Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Entrepreneurship
Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Get a thorough understanding of business management at JWU Providence. In the Entrepreneurship program, you will develop a viable business plan, preparing to start your own business as well as work for small businesses and start-up companies. Learn to lead change within organizations and communicate effectively with diverse audiences while using decision-support tools to resolve contemporary business issues, from culinary operations to analyzing marketing reports to financing company expansions.
You’ll get a solid business core encompassing macroeconomics, microeconomics, accounting, business management, finance, operations and supply chain, human resources management, marketing foundations and global strategy to allow you to start or run a business. You can pursue electives that align with the pathways that interest you most, from international business to organizational behavior to marketing, in JWU’s many MBA programs.
Many of our students land jobs at partners like Hasbro, Target, Kohl’s and Lifespan even before graduation thanks to connections by faculty with industry experience and JWU’s students reputation of being ready to work. Our students also participate in clubs and organizations ranging from doing taxes or auditing for low-income clients to handling social media or marketing for a JWU department to joining chapters of professional organizations for supply chains and operations or for HR management — getting to explore your industry while making like-minded friends.
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Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship
JWU Providence’s Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship, also known as The Launch Pad, is a supportive place for students to explore ideas and pursue dreams with continuous faculty mentors — all with a student-designed logo and student-strategized social media outreach.
A Supportive Space for Entrepreneurs
Watch our video to find out what students are saying about The Launch Pad, JWU’s hub for entrepreneurial activity and faculty coaching to students.
Sahteen Dillon ’25 Sees Dreams Become Reality
At The Launch Pad, you can also pitch business ideas to a panel of industry professionals at our annual Sharkfest entrepreneurial competition, with the winner receiving seed money to develop their business.
“The Launch Pad not only has given me a safe space to share my entrepreneurial ideas, but to also make them come true,” says Sahteen, a 2024 Sharkfest finalist for her stylish design. “Because of The Launch Pad, I was able to turn my idea, Lokyt, a fashionable key accessory, into a reality.”
Start Your Business at JWU Providence
You’ll experience real-world opportunities through Directed Experiential Education (DEE) — an intensive, project-based experiential learning opportunity — and/or through internships, undergraduate research study, study abroad opportunities and faculty-led trips ranging from observing marketing teams in Florence, Italy to shadowing business teams in New York City.
In this program, you’ll:
- Learn to use decision-support tools to resolve contemporary business issues using ethical business practices while communicating effectively with diverse audiences
- Understand the types of capital funding sources for start-up and existing businesses
- Develop a viable business plan that incorporates the concepts, skills and values of business administration
Sample Courses
- Financing New Ventures
- Small Business Management
- Marketing for Entrepreneurs
- Change and Innovation Management
- Pitching & Planning New Ventures
- Growth and Sustainability for Small Business
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Explore the full JWU Providence Catalog
Career Possibilities
- Business owner
- Business manager
- Management consultant
- Operations manager
- Financial analyst or advisor
- Sales manager
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Assistant Professor and Department Chair, Management & Marketing; Charlotte College Chair
Woods emphasizes real-world learning and experiences both in- and outside of the classroom, encouraging his students to network with local entrepreneurs and leaders.
Professor
Thorsson’s varied experiences with the hospitality industry provide him with an accumulated understanding of the segment in which he is keen to delve deeper through empirical research.
Director, Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship
Binczyk joined JWU after a career in the corporate world working for global food companies like Kellogg’s and Shearer’s Snacks. His goal is to leverage his creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship knowledge with the broader JWU community.
Related Programs
Faculty Contact
Providence
James Woods, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Department Chair
980-598-3123
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