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If you love selling on the side and you’ve always been passionate about any business venture, it’s time to take this talent seriously. It’s a wise idea to open your own small business. In fact, one ultimate perk about it is being your boss and having time on your hands.
Currently, small businesses make up 33,185,550 of the US economy. A total of 17.3 million jobs were created by small businesses between 1995 and 2021, accounting for 62.7% of all jobs created.
However, everyone also knows that managing your own small business is not for the frail-hearted. After all, it takes specific qualities and aptitudes to be a leader or entrepreneur. These positions need self-assured, imaginative, disciplined, and motivated individuals.
They have to work hard, collaborate with others, and make difficult judgments. They must learn how to minimize and cope with risks through the courses in an Associate in Small Business Management.
The Lowdown
A crucial aspect of an online Associate in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurial Education is applying the concepts and methods you learn in a practical situation. Even if a program’s curriculum may be done entirely online, there can still be optional or necessary experiential learning requirements, such as an internship.
If you want to take advantage of this training, you need to find a program that allows you to have a plethora of opportunities to be exposed to actual business settings.
Establish a Small Business with an Online Associate Degree!
With an online associate degree in small business, not only will you be able to pursue your entrepreneurial dream, but you can also land many jobs in the business sector and corporate world.
This online degree typically runs for two years, which is intensive and can be completed at your own pace. The skills you gain enable you to work right away after graduation!
Through coursework and learning opportunities in the program, you can prepare for the future of small business. There are actual small business mock-ups that you can do or participate in.
You can develop your creativity, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills by studying for an online associate degree in small business.
Getting an associate degree in small business starts with finding the right program online. It’s paramount to select a program that’s accredited and covers all the courses you need as a future small business owner or manager. Finally, you should set and align your goals before choosing a program.
Methodology
An associate degree in Small Business is sufficient to expose you to the nuts and bolts of small business management. As long as you can find the right program to enroll in, you’ll be trained well to manage or handle roles in businesses. If you are considering pursuing an online associate’s degree in small business, consider the following factors:
- The classes can be taken online or in a hybrid format,
- Provides specific skills and knowledge development for working in a variety of work settings,
- Presents internships and job opportunities and offers assistance in designation,
- Comes with many hands-on learning activities that hone small business skills for students,
- Contains a wide range of topics and studies about small businesses,
- Establish a solid foundation before pursuing a bachelor’s degree,
- Staffed with tenured professors and experts who have credible insights and advice pertaining to small business practices,
- Students who qualify can choose from a variety of financial aid options,
- Comes with regional accreditations.
More information about our ranking can be found on our Methodology page.
10 Best Online Colleges with Online Associates in Small Business Programs
Northcentral Technical College
Northcentral Technical College offers a Small Business Entrepreneurship Associate Degree program that aims to help small business owners improve their management and operational skills and abilities.
This online associate degree emphasizes the abilities required to start and expand a small business while also covering fundamental business concepts like accounting, management, and marketing.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs has accredited this program.
During the program, students will be trained to create business plans while creating specific operational plans and goals. They will be taught to manage small business marketing functions. As a result, you can develop your entrepreneurial and leadership skills at the end of this program.
Some of the courses are:
- Customer Service
- Business Law
- Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management
- Principle of Sales
- Speech
- Entrepreneurship Start-Up Operations and Growth
- Economics
- Psychology of Human Relations
National American University
Become a successful entrepreneur when you accept the learning challenges of an online Associate Degree in Small Business Management offered at the National American University. There’s a total of 90 credits required for this online degree.
Small companies are essential to the health of the American economy because they create employment, bring in money, and encourage innovation with long-lasting impacts on society. Fortunately, this small business management associate degree is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to launch a new company or grow the one that they already have.
The information, skills, and talents you will gain via this program will be crucial for your success as a small company manager or owner. Learn how to create a thorough business plan for a new firm, as well as entrepreneurial tactics, planning, feasibility, market, and competition studies.
