Program Overview

Introduction to the Small Business/Entrepreneurship Program

The Small Business/Entrepreneurship program is designed to provide career enhancement at any stage of life, whether for high school graduates, professionals, or small business owners. This two-year program results in an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Program Details

The program aims to develop skills to think and act like an entrepreneur, including:

• Building a 'purpose first' business that can grow for the long-term, hire better employees, and find new customers faster
• Learning and practicing the steps to take an idea all the way to a working business
• Discovering how to reduce the risk of starting your own business
• Receiving support for your idea, including access to many incubators, CUNY support, and funders
• Creating a network of mentors and fellow students who join you in being entrepreneurial in many aspects of life
• Gaining experience with team management, growth mindset, project organizing, market/industry analysis, and lean startup method
• Practicing using standard business tools such as QuickBooks, design thinking, Slack, Excel, and more
• Learning skills for careers in sales, marketing, retail management, store management, or deciding to work for a new company in one of the biggest startup cities in the world

Partnerships and Connections

The program has built strong partnerships with leaders who connect students into the New York City startup world, help them find a great mentor, and teach them the skills that everyone is using right now in business. Partners include:

• Intuit's QuickBooks for financial management coursework
• CUNY Startups, CUNY I-Corps, and Baruch College's Entrepreneurship Center for initial funding and advice
• LeanStack and LivePlan for fine-tuning business ideas
• Original Founders Festival for access to mentors, student teams, and opportunities to showcase ideas to investors
• Team assignments and projects through Global Solutions, Blue Planet Inc, UN Sustainable Development Goals university partnerships, and Centers for International Business Education & Research to teach how to build purpose-driven businesses and connect with teams around the world

Citizen Entrepreneur Explorer Program (CEEP)

This capstone course allows students to build cultural competencies while engaging in research on entrepreneurial ecosystems through small businesses in their local communities. Students work on projects that are relevant, purposeful, and tailored to their interests.

Program Format

The program is offered in-person, online, and in a hybrid format, providing flexibility for students.

Transfer Options

BMCC has transfer agreements with several four-year colleges, allowing students to seamlessly continue their education without any loss of credits. All coursework is transferrable to 4-year programs in CUNY and to other colleges.

Exploring Careers

The college is committed to students' long-term success and helps them explore professional opportunities. Resources include Career Coach for salary and employment information, job postings, and a self-discovery assessment to help students find their academic and career paths. The Center for Career Development offers appointments with career advisors, job searches, and professional development activities. The Office of Internships and Experiential Learning provides real-world experience in preparation for a four-year degree and beyond.

Program Requirements

Detailed information on program requirements is available, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the Small Business/Entrepreneurship program.