Startup Skills Academy

For entrepreneurs looking to expand their capacity and gain a better understanding of their business operations, the Startup Skills Academy is a series of non-credit courses and workshops designed to teach relevant tools, systems, and software for entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy.  Learn from experts, build community with other entrepreneurs around the country, and apply skills that are directly relevant to your business. Take courses in digital marketing, finance, artificial intelligence, and more. Interested entrepreneurs can sign up for an entire course or join individual workshops as needed. Participants who complete all workshops for a given course will receive a certificate of completion.

COURSES

Finance Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs

Finance Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs is a practical, non-credit course designed to help founders and small business owners understand and manage the financial side of entrepreneurship with confidence. This workshop-style course demystifies core financial concepts and equips participants with the tools to make informed business decisions that drive growth and sustainability.

Through interactive lessons and real-world examples, participants will learn how to read and interpret financial statements, manage cash flow, price products and services effectively, and plan for profitability. The course also introduces basic financial forecasting, funding options, and strategies for maintaining healthy business finances as ventures scale.

Course Outline

Marketing for Startups
October 29th-December 5th (Wednesdays at 6:30 pm ET)

Marketing for Startups is a hands-on, non-credit course designed to help entrepreneurs build strong, customer-focused marketing strategies that drive awareness, engagement, and sales. This course introduces the fundamentals of marketing through the lens of early-stage business growth—helping founders define their target audience, craft compelling messages, and choose the right mix of channels to reach and retain customers.

Participants will explore how to develop a brand identity, create effective marketing campaigns, and leverage digital tools and social media to grow their business on a budget. Real-world examples, templates, and interactive exercises will equip participants with practical strategies they can immediately apply to their ventures.