Business plan courses can help you learn market analysis, financial forecasting, operational planning, and effective pitching techniques. You can build skills in identifying target audiences, crafting value propositions, and developing marketing strategies. Many courses introduce tools like SWOT analysis, business model canvases, and financial modeling software, which can enhance your ability to create comprehensive and persuasive business plans.

Michigan State University
Beginner · Specialization

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Growth Strategies, Business Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Plan Execution, Business Strategies, Mergers & Acquisitions, Competitive Analysis, Business Ethics, Peer Review, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Corporate Strategy, Organizational Strategy, Strategic Decision-Making, Governance, Stakeholder Management, Business Research, Analysis, Milestones (Project Management), Project Management, Innovation
★ 4.8 (4.9K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Maryland, College Park
Skills you'll gain: Customer Analysis, Value Propositions, Entrepreneurial Finance, Entrepreneurship, Business Planning, Sales Strategy, Ideation, Sales Pipelines, Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Risk Analysis, New Product Development, Business Strategies, Business Modeling, Marketing Planning, Competitive Analysis, Marketing, Market Analysis, Finance, Fundraising
★ 4.6 (2.3K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Pearson
Skills you'll gain: Value Propositions, Business Planning, Presentations, Microsoft PowerPoint, Market Opportunities, Business Writing, Persuasive Communication, Overcoming Objections, Financial Forecasting, Business Strategy, Business Strategies, Target Market
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Operations Management, Customer Analysis, Operational Efficiency, Financial Statement Analysis, Operational Excellence, Return On Investment, Accrual Accounting, Human Capital, Process Improvement and Optimization, Process Analysis, Branding, Financial Accounting, Marketing, People Management, Capital Budgeting, Finance, Peer Review, Project Design, Corporate Finance
★ 4.7 (27K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Process Modeling, Business Process, Business Analysis, Process Management, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Analysis, Computer Literacy
★ 4.5 (7.7K) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Harvard Business Review
Skills you'll gain: Business Planning, Operating Budget, Budget Management, Business Strategy, Resource Allocation, Business Strategies, Budgeting, Strategic Planning, Resource Management, Marketing Strategies, Capital Budgeting, Variance Analysis, Financial Planning, Goal Setting, Finance
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Risk Management, Cash Flow Forecasting, Business Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Portfolio Management, Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Financial Modeling, Risk Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Data Presentation, Presentations, Financial Forecasting, Spreadsheet Software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Strategic Decision-Making, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel
★ 4.5 (11K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Negotiation, Telephone Skills, Proposal Writing, Presentations, Sales Presentation, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Event Planning, Sales Presentations, Peer Review, Business Communication, Business Correspondence, Communication, Business Writing, Business Planning, Public Speaking, Professional Networking, Data Visualization, English Language
★ 4.7 (5K) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Statement Analysis, Design Thinking, Accounting, Annual Reports, Innovation, Journey Mapping, Process Design, Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, Leadership Development, Corporate Sustainability, Business Ethics, Personal Integrity, Finance, Business Leadership, Sustainable Business, HR Tech
★ 4.8 (7.8K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Excel Formulas, Microsoft Power Platform, Business Process Modeling, User Story, Business Requirements, Stakeholder Management, Data Modeling, Process Modeling, Microsoft Excel, Software Development Life Cycle, Requirements Analysis, Requirements Elicitation, Quality Management, Diagram Design, Power BI, Pivot Tables And Charts, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, Business Analysis, Data Analysis
★ 4.6 (1.6K) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Business Strategy, Organizational Change, Business Strategies, Corporate Strategy, Business Planning, Organizational Structure, Safety Culture, Strategic Leadership, Negotiation, Strategic Thinking, Drive Engagement, Organizational Leadership, Conflict Management, Organizational Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Business Ethics, Change Management, Leadership and Management, Leadership Development, Leadership
★ 4.8 (11K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Top-rated Business Plan courses offered by University of Virginia on Coursera.
Earn a certificate in Business Plan from top universities and companies.
Top-rated beginner-friendly Business Plan courses with no prerequisites.
Careers related to business planning are diverse and can be found in various sectors. Some potential job titles include Business Analyst, Project Manager, Business Development Manager, and Entrepreneur. These roles often involve creating and implementing business strategies, analyzing market trends, and ensuring that business objectives are met. Additionally, positions in consulting firms or startups may require strong business planning skills to help organizations grow and adapt.‎
Some of the best online courses for learning about business planning include Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan and Action-Driven Business Plan: From the ‚ÄòClassroom' to the World. These courses provide practical insights and frameworks that can help you create effective business plans.‎
Typical topics covered in business plan courses include market analysis, competitive analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational planning. Courses may also address how to present a business plan effectively and the importance of adapting the plan as the business evolves. Understanding these topics can provide a comprehensive foundation for creating a successful business plan.‎
For training and upskilling employees in business planning, courses like IBM Business Analyst Professional Certificate and Google Business Intelligence Professional Certificate can be particularly beneficial. These programs equip learners with essential skills in data analysis and strategic planning, which are crucial for effective business decision-making.‎