CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Advantage Valley’s FASTER WV has partnered with Marshall University to launch a new entrepreneurship microcredential series designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners develop the skills needed to start, grow and sustain successful businesses.
The series is offered through the Marshall Skills Exchange, the university’s hub for short, skill-focused learning opportunities that allow participants to gain practical knowledge quickly and apply it directly in the workplace or marketplace.
Designed by Bryan Shaw, Director of Entrepreneurial Development for Advantage Valley, the series includes courses focused on essential startup and business development topics including accounting, finance, legal registrations, market research, social media and marketing. Each course provides practical, hands-on learning designed to help participants transform ideas into business opportunities.
Grant funding from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation supports Advantage Valley’s FASTER WV partnership with Marshall University on this course series.
“Through this partnership with FASTER WV, Marshall is expanding access to the tools, knowledge and support entrepreneurs need to turn ideas into businesses,” said Julia Spears, Assistant Provost of Online Education and Certification.
The microcredential series is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and professionals who want to develop entrepreneurial skills or explore launching a new venture. Courses are flexible and accessible, allowing learners to build specific competencies in weeks rather than years.
“Whether someone is exploring a side-hustle, launching a new venture, or strengthening an existing business, these courses provide immediate value in areas like finance, marketing, and business planning,” said Shaw.
Courses in this series can be taken individually to improve specific skills or stacked together for a full entrepreneurial launching pad.
Courses are offered free for current Advantage Valley clients – contact your FASTER WV coach to request free course coupons. Non-clients can enroll in the courses for $49.99 each.
The courses allow individuals to upskill quickly while balancing work, family and other commitments. Participants who complete the entrepreneurship microcredential courses will earn digital credentials that can be shared with employers, investors and professional networks.
Individuals interested in learning more about the FASTER WV entrepreneurship microcredential series or registering for courses can visit www.marshall.edu/microcredentials/faster-wv.
The FASTER WV online course series includes:
• Identifying & Validating Your Business Idea
• Market Research and Understanding Your Customer
• Legal Business Structures and Registrations
• Mastering the Business Model Canvas
• Understanding Small Business Finances
• Business Bookkeeping and Basic Accounting
• Building Your Brand and Marketing Strategy
• Social Media and Digital Marketing for Beginners
• Pricing Strategies and Sales Tactics
• Building a Business Plan
• Accessing Capital: Grants, Loans, and Crowdfunding
• Launching and Growing Your Business
