Entrepreneurship and Small Business

ESB is one of the newest certification programs from Certiport.  The ESB exam is intended for use primarily in academic settings including secondary schools, vocational schools, community colleges, and technical colleges.

Candidates for ESB certification will be expected to have key conceptual knowledge of entrepreneurial and small business principles, although it is not required for students to have had real-world experience as a small business manager in order to take and pass the exam. Successful completion of this certification will validate skills and knowledge for those students interested in working in a middle-skill trade profession as their own boss and those with entrepreneurship and small business career aspirations.

 Why teach entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship education … teaches kids to think outside the box and nurtures unconventional talents and skills. Furthermore, it creates opportunity, ensures social justice, instills confidence, and stimulates the economy.
– Why Schools Should Teach Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur, April 14, 2015

Why should students study and seek certification in ESB?

Whether it is a beauty salon in a large metropolitan city, a taco shop in a booming resort location, or a car repair garage in the suburbs, an incredible number of small businesses can be found almost everywhere. In fact, in a recent report from Business.com, "every minute a new business is started in the U.S. and according to some, more than 50% of all workers will be self-employed by 2020 ." (The State of Small Business in America , 2015, Business.com, emphasis added.)

ESB certification engages and prepares students who will pursue additional postsecondary training or those who elect to enter the small business sector immediately upon high school graduation. The entrepreneurial concepts validated by this certification ensure that these students are college and career ready.

The full pathway solution to ESB certification

Through Certiport’s full pathway solution you can prepare your students for the ESB certification with tailored learning materials, practice tests, and a performance-based certification exam officially endorsed by The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). Adding these materials into your curriculum is easy and seamless.