Crafting a business plan is essential for entrepreneurs aiming to secure funding or grow their ventures. Online courses offer accessible ways to learn these skills. Here are five standout programs:

1. How to Write a Business Plan Specialization (Coursera - Michigan State University)
   • Focus: Modern business modeling and financial forecasting.
   • Duration: ~10 hours/week for 3 weeks.
   • Cost: $199/year (Coursera Plus).
   • Best for: Beginners and startups.
2. Foundations of Business Strategy Specialization (Coursera - University of Virginia)
   • Focus: Strategic thinking and competitive analysis.
   • Duration: Self-paced, ~10 hours/week.
   • Cost: $199/year (Coursera Plus).
   • Best for: Aspiring leaders and strategists.
3. Entrepreneurship: Launching an Innovative Business Specialization (Coursera - University of Maryland)
   • Focus: Launching and growing startups.
   • Duration: 1–3 weeks per course, ~10 hours/week.
   • Cost: $199/year (Coursera Plus).
   • Best for: Future startup founders.
4. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (Online Course)
   • Focus: Growth strategies for established businesses.
   • Duration: 12 weeks (~100 hours).
   • Cost: Free.
   • Best for: Small business owners ready to scale.
5. Starting a Business (MOBI - My Own Business Institute, Santa Clara University)
   • Focus: Basics of entrepreneurship.
   • Duration: ~20 hours, self-paced.
   • Cost: Free.
   • Best for: Beginners looking for a free introduction.

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Quick Comparison

Course	Provider	Duration	Cost	Target Audience	Key Features
How to Write a Business Plan Specialization	Coursera (Michigan State)	~10 hours/week, 3 weeks	$199/year	Beginners, startups	Business model focus, investor-ready plans
Foundations of Business Strategy	Coursera (Virginia)	~10 hours/week, flexible	$199/year	Leaders, strategists	Competitive analysis, strategy tools
Entrepreneurship Specialization	Coursera (Maryland)	~10 hours/week, flexible	$199/year	Startup founders	Innovation and product development
10,000 Small Businesses	Goldman Sachs Foundation	~100 hours, 12 weeks	Free	Established business owners	Growth strategies, peer networking
Starting a Business	MOBI (Santa Clara University)	~20 hours, self-paced	Free	Beginners	Templates, financial tools, free access

Each course caters to different needs, from startups to scaling businesses. Choose one based on your goals and experience level to create a solid business plan.

Business Plan Writing 101: Wharton Entrepreneurship Series

1. How to Write a Business Plan Specialization (Coursera - Michigan State University)

This 3-week course from Michigan State University takes a fresh approach to business planning, moving away from the old-school 40-page document in favor of a validated business model. Designed for startups and beginners, it has drawn over 22,325 learners and boasts an 86% approval rating. The curriculum is divided into 6 modules, covering key areas like business modeling, value propositions, customer analysis, financial forecasting, and business strategy. The course is self-paced and requires about 10 hours per week, making it manageable even for those with busy schedules.

Learners have rated the instructors 4.4/5, and the course itself holds an impressive 4.5/5 rating from 182 reviews, with 75.82% of participants giving it 5 stars. This speaks volumes about its practical and actionable content. By blending structured frameworks with adaptive planning, the course aligns well with modern business needs, much like scale.jobs' philosophy of combining human insight with AI tools.

The course is available through Coursera Plus for $199/year (regularly $399) and includes a 7-day free trial. Financial aid is also an option, and participants receive a shareable certificate upon completion. The program focuses on "principled planning" and "adaptive planning", teaching you how to tackle market challenges by identifying customer needs, gains, and pain points. You'll validate these insights with real-world data before moving forward. Additionally, you'll learn to create pro-forma financial statements directly tied to your business model, equipping you with investor-ready financials - no finance degree required. This tech-forward approach ensures you're prepared to navigate today’s fast-changing business environment with confidence.

2. Foundations of Business Strategy Specialization (Coursera - University of Virginia)

The University of Virginia's Foundations of Business Strategy Specialization offers a practical approach to sharpening your strategic thinking. This program leverages tools like the Business Model Canvas to help you identify competitive advantages, refine market analysis, and enhance financial modeling. Courses such as "Innovating with the Business Model Canvas" and "Business Strategy in Practice (Project-centered Course)" illustrate how companies with strong business models can consistently outpace their competitors. The emphasis on innovative business modeling aligns closely with scale.jobs' unique blend of human expertise and AI-driven tools.

The specialization is self-paced, making it flexible for busy professionals. Each module includes focused lessons and assessments designed to build critical skills. You'll dive into market analysis, learning how to assess customer needs and predict trends, as well as financial modeling, where you'll explore cash flow management and capital planning. These skills can immediately elevate your business planning and decision-making.

