Entrepreneurship Essentials
Entrepreneurship Essentials helps you turn an idea into a viable venture. Learn how entrepreneurs validate concepts through structured experiments, refine their business strategy, and raise the capital necessary to create value and grow their business.
Apply NowWhat You'll Learn
- Identify a business opportunity
- Evaluate an idea and assess the market
- Explore the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship
- Leverage experiments to validate concepts and refine your business strategy
- Discover the key financial decisions entrepreneurs must make in the early stages of a startup
- Understand the process of raising capital and how to speak to investors
About the Professor
William Sahlman is a Baker Foundation Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. He previously served as co-chair of the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, co-chair of the School’s Entrepreneurial Management unit, chairman of the board for Harvard Business School Publishing, and Senior Associate Dean for External Relations. He is a widely published author of numerous articles and two textbooks, and has published more than 200 case studies on entrepreneurial ventures.
Who Will Benefit
Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur with the start of an idea or are exploring entrepreneurship, learn the language of the startup world.
Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
Gain an overarching framework to evaluate opportunities, manage startups, and finance new ventures.
Students
See what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and determine whether starting a business, or working for a startup, is the right path for you.
Program Structure
Entrepreneurship Essentials consists of approximately 25 to 30 hours of material delivered over a four-week period. You can complete the coursework on your own time while meeting regular deadlines.
- Length: 4 Weeks
- Program Dates: 6/9/21 – 7/7/21
- Cost: $1,050
- Application Deadline: May 31
- Detailed Calendar
- Length: 4 Weeks
- Program Dates: 8/18/21 – 9/15/21
- Cost: $1,400
- Application Deadline: August 9
- Detailed Calendar
Syllabus
Entrepreneurship Essentials introduces you to the entrepreneurial journey from finding an idea, to gaining traction in the marketplace, to raising capital for your venture. This course explains how entrepreneurs run structured experiments to validate ideas and refine business strategy. You will dive deep into the numbers behind how entrepreneurs and their investors make financial decisions to create value and grow their operations.
Learning requirements: In order to earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must thoughtfully complete all 4 modules by stated deadlines.
| Modules | Case Studies | Takeaways | Key Exercises |
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| Module 1: Ideas and Opportunities |
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| Module 2: Building a Business |
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| Module 3: Financing a Business |
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| Module 4: Sources of Investment |
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The HBS Online Advantage
- World-class faculty
- Edge-of-your-seat online learning
- Global peer collaboration and networking
- Real-world, case-based learning
Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts. Immerse yourself in real challenges faced by seasoned leaders across a variety of industries, including serial entrepreneur John Osher; Jennifer Hyman, CEO of Rent the Runway; and Scott Cook, founder of Intuit. Wrestle with the same issues they faced, while problem-solving and engaging with learners from around the world.
Stories from Our Learners
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Professor Sahlman’s careful observation of the best and brightest entrepreneurs over the last 30 years has given him a perspective and insightfulness that few others can rival. He keeps his students eager to dissect and analyze the situation and range of solutions.
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The People, Opportunity, Context, and Deal framework is now in the back of my mind. Also, I have learned how to quickly assess and network with other companies and panelists at the hundreds of meetup events I've attended.
Request More Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to log in at a set time? How does the grading process work? At this point, you probably have a few questions, and we’ve got answers.
Enrollment Eligibility
Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application.
Enroll today in Harvard Business School Online's Entrepreneurship Essentials course.
Apply Now