Small Business Entrepreneurship

Rice University's online Small Business Entrepreneurship courses provide a convenient, interactive, and hands-on way to build practical entrepreneurship skills. Taught by industry professionals from Rice Business, home to the #1-ranked Entrepreneurship Graduate Program in the U.S. (Princeton Review, Entrepreneur magazine), these 100% online courses combine engaging lectures, real-world case studies, group discussions, expert interviews, and hands-on exercises to help entrepreneurs immediately apply what they learn to their businesses. 

Course 1 – Small Business Entrepreneurship: Starting a Business 

This practical online course is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and skills to turn innovative ideas into successful and sustainable ventures. Learners will explore the entire entrepreneurial journey—from evaluating business ideas to developing a business model canvas, pitch deck, and business plan draft. 

By the end of the course, you'll have the foundational tools and confidence to transform an idea into a viable business. 

Course 2 – Small Business Entrepreneurship: Marketing a Business 

Marketing is essential to the success and growth of any small business or start-up. This course equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge and practical tools to effectively position their ventures for growth. Learners will focus on core marketing competencies, including strategic thinking, audience analysis, customer engagement, and marketing planning. 

Throughout the course, you'll develop actionable resources—including marketing plans and customer journey maps—that can be immediately implemented to attract customers, strengthen your brand, and support business growth.

Program Information

Now Available On-Demand 

Two courses, Four to Five-weeks each; 3-5 hours of self-paced learning per week

 Tuition: $950.00 per course* 

*Bundle both courses for a 20% discount

Why Rice Business Executive Education

• World-Renowned Faculty: Learn from expert, award-winning business school faculty who are leaders in their fields.
• Experiential Learning: Gain practical insights through real-world applications, faculty consulting experience, and collaboration with peers.
• Alumni Benefits: Participants receive access to future events, including executive speakers and conferences.

Who Should Attend

• Aspiring entrepreneurs, start-up founders, or small business owners
• MBA students or college students majoring in business or a related subject
• Current small business owners, entrepreneurs, or leaders who need help crafting a business model canvas, pitch deck, or business plan draft