“To open my own business, I need to earn a business degree”.  I have often heard this statement from young entrepreneurs and those considering returning to school. This statement is a myth. Let’s learn why this is a myth and ways to learn skills without going for a business education at a college or university.  

Go for a business degree if it feels like the right move for you 

If a business degree does not support your business goals, don’t fret over a getting one. Maybe a different area of study would be more vital to your operation. You can learn skills and take courses to support your business without getting a degree. Your dream venture may not require a bachelor’s degree at all. Although most business owners hold a bachelor’s degree, having one is not a requirement. According to the US Census Bureau, 47% of business owners as of 2019 did not have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Get a degree or certificate that matches the field you’re starting a business in 

If you want to operate a bookkeeping business, study accounting. However, if you’re going to own a construction company, it may be more sensible to study engineering or go to trade school for construction.

Studying culinary arts may be more beneficial if you want to own a catering business whereas, a business degree would be practical if you were to open your own consulting firm.

Ways to learn business skills 

Here is a list resources where you can learn business basics for free or for a fee. Read about each one to see what might be the best fit for you!

• Small Business Administration
  • Learning Platform – SBA Learning Platform | U.S. Small Business Administration or https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform
  • Workshops – in person or virtual Find upcoming events | U.S. Small Business Administration or https://www.sba.gov/events  
• Consider taking classes at your local college or university as a non-degree-seeking student  
  • This option allows to take courses related to business skills or the industry of your business
  • Find certificate programs to enroll in
• Find your local Chamber of Commerce 
  • Often, you can find classes, workshops, networking events, or even a mentor to help you
• Your local Economic Development Council
  • Often EDCs may have an educational program or networking opportunities for business owners
• Get a Score Mentor
  • SCORE is a resource for business owners to find a mentor.
  • Find a Mentor | SCORE or https://www.score.org/find-mentor
• Many others! 
  • There are many other resources out there that are available to you.
  • Do your research to see what makes the most sense for you.  

There are other ways to learn business basics without earning a business degree. Even if you feel your business would not benefit from a degree, it is essential to recognize that learning specific business skills still holds value. A barrier to learning business skills may be affordability; many of the resources listed above have free webinars that you can attend. There are ways to learn skills without spending a lot of money.

Resources

U.S. Census Bureau and National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, 2020 Annual Business Survey, data year 2019. https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2021/comm/most-business-owners-have-a-bachelors-degree.html

Featured Image: UF/IFAS Photo by Cat Wofford

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