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Becoming an Entrepreneur

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 5 ratings
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Laurie Stach and Martin Culpepper

Curious about entrepreneurship, but not sure where to start? Becoming an Entrepreneur is designed in partnership with MIT to guide people of all ages and backgrounds through the process of founding a company. With enrollment in the hundreds of thousands, this course is as engaging and accessible as it is informative.

Becoming an Entrepreneur will provide you with inspiration to explore an entrepreneurial path and tools to overcome the initial challenges of building a business.

Read more

Curious about entrepreneurship, but not sure where to start? Becoming an Entrepreneur is designed in partnership with MIT to guide people of all ages and backgrounds through the process of founding a company. With enrollment in the hundreds of thousands, this course is as engaging and accessible as it is informative.

Becoming an Entrepreneur will provide you with inspiration to explore an entrepreneurial path and tools to overcome the initial challenges of building a business.

From developing new business ideas and doing market research to designing and testing your offering and pitching, this course follows LaunchX’s successful approach to entrepreneurship that leverages MIT’s Disciplined Entrepreneurship, lean methodologies, and design thinking. There will be a combination of short videos and activities that will challenge you to get you away from your computer screen and into the community to make a real impact.

No previous business or entrepreneurship experience needed. Join us to embark on your entrepreneurial journey.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Overcoming the top myths of entrepreneurship
  • Defining your goals as an entrepreneur and startup
  • Identifying business opportunities
  • Performing market research and choosing your target customer
  • Designing and testing your offering
  • Planning your business logistics, plus pitching and selling to customers

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides tools to overcome the challenges of starting a business
Designed in partnership with MIT
Suitable for individuals of all ages and backgrounds
Taught by experienced instructors Laurie Stach and Martin Culpepper
Utilizes MIT's Disciplined Entrepreneurship and lean methodologies
No prior business or entrepreneurship experience is required

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Reviews summary

Practical foundation for entrepreneurs

According to students, Becoming an Entrepreneur offers a largely positive introduction to the entrepreneurial journey. Learners appreciate the course's focus on practical tools and frameworks derived from methodologies like Lean and Design Thinking. A key strength is the emphasis on action-oriented activities that push students to engage with the real world, rather than just passively watching lectures. This approach is seen as particularly helpful for absolute beginners looking for inspiration and a clear first step. While the course provides a solid foundation, some learners with prior experience or seeking deep dives into specific business functions note it may be too basic and requires supplementary study. Overall, it's considered an accessible and inspiring starting point for aspiring founders.
Great for beginners and inspiration
"Perfect for someone completely new to entrepreneurship looking for a starting point."
"It really inspired me to believe I could take the first step."
"Didn't feel intimidated even without prior business knowledge; it's very approachable."
Encourages real-world application
"Loved the assignments that made me get out and talk to potential customers."
"It wasn't just theory; I had to actually do things and gather feedback."
"Pushed me outside my comfort zone in a really beneficial way."
Actionable tools and methodologies taught
"I learned practical methods like Lean and Design Thinking that I can apply."
"The step-by-step approach using proven frameworks was very helpful."
"Gave me tools I can actually use to start evaluating ideas right away."
May lack depth for experienced learners
"Good start, but I was hoping for more advanced tactics and deeper dives."
"If you already know Lean or Design Thinking, this might feel like a review."
"Needed to supplement with other resources for specific topics like fundraising."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Becoming an Entrepreneur with these activities:
Review basic business principles
This activity will help you prepare for the course by refreshing your knowledge of basic business principles like market research, competitive analysis, and financial planning.
Show steps
  • Read a book or article on basic business principles.
  • Take an online course or workshop on business fundamentals.
  • Attend a business networking event.
Follow a tutorial on how to start a business
This activity will give you a step-by-step guide to starting a business, including choosing a business idea, developing a business plan, and registering your business.
Browse courses on Starting a Business
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on how to start a business that fits your interests and skillset.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
  • Apply what you learn to your own business idea.
Develop a business idea
This activity will help you develop a business idea that is innovative, feasible, and has the potential to succeed.
Browse courses on Business Ideas
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of business ideas.
  • Conduct market research to validate your ideas.
  • Develop a business plan for your chosen idea.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice pitching your business idea
This activity will help you develop the skills you need to pitch your business idea effectively.
Browse courses on Pitching
Show steps
  • Write a pitch deck for your business idea.
  • Practice pitching your deck to friends, family, or investors.
  • Attend a pitch competition or workshop.
Create a business plan
This activity will help you develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your business goals, strategies, and financial projections.
Browse courses on Business Planning
Show steps
  • Outline the key sections of your business plan.
  • Conduct research to gather data for your plan.
  • Write the different sections of your plan.
  • Get feedback on your plan from mentors, investors, or other entrepreneurs.
Join a peer support group
This activity will connect you with other entrepreneurs who can provide support, advice, and encouragement.
Browse courses on Peer Support
Show steps
  • Find a peer support group that is relevant to your interests and goals.
  • Attend meetings and participate in discussions.
  • Reach out to other members for help or advice.
Attend a workshop on a specific business topic
This activity will help you learn new skills and knowledge in a specific area of business.
Browse courses on Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that is relevant to your interests and skillset.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes.
  • Apply what you learn to your own business.
Review the basics of entrepreneurship
This activity will help you refresh your knowledge of the basics of entrepreneurship, including the different types of businesses, the challenges of starting a business, and the rewards of being an entrepreneur.
Browse courses on Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Read a book or article on entrepreneurship.
  • Watch a video or listen to a podcast about entrepreneurship.
  • Attend a talk or workshop on entrepreneurship.

