Online courses in business can boost entrepreneurial careers

Online courses in business can boost entrepreneurial careers

Students who earn online degrees in business or marketing may be able to participate in competitions that can help them launch small businesses, such as those offered by Entrepreneur magazine and Drexel University.

The publication has named Bradley Ericson, a student at the university's LeBow College of Business, its Entrepreneur of the Year.

Ericson is the co-founder and CEO of 3SecondReceipts, which is developing a system that creates itemized digital receipts as opposed to those that are printed on thermal paper.

The student, who is working toward a degree in marketing and entrepreneurship, will receive $5,000 in start-up capital for the company, the cover story in the magazine's January 2010 issue and a follow-up article on his business that will be printed next year.

"I plan to use this opportunity to take 3SecondReceipts to the next level," Ericson said.

He also plans to enter the company in Drexel's Business Plan Competition, which awards winners with office space in the school's Baida Center's Business Incubator.

Individuals who wish to start their own business programs may consider exploring similar entrepreneurial opportunities at campus-based and online universities.