Entrepreneurial Maker Certificate
Make Your Startup a Reality
Explore product-focused entrepreneurial ventures, apply an entrepreneurial mindset to your career, and/or start a small business. Enroll in the 1-year Entrepreneurial Maker Certificate at Harper College today!
Space is limited for the January 2022 program start.
A Focus on Success
Take your initiative and entrepreneurial mindset to the next level with Harper's certificate program.
- Develop the traits of a great entrepreneur: creativity, innovation, ideation, leadership.
- Learn to effectively run your start-up with courses on entrepreneurship, product development, internet marketing, entrepreneurial financing, and 2D and 3D prototyping.
- Get instruction, advice and mentorship from experienced full-time faculty and professional business leaders working in the field.
- Learn how to identify funding sources that can help your business get off the ground.
We've Got Your Back
At Harper, you'll find a supportive environment for entrepreneurs that extends beyond the classroom.
- Finish the certificate with your business ready to start and compete for funding through Harper's Dream Big — Angel Grant.
- Network with fellow students through Harper's business and entrepreneurship club.
- Take advantage of the Makerspace and Entrepreneur Center to grow your business, with support from our Small Business Development Center, faculty, advisors and community makers.
- Work toward an AAS Degree in Business Administration through additional coursework.
The Right Place to Start
Harper has an established reputation for business and entrepreneurship education:
- Harper College is a Certified Member College by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and a NACCE Presidential Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award Finalist in 2017 and 2018.
- Participate in the Harper Educational Foundation’s Dream Big — Angel Grant, which supports emerging and active student and community entrepreneurs.
- Harper has an advisory board of regional entrepreneurs and business leaders who infuse real-world perspectives and opportunities into the academic curriculum.
- This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
For more information, see the Business Administration Program page.
Sample Course Schedule - Entrepreneurial Maker Certificate
Your actual schedule may be different. Classes held at the main Palatine campus (classes are currently online).
| Timeframe | Course # | Credit Hours | Course Name |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Orientation |
Attend a mandatory orientation focused on your success in the program. |
||
|
Semester 1 |
ENT 154 |
3 |
Entrepreneurship |
|
|
MKT 252 |
3 |
Internet Marketing |
|
Semester 2 |
ENT 110 |
1 |
Ideashop Experience |
|
ENT 257 |
3 |
Makerspace: 2D and Prototyping |
|
|
Semester 3 |
ENT 254 |
3 |
Ideashop: Product Development |
|
|
ENT 255 |
3 |
Ideashop: Crowdsourcing and Financing |
|
16 credits: Entrepreneurial Maker Certificate earned. Also compete for the Dream Big — Angel Grant |
|||
Business Start-up Outlook
Successful entrepreneurs create jobs, have control over their income and job growth, and experience all aspects of what the business world has to offer. The support that Harper College offers through the entrepreneurship program, Dream Big — Angel Grants and the new MakerSpace and Innovation Center will set you up on a path to success in starting your business and being a creative and innovative leader in the business community.
- Business Success Stories from Our Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- Student Business Success at Harper College
- National Business Start-Up Statistics
Next Steps
For more information about Harper's Fast Track Program, please contact us at 847.925.6438 or FTSTUDENT@harpercollege.edu, schedule an appointment or attend an info session.
Coming to Campus