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August 01, 2024 | Tom Ballard

Here are 10 free online courses for tech entrepreneurs

They cover everything from the Business Model Canvas to design thinking and leading change in a start-up.

Looking for an online course to improve your knowledge in a certain area? If so, Analytics Insight has you covered. The world’s first print and digital publication focused on disruptive technologies has identified 10 free online courses for technology-focused entrepreneurs. They are:

Entrepreneurship 101 (Coursera, University of Pennsylvania)

  • Features:  Covers essential entrepreneurial concepts, including idea generation, market validation, business planning, and fundraising. Interactive assignments, quizzes, and video lectures.
  • Duration:  Typically, around 4-6 weeks, with approximately 3-5 hours of study per week.
  • Fees:  While the course itself is free, there might be a fee for a certificate of completion.

Business Model Canvas (Stanford University, Coursera)

  • Features:  Focuses on the Business Model Canvas framework, teaching how to develop and test business models. Interactive exercises, case studies, and templates.
  • Duration:  Generally, a shorter course, around 2-4 weeks.
  • Fees:  Similar to Entrepreneurship 101, the course might be free to audit, but there might be a fee for a certificate.

Introduction to Computer Science (MIT OpenCourseWare)

  • Features: Covers fundamental computer science concepts, including algorithms, data structures, and programming. Video lectures, problem sets, and exams.
  • Duration:  Varies depending on the specific course and modules chosen.
  • Fees:  Completely free, including course materials and access to all resources.

Product Management Fundamentals (Google Digital Garage)

  • Features:  Offers a practical approach to product management, covering topics like product lifecycle, user experience, and product launch. Interactive modules, quizzes, and real-world examples.
  • Duration:  Self-paced, with the ability to complete modules at your own pace.
  • Fees:  Completely free, including all course materials and certifications.

Design Thinking for Innovation (Stanford University, Coursera)

  • Features:  Emphasizes human-centered design and innovation processes. Interactive exercises, case studies, and group projects.
  • Duration:  Typically, around 4-6 weeks, with a moderate time commitment.
  • Fees:  Similar to other Coursera courses, there might be a fee for a certificate.

Digital Marketing Fundamentals (Google Digital Garage)

  • Features:  Covers essential digital marketing topics like SEO, social media, and content marketing. Interactive modules, quizzes, and practical exercises.
  • Duration:  Self-paced, with flexible learning options.
  • Fees:  Completely free, including all course materials and certifications.

Salesforce Sales Training

  • Features:  Offers comprehensive sales training, including sales methodology, CRM, and sales enablement. Interactive modules, quizzes, and role-playing exercises.
  • Duration:  Varies depending on the specific modules chosen.
  • Fees:  Free for core sales training, but additional certifications or advanced modules might have fees.

Financial Accounting (University of Pennsylvania, Coursera)

  • Features:  Covers fundamental accounting principles, financial statements, and financial analysis. Video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
  • Duration:  Typically, around 4-6 weeks, with a moderate time commitment.
  • Fees:  Similar to other Coursera courses, there might be a fee for a certificate.

Supply Chain Management (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, edX)

  • Features:  Covers supply chain concepts, logistics, and operations management. Video lectures, case studies, and simulations.
  • Duration:  Typically, around 8-12 weeks, with a significant time commitment.
  • Fees:  While the course might be free to audit, there might be a fee for a certificate or verified certificate.

Leading Change (Harvard Business School Online)

  • Features: Focuses on leadership and change management strategies. Case studies, simulations, and interactive discussions.
  • Duration:  Typically, around 6-8 weeks, with a significant time commitment.
  • Fees:  While the course might be free to audit, there might be a fee for a certificate or verified certificate.


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