Frequently Asked Questions

Small Business/Entrepreneurship (SBE) is a dynamic major of vision, change and innovation. Learn how to build entrepreneurial skills to start a business or upgrade an existing business while enhancing your career success in any industry. Whether it is a side gig, launching a startup or adding to the talents you bring to a career, SBE can support your goals.

How does this program differ from the other Business Department programs?
The Small Business/Entrepreneurship degree stands out as a major for doers and those interested in working for dynamic companies. This fast-growing field gives students the knowledge and skills to turn their ideas into reality – whether working for yourself or another organization.

What does the Small Business/Entrepreneurship program have in common with the other BMCC business programs—will students have similar basic preparation?
The preparatory courses for the existing business management degree and the SBE degree are similar. The common core allows someone to continue on at another 4-year college studying subjects such as marketing, HR, general business, accounting, or public relations. An SBE graduate will learn that their creativity and ability to present new ideas clearly can be used in nearly every career.

What kind of B.A. Programs can SBEl students go into to continue their studies?
SBE graduates can receive a BA in entrepreneurship from York College (PDF) or Medgar Evers College.

If students decide they don’t want to focus on entrepreneurial work after two years, will they have the preparation to continue in another type of business program?
The preparatory courses for the existing business management degree and the SBE degree are similar. The allows someone to continue on at another 4-year college studying subjects such as marketing, HR, general business, accounting, or public relations. An SBE graduate will learn that their creativity and ability to present new ideas clearly can be used in nearly every career.

Can a non-business major take one of the entrepreneurial courses (for instance, a music or art student, video arts and technology student, etc.?
We welcome any major who wants to take SBE100. We are working to update the co-requisite of SBE 100 and 400. In the meantime, you can approach the business management department for an exception for any non-business major. Entrepreneurship is an exceptional skill for every major from music to health/fitness, or from writing to science.
What are some possible careers for SBE students?

• Traditional entrepreneurship: Start a new for-profit venture and raise funds.
  • Family business: Start or continue a family-owned and operated business.
  • Social entrepreneurship: Start new or develop a company with a social mission as its primary purpose.
• Side gig: Start a small business offering services based on your current expertise.
  • Personal branding: Learn skills to create your own web presence for your creative works.
• Franchising: Operate the right to distribute a company’s products, techniques and trademarks for a percentage of gross monthly sales and a royalty fee.
• Corporate entrepreneurship: Develop new operations or products for existing corporations.
  • Commercial banker: Work for banks or other financial institutions specializing in the lending, deposit and other financial needs of businesses.
  • Venture capital analyst: Make investments into new ventures and bring managerial and technical expertise, as well as capital, to their investments.
• Consultant: Engage with multiple and changing clients as an expert or professional in a specific field with a wide knowledge of the subject matter.
  • Business coach: Advise owners of small and medium-sized businesses to improve their sales, marketing, management and team building by providing guidance, support and encouragement.
  • Business analyst: Work within existing organizations to help identify, analyze and pursue new markets, new products or new business opportunities.
  • Economic developer: Improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by creating and retaining jobs, and by supporting or growing income and the tax base.
  • Small business development specialist: Assist small business owners with the improvement of business practices in such areas as strategy, accounting, marketing, management, finance, operations, human resources and technical needs.