Online degrees in business may lead to successful entrepreneurial careers

Online degrees in business may lead to successful entrepreneurial careers

Professionals who take online courses in business may be able to start successful businesses, as entrepreneurial activity is thriving despite economic downturn.

A recent study from Babson College and Baruch College found that entrepreneurial efforts worldwide increased from 9.6 percent in 2007 to 10.8 percent last year, despite the turbulent economy.

Researchers also discovered that very few small business owners embarked on ventures based on necessity, as 87 percent of respondents said they started their businesses because they saw an opportunity.

Women are participating in business-starting initiatives more than ever, as the research team reported the percentage of female entrepreneurs grew by 1.4 percent between 2007 and 2008.

Approximately one-third of all businesses started in 2008 were customer-oriented and service companies, which shows a shift away from a manufacturing economy.

Despite these findings, the overall availability of funding for new business ventures is down, according to the study.

Prospective small business owners may consider enrolling in online degree programs that can give them the skills they will need to start a company without forcing them to give up their current careers.