Family Business and Entrepreneurship

The rapid changes in our world today are generating many more opportunities for both entrepreneurs and family businesses to find or create their own space to grow their businesses. Whether your business is just getting started, going to the next level, or you’re preparing for succession to the next generation, this Graduate Certificate and Concentration within the MBA, MSL, and PP-OTD programs provide students with the opportunity to meet like-minded peers and learn from instructors with the practical experience and expertise. Students in this program certificate/concentration will learn what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, turn one’s dreams into reality, take the business to the next level, and build a sustainable enterprise. Students will also learn the many facets of running a business including the importance of governance and establishing boundaries, balancing the needs of partners/family and the business, and managing wealth and dynamics that can make or break the business. Emphasis will be placed on students making personal applications using key concepts from the four courses by developing a personal business plan they could use in their entrepreneurial or family businesses.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to

• evaluate the steps to start, innovate, and grow a business.
• analyze the strategies involved in running a successful business.
• articulate leadership skills and practices to optimize business performance.
• critique governance structures and succession planning as a vital component of a business model.
• develop a business plan on a new entrepreneurial business idea or possible innovation.