Image of a calendar, a pen, and a laptop with the title Business Start-up Microcredential

In partnership with The Forsythe Entrepreneurial Center at The Chicago Lighthouse and Miami University of Ohio, WSB offers a Business Start-Up Microcredential for individuals interested in starting and managing a business.

The microcredential combines business planning, accounting, and marketing. Students complete two Chicago Lighthouse workshops and the Miami University Introduction to Marketing course to earn the Business Start-Up Microcredential Certificate.

Starting a Business

Students learn how to develop and document a business model. Topics include:

  • Creating a value proposition

  • Identifying key resources, activities, and business partners

  • Identifying target markets and customer groups

  • Understanding costs and revenue streams

  • Identifying key business assumptions

Students complete a workbook that guides them through the development of a Business Model Canvas, a strategic planning tool used to document and evaluate a business concept. An instructor reviews the completed work and provides feedback.

Accounting Basics and Financial Reports

Students learn fundamental accounting concepts, including:

  • The accounting equation and basic bookkeeping

  • Debit and credit systems

  • Creating and understanding financial statements

  • Financial ratios

  • Financial statement analysis

Students complete a workbook that includes a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. They also learn to analyze financial statements and use the information to support business decisions.

CMR 105: Introduction to Marketing

The online CMR 105: Introduction to Marketing course through Miami University introduces students to marketing terminology, concepts, strategies, and activities. Students learn how marketing supports organizational goals and apply marketing concepts to real-world business situations.

Students develop a marketing plan that includes:

  • Executive summary

  • Company description

  • Strategic plan

  • Situation analysis

  • Market and product focus

  • Marketing strategy

  • Financial information

Forsythe Entrepreneurial Center Workshop Series

The Using Excel with a Screen Reader workshop series is available as an optional supplement to the microcredential program. The series helps people who are blind learn to use Microsoft Excel with a screen reader and keyboard commands instead of a mouse.

Workshops progress from beginner through advanced Excel skills, with the final workshop focusing on advanced features used with JAWS and Excel.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have:

  • Successful completion of the online skills assessment

  • A high school diploma or GED

  • A typing speed of 35 words per minute; 45 WPM preferred

  • 12th-grade spelling skills

  • A print reading speed of 100 words per minute with at least 75% comprehension

  • Strong JAWS or ZoomText skills

How to apply

Go to https://chicagolighthouse.org/fec/fec-microcredential/enrollment-form/ to apply