Becoming an Entrepreneur: An Inside Look at Innovation
Thinking about launching a business or joining an early-stage venture? Entrepreneurship requires more than a great idea. This course walks you through the full process, from identifying a market need and building a business model to crafting a pitch and leading a team. By developing your own business concept, you'll evaluate whether a career in startup leadership, product development, consulting, or venture creation matches your strengths and goals, all before putting anything on the line.
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 18 and up
College Credit Course Fees
$3,995
Enrichment Course Fees
$1,895
What's the Difference Between Our College Credit and Enrichment Courses?
Both enrichment and college credit–bearing options feature engaging online lessons and instructional support. College credit–bearing courses include additional coursework and offer the opportunity to earn academic credit upon successful completion. Some course content overlaps across both options, so students are encouraged to choose the format that best aligns with their academic or professional goals.
College Credit Courses$3,995
Length of Course: Multi-length course options
Instruction & Activities: 128 hours
Grading: Letter grade
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours: ✔️
Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript
Enrichment Courses$1,895
Length of Course: 1-, 2-, or 4-weeks
Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours
Grading: Pass/Fail
On Your Own Schedule: ✔️
Academic Support: ✔️
Final Project: ✔️
College Credit Hours:❌
Certificate of Completion:✔️
From Idea to Execution: How New Ventures Take Shape
Identifying Problems Worth Solving
Distinguish how entrepreneurial thinking differs from traditional business roles by identifying unmet needs. Define unique value propositions and shape early-stage ideas that respond to real market challenges.
Innovation, Resilience, And Leadership
Explore how entrepreneurs navigate shifting landscapes through adaptive leadership and ethical decision-making. Learn how ventures evolve while maintaining a clear purpose and strategic direction amidst changing conditions.
Designing A Sustainable Business Model
Study how entrepreneurs design sustainable ventures by utilizing the Business Model Canvas. Clarify customer segments and revenue streams while testing core assumptions to ensure strong competitive positioning
Building The Foundation For Growth
Analyze the operational elements required to scale a venture through strategic partnerships and team development. Utilize data-informed decision-making and cost structures to turn early-stage ideas into executable plans.
Communicating Value And Gaining Support
Develop the essential skills needed to clearly articulate a business idea to stakeholders. Emphasize pitching, networking, and funding considerations to communicate why a venture matters for launch.
Applying Entrepreneurial Thinking To Future Paths
Refine and present a comprehensive venture concept through a capstone project. Evaluate how entrepreneurial skills translate into high-impact careers in startups, product management, consulting, and innovation roles.
What You Gain From This Experience
- Insight into how entrepreneurial ideas are evaluated, refined, and positioned for success.
- Familiarity with tools used to assess venture viability and strategic fit.
- Perspective on leadership, ethics, and adaptability in innovation-driven environments.
- Experience developing and presenting a venture concept through a Final Capstone Project.
- A Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University upon successful completion of the course.
What Sets This Program Apart
A Capstone Project With Real-World Relevance
- Develop and present a venture pitch that integrates your business model, value proposition, and growth strategy.
- Use feedback and iteration to strengthen how you communicate ideas to stakeholders.
Instructional Guidance And Mentorship
- Receive targeted feedback from course mentors throughout the development of your venture concept.
- Strengthen strategic thinking and communication skills through guided review and reflection.
Flexible Learning With Clear Expectations
- Complete coursework and milestones on a predictable timeline that supports steady progress.
- Balance assignments and project work alongside academic, professional, or personal commitments.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty
Dr. Patricia Grant, Ed.D.
Senior Associate Dean, McDonough School of Business Undergraduate Program, Georgetown University
Dr. Grant works with students, faculty, and administrators to organize a comprehensive curricular and co-curricular experience for undergraduates. She specializes in diversity training, analytics, talent acquisition and retention, professional development, organizational development, strategic planning, and brand management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.