Program Description
Do you have the desire and drive to be your own boss or take a new look at your existing business? North Idaho College’s Integrated Business Entrepreneur program is designed to provide you with the skills to determine if a business idea is viable, how to write a comprehensive business plan, and acquire skills to run and operate a business. The program will also connect you with business resources and entrepreneurs in the community who will share their experiences.
Entrepreneurship is not just a program of study, in many ways, it’s a life skill that can be applied to business ideas and concepts throughout your life and career. Whether you start your own business, buy a business, or are an intrapreneur within an organization. This certificate program can be completed in one or two semesters. Areas covered in the program:
- Marketing and advertising
- Management
- Research
- Finance
- Operations
- Presentations
- Sales skills
- Business law
The Integrated Business Entrepreneurship (IBE) program at North Idaho College prepares students to obtain employment by launching a business venture or to work in a variety of industries. Students will be able to enroll in as many classes as their schedule can support, allowing for the entire certificate program to be completed in one semester or over the course of several semesters. The IBE program is a 15 credit hour certificate program. The IBE courses will include a hybrid online component, with students attending classes on campus and online. The program uses an interdisciplinary instructional approach, including topics from many departments across campus.
The Entrepreneurship program prepares students to obtain employment by launching a business venture or by working in a variety of industries. Students are able to enroll in as many classes as their schedule can support allowing for the 15-credit certificate to be completed in one semester or over the course of several semesters.
Note: For students who wish to complete this program option as part of a career technical AAS degree financial aid-eligible program refer to the Business Management AAS degree program.
The Entrepreneurship program is excited to offer scholarships to students through the North Idaho College Foundation. To apply, please provide a one page letter detailing your interest in the starting your own business, why you selected the program with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and what your long term educational goals.
How to apply for North Idaho College Foundation Scholarships:
- Sign on to MyNIC and activate your Cardinal Mail. Directions will be sent to you through the U.S. mail when you’re admitted.
- Apply for free scholarship money. Go to www.nic.edu/mynic and log in to your MYNIC account. Click on “NIC Foundation Scholarship Application” under Bookmarks.
- Enter basic information on the scholarship application and complete the essay. You will then be directed to a list of scholarships you may be eligible to receive. NOTE: Apply to these specific scholarships that are for students in the IBE program: NIC Business Entrepreneurship and Ben Franklin Young Entrepreneurs.
- Check your Cardinal Mail often for notification of scholarship awards.
- For additional information: http://www.nic.edu/scholarships
North Idaho College recognizes the importance of learning from experienced business leaders and innovators who have firsthand knowledge of what our students will face in the business world. Each semester a variety of guest speakers will be on campus for the Avista Speaker Series. This is a great chance for students to interact and network with the community.
Students completing the North Idaho College IBE program and completing a certificate will be eligible to apply for a business loan of up to $15,000 through the Avista Micro-Enterprise Loan Fund.
The Inland Northwest Business Plan Competition is a collaboration between Whitworth University's School of Global Commerce & Management, Eastern Washington University's Center for Entrepreneurial Activities, Gonzaga University, North Idaho College’s and Spokane Community College's Avista Entrepreneurship Programs. The competition is open to graduate and undergraduate students from each of these schools.
Students participating in the Integrated Business Entrepreneurship program are required to submit their business concept and plan into the completion.