If you want to start a career as an entrepreneur, earning an associate’s degree in small business management online is a powerful first step. You get the knowledge and managerial expertise needed to launch or grow a company.
With this online associate degree, you can launch your own company or work as a manager for an established company. A degree might help you stand out from other job seekers and show your commitment to your superiors.
If you’re currently an experienced business professional, this Small Business Management degree is still perfect for you. This can demonstrate your dedication to your supervisors and allow you to advance your career.
All of the following core courses can be taken entirely online:
- Accounting Software Applications
- Customer Relations
- Business Plan Development
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- Franchising
- Principles of Management
- Financial Accounting for Managers
- Business Management Capstone
Herkimer County Community College
Herkimer County Community College is a State University of New York System member that offers the online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Small Business Management.
Upon completing this program, an online student earns the same diploma as an on-campus student. This reliable degree is approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Students who want to start and run their firm should enroll in this Small firm Management program. This online degree can help students prepare for employment in small businesses or develop some career-specific skills that are imperative in resolving business issues and challenges. Graduates of this online program can learn to formulate a business plan and assess the steps involved.
All of the classes can be taken completely online, making it convenient for everyone. Classes are semester-based, and you can choose your flexible schedule for coursework. Lastly, one thing that makes this online degree stand out is it offers a personal concierge.
Any questions you might have will be answered by one person who will be assigned to assist you. If you need assistance with a class, you will be able to work with a tutor.
The following courses are required for this online associate degree:
- Introduction to Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Computerized Accounting
- Small Business Management
- Small Business Planning & Management
- Starting A Small Business
- Accounting Principles
Tidewater Community College
The Tidewater Community College online Associate of Applied Science in Management: Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship degree consists of 67 credit hours. The classes are small, offering the best value for any learner. Their curriculum is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The management programs at Tidewater Community College can help you become ready for a satisfying job in areas including marketing, small company management, accounting, and business management. Everybody has a specialty.
Therefore, it’s up to you to choose which business profession suits you the best. It also comes with an internship that serves as practical learning.
Here are the courses included in this associate degree online:
- Introduction to Business
- Principles of Management
- Business Mathematics
- Orientation to Business
- Interpersonal Dynamics
- Spreadsheeting for Business
Bucks County Community College
Bucks County Community College delivers an Associate of Arts in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management degree online. Sixty-three credits are required for completion of this degree. They also feature small classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. As for accreditations, they are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Graduates of this associate degree in the small business program are prepared to launch their own company, get promoted to a higher position, or work in management at the entry-level. It is possible to finish the program requirements in two years of full-time study.
After graduation, students can utilize their understanding of administration, marketing, and law to run a small business. Your skills in both writing and spoken communication will also improve.
Below are some courses required for this small business management associate degree:
- Introduction to Busines
- Small Business Management
- Legal Environment of Business
- Business Mathematics
- Cooperative Education-Management
- Digital Marketing
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- Business Communication
- Legal Environment of Business
Delta College
Delta College offers an online Associate in Business Studies in Small Business Management or Entrepreneurship program that emphasizes entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and innovation, as well as an understanding of entrepreneurship and its role in society.
As you study this associate degree, you can develop the ability to see possibilities and act to turn them into profitable initiatives.
Whether you’re planning to open a business or work for a business, this skill can come in pretty handy. In addition to introducing new technologies and services to society, you can also improve your entrepreneurial skills in a way that can contribute to global economic growth.
The management programs at Delta College provide students with the tools they need to succeed in a variety of work contexts, foster innovative thinking, and build strong interpersonal skills. Practically every business and organization may benefit from the information and abilities acquired via management education.
Delta College offers students the opportunity to start any time and even transfer credits when they decide to proceed to a bachelor’s degree.
Here are some of the required courses for this associate degree in small business:
- Business Math
- Principles of Sales
- Intro to Business
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Principles of Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Principles of Retailing
- Business Law
- Applied Marketing
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Borough of Manhattan Community College offers the Associate of Applied Science in Small Business/Entrepreneurship program for business degree seekers. This online degree offers career advancement for people at every stage of life, including recent high school grads, working professionals, and small company owners.
