Printed on 4/18/2025

Small Business Success 1

20-145-8 Certificate (C) 7 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Locations*: Appleton, Online

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

This certificate is perfect for current students in any program area who want to start their own business and are seeking basic small business training. You’ll be introduced to all aspects of business ownership including business models, legal formation, taxes and insurance, funding sources and bookkeeping. All courses are instructor-led and available in the traditional classroom setting or online.

COURSE LIST

Print Page

Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (7 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • QuickBooks Accounting Online
    10-101-104
    2Credit
    72
    36

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10101104
    • Credits: 2.00

    Lays the foundation for students to gain experience using QuickBooks Pro. Students practice creating a company using a chart of accounts, creating vendors and customers, demo payroll, record transactions, and generate and use financial reports. Being familiar with Windows, business experience or completion of an accounting course is helpful. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible to take the QuickBooks Certification exam.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • ACCTG 10101107 - Accounting, Principles of

    • ACCTG 10101180 - Financial Accounting 1

    • Student is in progress in Office Coordinator (31-106-3) Program of Study

    • Student is not in progress in an Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)

  • Entrepreneurship, Introduction to
    10-145-104
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10145104
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides students with opportunities to investigate, understand and apply the process of choosing entrepreneurship as a career path. Explores the entrepreneurial experience by focusing on an awareness of entrepreneurship, opportunity recognition, business concept development and preliminary feasibility testing. Students gain the knowledge, skills, concepts and strategies relevant for start-up and early-stage entrepreneurs. The practical hands-on approach encourages students to immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial experience.

  • Building Your Business Model
    10-145-107
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10145107
    • Credits: 2.00

    Evaluating and modeling potential new business ventures is the focus of this course. Students will explore and map how a business intends to make money through the four main areas of a business: customers, offer, infrastructure, and financial viability. Through a hands-on, experiential approach students gain a better understanding of how to transform a start-up into a repeatable and scalable business venture.

×

Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
×

Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course


What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:


What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A


This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.