For those who need to manage a small business or those who aspire to start their own business, an understanding of how to manage a small business, develop a business plan, manage employees, and manage projects is crucial. This complex skill set is not only useful when one wants to manage a small business or start an entrepreneurial venture but also is an important selling point for job applicants.

The Certificate in Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship helps provide this background. In many cases, the courses within the Certificate program can be taken as a part of the requirements, or as electives, within the student's regular degree program. The certificate requires the successful completion of four Management courses listed below with a grade of at least a "C" (2.0) for each course. A minimum of three of the four courses must be completed at UWF.

The four required courses are:

• MAN 3802 - Small Business Management
• A course introducing the student to the world of small business and family business management. Explores the managerial processes related to these areas and differentiates them from those found in corporations and large organizations.
• MAN 4801 - Business Plan Development for New Ventures
• A course providing a basic background about developing a business plan to serve as a strategic roadmap for a proposed venture as well as the basis for seeking financial support from lenders/investors.
• MAN 3583 - Project Management
• A course providing an introduction to the field of Project Management. Covers concepts and skills used to propose, plan, secure resources, budget, manage risk, and lead teams to successful project completion. Students individually develop project plans for projects in their respective disciplines; uses Microsoft Project software.
• MAN 3301 - Human Resources Management
• A course providing an introduction to personnel administration; Topics covered include recruiting & selection, compensation & benefits, performance appraisal, managing labor relations, managing diversity, and employment laws (OSHA/EEO/unions) & regulations.

Successful completion of the four courses for the certificate is noted on the University transcript, and the student receives a certificate with the completion noted.

For additional information about the Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship Certificate, or to schedule an appointment to speak to an advisor in the Department of Management and Management Information Systems, please feel free to contact us by e-mail, or by phone (850.474.2316).