Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Educate Skills for Startups

Specialization - 3 course series

This entrepreneurship course guides founders in developing and refining their startup ideas through expert-led weekly sessions, each taught by a different industry specialist. Together, these experts bring thousands of years of combined experience across sectors, covering pitching, sales, marketing, IP, business structuring, and finance. The program empowers founders to turn ideas into actionable ventures while benefiting from real-world insights and strong industry connections.

Applied Learning Project

Learners engage in hands-on projects that challenge them to apply course skills to their real startup—like pitching, marketing, and finance. These projects are authentic startup scenarios, enabling founders to develop practical solutions and build viable business models.

Validate New Ideas for Startups

Course 1 8 hours

What you'll learn

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential

This hands-on program is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies to transform innovative ideas into impactful startups. Through interactive modules and expert guidance, participants will: • Discover Your Customers: Identify key users, clients, and stakeholders for your startup through proven customer discovery techniques. • Define Your Value Proposition: Articulate the unique value your idea brings using tools like the impact and value proposition canvas. • Test and Refine Assumptions: Develop and validate your business hypotheses through immersive learning experiences. • Build Industry Connections: Learn how to engage industry leaders and form partnerships that enhance your startup’s reach and impact. • Master the Pitch: Craft compelling pitches and confidently present your startup to investors, partners, and funding panels. • Explore Funding Opportunities: Gain insights into alternative funding options and create a robust, sustainable financial plan. • Focus on Real-World Impact: Translate ideas into actionable strategies that deliver tangible societal benefits. • Make Data-Driven Decisions: Use evidence-based approaches to evaluate and prioritize paths to scale your startup’s success.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Entrepreneurship

Category: Value Propositions

Category: Market Research

Category: Competitive Analysis

Category: Business Modeling

Category: Innovation

Category: Presentations

Category: Customer Insights

Category: Strategic Partnership

Category: Data-Driven Decision-Making

Category: New Product Development

Category: Professional Networking

Category: Fundraising and Crowdsourcing

Category: Business Development

Category: User Research

Pitching, Marketing and Sales For Startups

Course 2 12 hours

What you'll learn

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential

This hands-on program is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies to transform innovative ideas into impactful startups. Through interactive modules and expert guidance, participants will: • Discover Your Customers: Identify key users, clients, and stakeholders for your startup through proven customer discovery techniques. • Define Your Value Proposition: Articulate the unique value your idea brings using tools like the impact and value proposition canvas. • Test and Refine Assumptions: Develop and validate your business hypotheses through immersive learning experiences. • Build Industry Connections: Learn how to engage industry leaders and form partnerships that enhance your startup’s reach and impact. • Master the Pitch: Craft compelling pitches and confidently present your startup to investors, partners, and funding panels. • Explore Funding Opportunities: Gain insights into alternative funding options and create a robust, sustainable financial plan. • Focus on Real-World Impact: Translate ideas into actionable strategies that deliver tangible societal benefits. • Make Data-Driven Decisions: Use evidence-based approaches to evaluate and prioritize paths to scale your startup’s success.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Social Media Marketing

Category: Strategic Marketing

Category: Presentations

Category: Customer Insights

Category: Entrepreneurial Finance

Category: Fundraising and Crowdsourcing

Category: Goal Setting

Category: Value Propositions

Category: Brand Strategy

Category: Marketing Strategies

Category: Strategic Partnership

Category: Storytelling

Category: Sales

Category: User Research

Category: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Category: Sales Strategy

Category: Professional Networking

Category: Business Priorities

Structure, Funding and Negotiation For Startups

Course 3 16 hours

What you'll learn

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential

This hands-on program is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies to transform innovative ideas into impactful startups. Through interactive modules and expert guidance, participants will: • Discover Your Customers: Identify key users, clients, and stakeholders for your startup through proven customer discovery techniques. • Define Your Value Proposition: Articulate the unique value your idea brings using tools like the impact and value proposition canvas. • Test and Refine Assumptions: Develop and validate your business hypotheses through immersive learning experiences. • Build Industry Connections: Learn how to engage industry leaders and form partnerships that enhance your startup’s reach and impact. • Master the Pitch: Craft compelling pitches and confidently present your startup to investors, partners, and funding panels. • Explore Funding Opportunities: Gain insights into alternative funding options and create a robust, sustainable financial plan. • Focus on Real-World Impact: Translate ideas into actionable strategies that deliver tangible societal benefits. • Make Data-Driven Decisions: Use evidence-based approaches to evaluate and prioritize paths to scale your startup’s success.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Negotiation

Category: Social Impact

Category: Fundraising

Category: Financial Statements

Category: Customer Insights

Category: New Product Development

Category: Presentations

Category: Due Diligence

Category: Business Modeling

Category: Strategic Partnership

Category: Value Propositions

Category: Data-Driven Decision-Making

Category: Business Development

Category: Relationship Building

Category: Entrepreneurship

Category: Target Audience

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Savannah Brown

Macquarie University

4 Courses 120 learners

Offered by

Macquarie University

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions

Yes! To get the most out of this course, you need to have at least a rough idea. You don't need to have taken any steps to launching the idea, but do need to have a clear idea in mind.

Yes! The courses build on from one another so it will be best to complete them in order.

This course will equip you to launch your own business!

Educate Skills for Startups Specialization

Educate Skills for Startups Specialization

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Advance your subject-matter expertise