The Small Business or Entrepreneurship program is for you if you wish to run your own business or utilize these abilities to succeed in your job. There is a great deal of entrepreneurship nowadays, and large corporations are looking for creative ideas.
Small Business or Entrepreneurship students will develop skills to think or act like an actual entrepreneur. Taking an idea from conception to launch is a process that needs to be learned and practiced in this associate degree.
You can access incubators, CUNY assistance, and funders for your idea. During the program, you can develop teams, grow mindsets, organize projects, analyze markets, and learn startup concepts.
The following courses are required for this small business associate degree:
- Managerial Decision Making
- Introduction to Business
- Business Law
- Business Methods
- Human Resource Management
- Consumer Motivation
- Small Business Management
- Financial Management
Broward College
Broward College comes with an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management degree program. With the help of this online degree, candidates can enter the worlds of business, government, and industry as managers or supervisors. It offers fundamental knowledge of many different business processes like management, operations, and marketing.
During the degree, students can improve specific soft skills like computer, communication, and math skills. Learners can learn how to utilize appropriate software for managing business information. You can lead in a variety of human resource situations. You’ll also be able to outline the importance of legal and ethical workplace issues.
These courses below are part of this Small Business Management associate degree:
- Introduction to Business
- Entrepreneurship
- College Algebra
- Business Law
- Principles of Marketing
- Introduction to Management
- Computer and Internet Literacy
Fox Valley Technical College
The 61-credit Associate of Applied Science in Small Business Entrepreneurship program offered at Fox Valley Technical College examines the connection between opportunity and entrepreneurial thinking. Students discover how to convert an innovative idea into a fresh company enterprise.
You’ll get knowledge on how to investigate, design, and write start-up business plans thoroughly. You’ll learn the marketing, financial, customer service, and human resource skills you need to launch and expand your own prosperous company. You may practice and refine your talents in a genuine business setting by working as a mentor for local business owners.
Graduates might opt to launch their businesses or work as managers for established companies. You’ll be trained to develop a business plan and improve your leadership and business skills. One thing that makes this associate degree stand out is its Employment Connections, which will assist with your job search.
A total of 45 club and organization options are available to students. In addition to meeting other students, you can make professional connections through Fox Valley Technical College’s clubs.
This school makes it simple for you to smoothly transfer your credits, whether you’re a new student, transferring to another two-year institution, or earning your bachelor’s degree. With more than 65 partnered colleges, they provide credit transfer agreements and are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The following are some courses you need to take in this online associate degree:
- QuickBooks Accounting Online
- Business Law
- Financial Accounting
- Entrepreneurial Thinking
- Small Business Management
- Sales Principles
- Economics
- Social Media Marketing
- Introduction to Human Resources
Mt. Hood Community College
Mt. Hood Community College offers the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Management: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management. Students who complete this program are prepared to launch their own small company or work for any business. Students pursuing this degree must complete an internship as a requirement of this degree.
Some of the skills that you can develop in this associate degree are hiring, accounting, leadership, management, and training skills. This program should prepare students for the preparation of a comprehensive business plan when they complete it.
You will learn to prepare financial statements like cash flow, balance sheets, and income statements. You’ll be trained to create a marketing plan based on an analysis of the market’s objectives. You can be trained to communicate business information using business software applications.
The following courses are part of this small business associate degree:
- Financial Accounting
- Developing a Small Business
- Personal Finance
- Business Communication
- Management Fundamentals
- Professional Sales
- Career Management
- Leadership and Human Relations
- Human Resource Management
- Introduction to Business Computing
Courses to Expect in an Online Associate in Small Business
Small Business Management
The scope and developments of small companies in the economy are covered in this course. The topics of general managerial responsibilities, determinants of company success and failure, and entrepreneur credentials are discussed.
Developing practical business plans, exploring case studies, learning mathematical reasoning, and mastering computer applications are part of the Small Business Management program.