Career center

Learners who complete Becoming an Entrepreneur will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Entrepreneur
This course provides the essentials to becoming an Entrepreneur. It goes over overcoming myths, defining goals, and identifying opportunities. This is fundamental knowledge for any Entrepreneur to have.
See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur
Angel Investor
This course can be beneficial to Angel Investors to help them identify new investment opportunities. It can also help them to understand the challenges and risks involved in starting a new company.
See salaries and explore the career path for Angel Investor
Product Manager
Product Managers may take this course to enhance their understanding of market research and how to identify target customers. It can also help them design and test new offerings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs can use the knowledge they learn in this course to help them develop new products or services that address social problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur
Sales Manager
Sales Managers may take this course to enhance their understanding of how to pitch and sell to customers. It can also help them to identify opportunities to launch a new product or service.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers can use the knowledge they learn in this course to help identify new products, services, or markets.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists can use this course to help identify new investment opportunities. It can also help them understand the challenges and risks involved in starting a new company.
See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist
Business Analyst
Business Analysts can use the knowledge they learn in this course to help them form a business idea and develop their own company. They can apply what they learn about overcoming the myths of entrepreneurship when looking to launch a new product.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Consultant
Consultants can use the knowledge they learn in this course to better help their clients. It can assist them in identifying new opportunities, expanding their services, or developing better services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers may take this course to enhance their understanding of the markets and how to identify new investment opportunities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager
Marketing Manager
Similarly to Business Analysts, the course can help Marketing Managers create a strong business plan, develop ideas, and implement them. It can also help them identify their target customer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers may benefit from the knowledge of how to identify opportunities that this course provides. It can also help them to think more like an entrepreneur, which may be beneficial in their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investors may take this course to learn about identifying opportunities and growing their investment portfolio.
See salaries and explore the career path for Private Equity Investor
Nonprofit Development Officer
Nonprofit Development Officers may take this course to help them develop new programs and services. It can also help them to identify new funding sources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Development Officer
Intrapreneur
Intrapreneurs may take this course to learn how to identify and develop new opportunities within their organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Intrapreneur

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Becoming an Entrepreneur.
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Provides a framework for understanding why successful companies often fail to innovate. It provides insights into the challenges of disruptive innovation and how to overcome them.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to building a successful startup using the lean methodology. It teaches how to test ideas quickly and cheaply, and how to iterate and improve products and services.
The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management: The...
Paperback
$$
The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management: The...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Traction
Save
Provides practical advice and case studies on how to acquire and retain customers, which is essential knowledge for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Traction
Paperback
$$
(Français) Traction - Comment toute start-up peut développer...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Traction. Le strategie vincenti per ottenere una...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Lean Customer Development
Save
Offers a comprehensive guide to customer development, providing entrepreneurs with practical techniques and methodologies for understanding and meeting customer needs, which aligns well with the course's focus on market research and target customer identification.
Lean Customer Development: Building Products Your...
Paperback
$$
Lean Customer Development: Building Products Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Startup Owner's Manual
Save
Offers a comprehensive guide to building and scaling a successful startup, including sections on customer development, product development, and fundraising, which provides additional breadth and depth to the course's coverage of entrepreneurial topics.
The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide...
Hardcover
$$
The Startup Owner's Manual: The Step-By-Step Guide...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Save
Provides a candid and insightful look at the challenges of running a startup. It provides insights into the different challenges that entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them.
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Hardcover
$$
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Infinite Staircase
Save
Provides a framework for understanding the challenges of taking a product from early adopters to mainstream customers. It provides insights into the different marketing and sales strategies needed to cross the chasm.
The Infinite Staircase: What the Universe Tells Us...
Hardcover
$$
The Infinite Staircase
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Mom Test
Save
Provides a simple and effective method for conducting customer interviews, which is essential for entrepreneurs to understand and meet customer needs, and complements the course's focus on market research and target customer identification.
The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if...
Paperback
$$
(Español) El Mom Test: Cómo mantener conversaciones con tus...
Paperback
$$
The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Lean Product Playbook
Save
Provides a practical guide to applying lean methodologies to product development, covering topics such as user research, prototyping, and testing, which complements the course's emphasis on iterative product development and customer feedback.
The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Crux
Save
Provides a framework for developing and evaluating good strategies. It provides insights into the different elements of a good strategy and how to avoid common pitfalls.
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Hardcover
$$
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Big Pad of 50 Blank, Extra-Large Business Model...
Save
Introduces the Business Model Canvas, a popular tool for visualizing and iterating business models, which aligns well with the course's emphasis on developing and refining business ideas.
The Big Pad of 50 Blank, Extra-Large Business Model...
Paperback
Check
The Big Pad of 50 Blank, Extra-Large Business Model...
Kindle Edition
Check
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, Or How to Build the...
Save
Offers a contrarian perspective on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of creating new value and building monopolies, which aligns well with the course's focus on identifying and exploiting business opportunities.
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...
Hardcover
$$
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Art of the Start 2.0
Save
Provides a lighthearted and inspiring guide to starting a business, covering topics such as pitching, funding, and marketing, which complements the course's practical focus on the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.
Art of the Start 2.0: The Time-Tested, Battle...
Paperback
$$
(Pусский) Стартап по Кавасаки: Проверенные методы начала...
Kindle Edition
$

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Course image
Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
1 to 3 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Instructors
Laurie Stach
Martin Culpepper
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides tools to overcome the challenges of starting a business
Designed in partnership with MIT
Suitable for individuals of all ages and backgrounds
Taught by experienced instructors Laurie Stach and Martin Culpepper
Utilizes MIT's Disciplined Entrepreneurship and lean methodologies
No prior business or entrepreneurship experience is required
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