Small business management
Certificate, undergraduate
Build your business
With the small business management certificate, you can choose from two emphasis areas to match your interests and career goals.
In the entrepreneurship emphasis, you’ll learn how to evaluate the benefits and risks of starting a business, think strategically and develop business models you can pitch with confidence. You’ll also analyze business, industry and economic data to make informed decisions about feasibility and management in an entrepreneurial setting.
The management emphasis focuses on the essentials of planning, organizing, leadership and control in businesses of all sizes — from small startups to large organizations. You’ll build a deeper understanding of human resources planning, talent acquisition, employee development and organizational design, preparing you to tackle HR challenges and improve organizational effectiveness.
Overview
Lead with strategy
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are a student majoring in business or another field and want to gain practical skills in starting, managing and growing a small business.
- Plan to launch your own business or manage a family-owned or entrepreneurial venture in the future.
- Are interested in developing essential skills in areas like small business operations, marketing, financial management and business planning.
- Want to complement your major with a certificate that builds real-world business management knowledge, useful across industries and career paths.
- See yourself working in roles where understanding small business dynamics, strategy and decision-making will give you a professional edge.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
6,027 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- General and Operations Managers
$54,141 - Online Merchants
$55,170 - Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
$48,787 - Search Marketing Strategists
$46,681 - Chief Executives
$91,572
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
U of I’s certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships on their own. However, students enrolled in a bachelor's or associate degree program may apply their financial aid and scholarships toward a certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.
For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
You have many hands-on learning opportunities to ensure your readiness for the real business world. These interactive programs give you practical experience and business know-how that will set you apart.
Learn more about CBE's experiential learning opportunities.
Application information
Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements on our Admissions website.
Undergraduate certificate application process
Students interested in adding a certificate to their bachelor’s or associate degree program should speak with their academic advisor.
Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.