Entrepreneurship certificate

Turn Your Ideas into Action! Get Ready to Launch Your Business

Whether you’re starting a business, growing a side hustle, or bringing entrepreneurial thinking to your career, SUNY Schenectady’s Entrepreneurship Certificate gives you the tools to succeed — affordably, flexibly, and with real-world support.

This program is also a powerful complement for students in other majors — including Culinary Arts, Music Audio Technology, Computer Science, and more — who want to understand the business side of their craft and gain the confidence to lead, manage, or monetize their work.

 

What You’ll Learn

This certificate focuses on the core skills every entrepreneur needs to thrive:

• Business planning and strategy
• Marketing and customer engagement
• Financial and operational management
• Sales, service, and communication
• Leadership and innovation

You’ll gain a practical foundation in business that can be applied immediately — whether you’re launching your own venture or strengthening your role in an existing organization. All coursework can also be applied toward SUNY Schenectady’s Business Administration A.A.S. degree.

Real-World Experience That Sets You Apart

SUNY Schenectady’s strong partnerships with leading business organizations give you access to two powerful, hands-on learning experiences:

Entrepreneur Boot Camp (BUS 252) In collaboration with the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, this award-winning course walks you through the process of developing and pitching a complete business plan. You’ll collaborate with more than 50 local entrepreneurs, business advisors, and subject-matter experts — and present your plan to a panel of judges at the end of the course.

• Meets two evenings per week for 12 weeks at the Chamber’s Colonie location
• Includes access to a library of real business plans, free consulting hours, and networking with lenders and legal professionals
• Enrollment is selective and requires program approval

Sales and Service (MGT 215) Offered in partnership with Sandler Training, this 3-credit online course teaches proven sales strategies in a flexible, interactive format. You’ll learn how to build rapport, uncover customer needs, and present solutions with confidence — skills that are essential for any entrepreneur.

• Taught by certified Sandler trainers with SUNY Schenectady faculty oversight
• Covers prospecting, communication, negotiation, and more
• Requires program approval to enroll

Partner Perspective

“We are all in sales, whether we are selling our idea to internal customers or external customers. The Sandler Selling System puts a process and system into place to help people be more successful.” — Matt Scarchilli, Owner, Sandler Training of the Greater Capital District of NY

Why Choose SUNY Schenectady?

• Affordable tuition and financial aid options
• Flexible scheduling with day, evening, and online courses
• Small class sizes and personalized faculty support
• Strong ties to the Capital Region business community
• Stackable credential that complements any major

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You can complete the free online application, or reach out to the Office of Admissions at 518-381-1366 or admissions@sunysccc.edu for more information.