Operations Management
The goal of this operations management course is to prepare students for subsequent decision-making tasks that they may encounter at work or in other institutions.
The creation and resolution of issues, including production and inventory models, resource allocations, cost volume profit analysis, and sales, will all be accomplished through the use of computer programs in this course.
Managerial Decision Making
The goal of this managerial decision-making course is to improve the student’s capacity for managerial decision-making. The student is exposed to a variety of management issues through cases. Students take part in written and oral case analyses, which allow students to dissect issues in management or operations.
Additionally, students take part in a management simulation game.
Money and Banking
This course examines how the financial system is structured and functions, covering financial aspects like the money and capital markets, business banking, and other financial organizations, including commercial financing corporations. It is shown how economic and financial activities, including monetary and fiscal policy, are related.
Consumer Motivation
The student’s grasp of how customer behavior and motivation relate to contemporary marketing tactics and strategies is developed in this consumer motivation coursework. It provides the consumer-focused company with crucial insight and information.
The teacher and students will investigate how economic, social, and psychological factors affect consumer behavior.
International Business
This international business course provides a comprehensive overview of the business climate throughout the world. The issues, trends, and opportunities related to international trade and investment are highlighted in this subject. Furthermore, there will be discussions and reviews of company operations in a global setting.
Introduction to Marketing
Marketing is an integral part of any business. As a small business owner, you need to solidify your knowledge in this field. The producer-to-consumer distribution of commodities is covered in the evaluation of the marketing system, which also includes institutions, techniques, and policies.
Marketing methods and strategies will be tackled in this course.
Business Communication
As mentioned previously, communication skills are paramount in small business management. The communication skills that college graduates entering the corporate world should have are the emphasis of this course.
Students who successfully finish this course will be able to communicate verbally, visually, and graphically in professional, succinct, clear, and evidence-driven ways. E-mail writing, business note drafting, interpersonal skills, and active listening skills are all part of this course.
Business Law
The American legal system and the basics of contract law are part of the Small Business associate program and discussed in the Business Law course. Commercial transactions are also discussed, along with how the different contract law concepts apply to them based on a review of relevant cases.
Tips to Become a Small Business Owner
You may have started looking for advice if you’ve considered starting your own business. It’s helpful to gain some insights on how to become successful in small business. A common aspect of starting your own business is learning as you go. Here are some tips for you to start attaining success in the entrepreneurial field:
Earn an Online Associate in Small Business.
While many believe that opening a small business doesn’t require formal education, acquiring some business knowledge from an associate degree can help you in many ways. A two-year associate’s program in business gives you the opportunity to build a foundation in many things like marketing, human resources, management, sales, and finance.
Associate degree program graduates earn their degrees more swiftly and for less money. With this associate degree, you can gain transferrable skills that are in demand in many sectors today.
Learn your passion.
Top entrepreneurs are driven by passion. After all, a successful business is built on passion. When brainstorming for your small business, consider your past experiences and understand what interests or excites you.
Remember to distinguish between a hobby and a passion that can be profitable. When you do what you love, then it instantly means you’ll love what you’re doing. Decide on your niche.
It’s important to decide on your niche in order to be a successful small business owner. Compared to major organizations, small enterprises are only able to provide a limited number of items due to the restricted resources.
For lone proprietors providing services, sticking to a specialization allows for the effective identification of a target market.
Initially, stick to a simple small business.
If you’re like many company owners, you already have a business concept that you’re prepared to pursue. But before taking huge leaps, it’s best to assess risks and stick to simpler business concepts first. Take care to prevent your idea from becoming overly convoluted.
You could produce a pricey, complex final product that no one wants to buy. Try to start modestly as a new business owner and concentrate on a certain niche.
Be vigilant With Your Investment and Costs.
Another important aspect of any business is the finance side. Once you begin to build your company idea, tally up the expenses. Every cost associated with starting and running your business must be considered.
