual business needs

Mentoring may be provided virtually or in person, based on availability and the needs of the participant.

What You Will Learn

The online coursework will help you:

• • Define and refine your business idea

• • Establish your value proposition

• • Identify and reach your customers

• • Develop a marketing strategy

• • Strengthen your sales approach

• • Understand startup finances

• • Explore legal considerations

• • Discover funding opportunities in Virginia

• • Create an effective pitch deck

Additional training may be available in areas such as government contracting, manufacturing, the business of art, online sales, and retail operations.

Flexible and Designed for Entrepreneurs

The online sessions can be completed at your convenience, allowing you to work through the program around your business, career, and personal commitments. Training videos, downloadable materials, and additional resources are included.

Program Cost

The Entrepreneur Certificate Program is available at no cost through the Business Development Center at Old Dominion University—a value of approximately $2,000.

Get Started

Take the next step toward starting or growing your business.