For entrepreneurs and business strategists, this program provides a solid framework for making informed decisions. Whether you're launching a new venture, pivoting an existing business, or stepping into a strategic role, the insights gained - especially in business model innovation and competitive positioning - are highly relevant in today’s fast-changing markets. Unlike traditional online platforms, scale.jobs stands out by combining human support with ATS-optimized documents, straightforward pricing, dedicated WhatsApp assistance, and clear proof-of-work, offering a more personalized and effective experience.

3. Entrepreneurship: Launching an Innovative Business Specialization (Coursera - University of Maryland)

The University of Maryland's Entrepreneurship Specialization on Coursera lays out a step-by-step guide for starting and growing new ventures. Perfect for beginners, this program is ideal for those looking to launch a business or secure funding from investors or lenders. The specialization includes several courses and a capstone project, with each course typically running 1–3 weeks and requiring about 10 hours of weekly commitment. It builds on strategic frameworks introduced earlier in the program, focusing on the practical steps needed to bring a startup to life.

You'll learn essential skills like financial planning and market analysis, including how to forecast sales, conduct break-even analysis, determine capital requirements, and pinpoint target demographics based on factors like age, income, and location. These tools are designed to help you create business plans that are ready to present to investors.

On Coursera, you can audit the course for free. If you want graded assignments and a shareable certificate, you can subscribe to Coursera Plus for $199 (regular price $399). Financial aid and a free trial are also available.

Beyond technical skills, the specialization focuses on innovation, business planning, and strategy - key areas that align with other top-tier programs. It breaks down complex ideas into manageable steps, empowering you to build confidence as you create your business plan from scratch. This hands-on approach ensures you're prepared to tackle real-world challenges, blending strategic thinking with practical execution.

4. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (Online Course)

This program is designed for businesses that have already established a solid foundation and are ready to take the next step. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses course focuses on helping mature businesses grow. To qualify, businesses need to meet a few basic criteria: they must have been operating for at least two years, have at least two employees, and meet certain revenue requirements.

Spanning 12 weeks and requiring around 100 hours, the program combines online modules with in-person sessions to deliver a comprehensive learning experience. The curriculum dives into areas like competitive analysis, strategic growth planning, and financial forecasting - key elements for scaling a business effectively.

Participants also gain access to valuable resources like peer networking opportunities and guidance from experienced mentors, making it a well-rounded program for ambitious entrepreneurs.

5. Starting a Business (MOBI - My Own Business Institute, Santa Clara University)

If you're just stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, MOBI's free Starting a Business course offers a great starting point. Hosted by Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, this self-paced program takes about 20 hours to complete and costs absolutely nothing.

"MOBI's content and curriculum are free, for everyone, forever, thanks to the generosity of our founders Phil & Peggy Holland."

This course is tailored for beginners, requiring no prior experience. The 2025–2026 curriculum dives into crucial topics like business planning, financial strategies, market research, hiring and firing, employee motivation, storytelling, and even franchise acquisition. Plus, it includes practical resources like business plan templates, checklists, and financial planning tools.

One standout feature is the MOBI On Demand option, which provides audio and video versions of all sessions in English, with Spanish subtitles available. Upon finishing the course, you'll earn a Certificate of Completion and a Digital Badge from Santa Clara University. Not ready to commit to the full course? You can explore 41 individual topics without needing to register.

This program is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a thorough introduction to starting a business. It's a no-cost, beginner-friendly option that pairs well with other modern business planning tools for today’s go-getters.

Course Comparison Table

Here's a side-by-side look at some popular courses to help you decide:

Course	Provider	Duration	Price	Target Audience	Key Features
How to Write a Business Plan Specialization	Coursera (Michigan State University)	~10 hours/week, flexible	$199/year (Coursera Plus)	Beginners in entrepreneurship	Business Model Canvas template, peer reviews and case studies, certificate included
Foundations of Business Strategy Specialization	Coursera (University of Virginia)	~10 hours/week, flexible	$199/year (Coursera Plus)	Beginners interested in strategic leadership	Competitive analysis frameworks, growth strategy tools, peer-graded assignments, certificate included
Entrepreneurship: Launching an Innovative Business Specialization	Coursera (University of Maryland)	~10 hours/week, flexible	$199/year (Coursera Plus)	Aspiring startup founders	Product development focus, innovation strategies, peer networking, certificate included
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses	Goldman Sachs Foundation (online)	Self-paced	Free	Established small business owners	Networking with fellow entrepreneurs, business growth strategies, no formal certificate
Starting a Business	MOBI (Santa Clara University)	~20 hours total, self-paced	Free	Complete beginners	Business plan templates, financial planning tools, audio/video content, Spanish subtitles, Certificate of Completion + Digital Badge

This table breaks down the differences between these courses. The Coursera programs share a similar pricing structure and flexible schedules but cater to different needs: Michigan State University focuses on crafting business plans, the University of Virginia emphasizes strategic leadership, and the University of Maryland dives into innovation and product development. On the other hand, the Goldman Sachs and MOBI courses are completely free. MOBI is a great pick for absolute beginners, while the Goldman Sachs program is tailored for small business owners looking to scale.

Once you've selected the course that aligns with your goals, consider pairing it with career support to maximize your outcomes. Scale.jobs offers a unique service for professionals, graduates, and anyone navigating career transitions. Their human-powered job search assistance includes ATS-optimized resumes, tailored cover letters, and application submissions - all for a flat fee, with no subscriptions.

What makes Scale.jobs stand out compared to competitors like LazyApply or Simplify?

• Personalized support: Real people (not just automation) handle your job search.
• ATS-friendly documents: Resumes and cover letters designed to perform well with applicant tracking systems.
• One-time payment: No recurring fees - just a flat rate for the service.
• Time efficiency: Save over 20 hours a week to focus on your goals.
• Transparency: Real-time WhatsApp updates and proof-of-work screenshots keep you in the loop.

Choosing the right course is just the first step. Combine it with Scale.jobs' career support to fast-track your progress and bring your business plans to life.

Conclusion

Selecting the right course depends on where you are now and where you want to go. If you're just starting out and lack entrepreneurial experience, the Michigan State University course is a great choice. It offers a strong foundation, and 86% of its 22,325+ enrolled students have given it positive feedback. Plus, it swaps out the daunting 40-page business plan for a more practical, business model–focused approach. If you're eyeing a leadership role, the University of Virginia program delivers solid tools for competitive analysis. Meanwhile, future startup founders may find the University of Maryland's curriculum, with its focus on innovation, especially useful. And for those watching their budget, both the Goldman Sachs and MOBI courses are free, while Coursera Plus provides access to all three university specializations for $199/year.

Having a well-thought-out business plan isn't just a formality - it can make a real difference. Entrepreneurs with business plans are twice as likely to secure funding and tend to grow 30% faster than those without one. Whether you're refining a new idea, seeking investors, or creating a roadmap for your team, the right course can give you the tools and confidence to move forward.

Once your plan is ready, the next challenge is bringing your vision to life. That’s where Scale.jobs steps in. Unlike automated tools like LazyApply or Simplify, Scale.jobs combines cutting-edge software with real human support. Here's what sets Scale.jobs apart:

• A mix of automation and personalized help from trained virtual assistants and reverse recruiters
• ATS-optimized resumes and custom applications to boost your appeal to employers
• Dedicated WhatsApp support and complete transparency about the work being done, saving you over 20 hours a week
• A one-time flat fee - no recurring subscriptions

Take the time to build your knowledge with the right course, and combine it with career support like Scale.jobs to turn your business idea into a reality.

FAQs

What are the main differences between Coursera's business plan courses?

Coursera features a range of business plan courses tailored to different focus areas, durations, and skill levels. For instance, Michigan State University offers a course that dives deep into topics like financial forecasting and innovation, making it a great fit for learners of varying experience levels. If you're looking for a more hands-on, advanced approach, the Action-Driven Business Plan course focuses on practical, project-based learning as part of a specialization. For those just starting out, SUNY provides a beginner-friendly course designed to quickly guide learners through launching an online business.

When it comes to time commitment, Michigan State’s course runs for 1–3 months, offering a more in-depth experience. The Action-Driven course, in contrast, is an intensive 1-week program aimed at those who want to dive in and get results fast. SUNY’s course strikes a balance with a 2-week self-paced format, perfect for learners with tighter schedules. With these options, you can pick a course that aligns with your expertise, availability, and goals.

How do free business plan courses like MOBI and Goldman Sachs compare to paid options in terms of content and value?

Free courses like MOBI and Goldman Sachs’s programs aren't detailed in the available information, so it's tough to directly compare them with paid business plan courses. That said, there are some excellent free or low-cost options out there, like SCORE’s Startup Roadmap and Coursera’s Launch Your Online Business, which are great starting points for beginners looking to build a foundation.

While free courses can give you a solid starting point, paid programs often go deeper. They typically include expert-led lessons, access to additional resources, and sometimes even one-on-one support or professional feedback. Choosing between free and paid options really comes down to your goals - whether you need basic knowledge or more comprehensive, hands-on guidance.

What’s the best online business plan course for beginners with no prior experience?

If you're just stepping into the world of business planning, “Launch Your Online Business” on Coursera could be a great starting point. Tailored for beginners, this course doesn’t assume any prior knowledge and walks you through the essentials. It’s designed to be self-paced, covering two weeks of material with an estimated commitment of about 10 hours per week. With a stellar 4.7★ rating from over 870 reviews, it’s clear that learners appreciate the value it offers. Plus, its flexible schedule makes it easy to fit into your routine, even if you're starting from scratch.

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