You should consider the costs associated with your location, rent, supplies, marketing, and other expenses. Ensure you have a safety net when it comes to your finances.
Register your business.
It’s thrilling to launch a business, but there could be a dark side, which is usually the paperwork. You must be aware of the regulations related to starting a firm. You risk severe fines if you disregard laws and rules. Hence, ensure to register your small business. You must adhere to laws while creating a legal framework and an accounting system.
Hire the right team.
The people are the most important assets of any business. Depending on your team, you can either succeed or fail your small business. Ensure that you hire the right people who genuinely care about your business and growth. And make sure to compensate them well for their efforts.
Study the competition.
Some entrepreneurs might overlook this step, but make sure not to. Your rivals could be aware of information that you are not. Determining your competitive advantage and vulnerabilities is possible when you know your competitors well.
Look at their niche, their goals, slogan, value propositions, products and services, special selling points, and offerings.
Establish relationships with suppliers.
Building relationships with your suppliers is as crucial as building with your clients. Consider your contribution to the conversation, and keep in mind that you both need one another. Don’t only e-mail or text them; engage them!
Jobs You Can Find with an Online Associate in Small Business
Market Research Analyst
Analysts of market research look at market trends to find prospective sales. They interact with companies to assist them in figuring out what goods customers are most likely to acquire and what factors affect that choice.
More often, a bachelor’s degree is required by some employers, but associate degree graduates can also qualify for this job role.
Public Relations Manager
Managers of public relations employ several forms of communication to raise awareness and cultivate patrons and supporters. Most importantly, they influence individuals to take action and provide money or make a purchase. If you have PR skills, then this job is fit for you.
Small Business Owner
One obvious pathway after graduating with an online Associate in Small Business is to become a small business owner. Owners of small businesses perform a variety of tasks. They keep an eye on daily activities and develop proactive plans to expand their company.
Some small business owners employ staff members or outsource their labor.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers carry out identical duties to public relations managers. They rake in more sales, more supporters, and gain public awareness. To attract clients, they employ paid placement rather than unpaid methods like news releases, media placement, and events.
Through well-chosen social media advertising or commercials, they could succeed in doing this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Associate degree in Small Business?
An associate’s degree program in small business management is often the initial step toward a long and fruitful career for aspiring managers or future business owners. You may use this two-year program to set yourself up for success in the management and business administration fields, or you can use it to lay the groundwork for future study in a bachelor’s degree program.
Community colleges, vocational institutes, and select universities often offer associate’s degree programs in small business management.
Depending on the institution, the curriculum for a two-year degree in small company management may differ, but you can anticipate studying subjects like marketing, entrepreneurship, business law and ethics, and human resources.
Is an online Associate in Small Business helpful when you want to proceed to a Bachelor’s degree?
Most definitely, yes. However, some online associate’s degrees in small business management are geared toward students who want to get ready for employment as soon as they graduate.
Some are more appropriate for students who desire to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program later on in their education. It’s best to consider the offerings of each program first before enrolling.
What are the things to look for when selecting the best online Associate in Small Business?
When selecting the best small business program for you, there are numerous aspects to consider. These variables include things like price, accreditations, curriculum, class formats, and more.
The question of accreditation, however, is among the most crucial factors to take into account. At the very least, you should confirm that a national or regional certifying authority accredits the college you’re considering attending.
For instance, it should come with an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation.
Key Takeaways
- Your small business may require the competitive edge, knowledge, and skills that an online Associate’s in Small Business Management will give you. While you can open a small business without formal education, this degree can still be very helpful.
- Due to the fact that it covers the majority of the abilities that employers seek when hiring new employees for their businesses, an associate degree also offers up a lot of career prospects. These include fundamental knowledge of accounting and finance, statistics, computer programs, management, and organizational abilities.
- Numerous subjects are covered in an online associate degree program in small company management. As a result, students get a diverse set of skills that enable them to pursue a variety of careers. Generally speaking, graduates of this program should possess both hard and soft skill sets.
Additional Information:
