Full course description
$2500
Self-Paced
Earn a Certificate
Course Overview
Every successful business starts with a problem worth solving.
The Certificate in Applied Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive, online entrepreneurship program designed to help aspiring founders, innovators, intrapreneurs and business builders transform ideas into sustainable ventures. Guided by Lean Startup principles and real-world application, you'll move through three sequential phases: Prepare, Design and Build.
This hands-on certificate goes beyond theory. Throughout the program, you'll validate customer needs, build intentional teams, develop a business model, craft your value proposition, create and test a minimally viable product (MVP), model financial outcomes, acquire customers and refine your product for growth.
Participants earn a digital badge after completing each of the three program tiers:
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- Prepare Badge: Validate the problem, build the right team and establish a legal foundation.
- Design Badge: Create your business model, refine your messaging and test an MVP.
- Build Badge: Develop financial projections, acquire customers and grow your solution.
Upon successful completion of all three tiers, participants earn the Certificate in Applied Entrepreneurship.
Who Should Enroll
This course is designed for:
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- Aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea
- Startup founders seeking a proven framework
- Small business owners and private practice owners looking to strengthen strategy
- Corporate innovators launching new initiatives
- Consultants and professionals exploring entrepreneurship
- Family business leaders preparing for growth
- Individuals interested in venture creation and innovation
No previous entrepreneurship experience is required.
Course Instructor
Nathan Preheim
Director
Greisch Center for Enterprise Value | Creighton University
Nathan Preheim is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Creighton University and director of the Greisch Center for Enterprise Value. Known for his practical, hands-on approach, he helps aspiring founders and business builders turn ideas into action through customer discovery, business modeling and venture development.
The Greisch Center for Enterprise Value is Creighton’s cross-campus hub for applied entrepreneurship, innovation and intrapreneurship. Students move beyond theory—launching ventures, testing ideas and building real-world solutions alongside faculty and industry partners.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the certificate, participants develop:
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- A validated problem statement
- Leadership and founder profiles
- Lean Canvas business model
- Value Proposition Canvas
- Elevator pitch and messaging framework
- Minimally viable product (MVP)
- Customer testing plan
- Financial model
- Customer acquisition strategy
- Product development roadmap
- A validated problem statement
FAQ
Do I earn a certificate?
Yes. Participants earn a digital badge after completing each of the three program tiers: Prepare, Design and Build. After successfully completing all three tiers, you will receive the Certificate in Applied Entrepreneurship.
Can I enroll in just one tier?
No. The Certificate in Applied Entrepreneurship is designed as a complete learning experience. Learners enroll in the full certificate program and may not register for individual tiers or courses separately.
Do I need prior knowledge of leadership theory?
No. The course introduces key leadership theories and provides the context needed to understand and apply them.
How long does the program take?
Most participants complete the certificate in approximately nine months. Because the program is asynchronous, you can move through the content at a pace that fits your schedule.
How is the program structured?
This program is 100% online and self-paced. You can start anytime and progress on your own schedule—ideal for working professionals.
What makes this program different from other entrepreneurship courses?
Unlike programs that focus primarily on business planning, this certificate emphasizes action and validation. Participants work through customer discovery, business modeling, MVP development, financial analysis, and customer acquisition using Lean Startup principles and practical deliverables that can be applied immediately to a venture.
Do I need to have a business idea before enrolling?
No. While learners with existing business ideas will benefit from applying coursework directly to their ventures, the program can also help participants evaluate and develop new entrepreneurial opportunities.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
We do not offer tuition assistance for lifelong learning courses or certificates. However, Creighton alumni, faculty, staff and eligible partner employees, along with their spouses and dependents, may qualify for a 15% discount. One discount per offering. Other restrictions may apply. Learn more.