Business Entrepreneurship
Lake Area Tech’s Entrepreneurship option is built for people who want to take an idea and turn it into a working business. Over 20 months, you’ll learn how to think through opportunities, make decisions, and build something that can actually operate and grow.
Coursework covers business planning, market definition, accounting, manufacturing principles, sales, and strategic development, along with creative problem-solving and forward thinking. You won’t just study concepts. You’ll apply them through real-world projects, industry experiences, and a final internship or capstone.
This option is a strong fit for students with a business idea, as well as those coming from another program who want to build something in their field. Along the way, you’ll connect with local business leaders and entrepreneurs, with curriculum shaped by an industry advisory board to stay relevant and practical.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Articulation Agreements:
E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Business Entrepreneurship Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Business Entrepreneurship degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Business Entrepreneurship sector.
Small Business Owner
Graduates of the Entrepreneurship program can pursue careers as Small Business Owners, building and operating businesses that serve their communities and industries. In this role, you'll oversee operations, manage finances, market products or services, and make strategic decisions that drive growth and success. This career is ideal for individuals who are self-motivated, creative, and passionate about turning ideas into reality.
Where you might work:
• Self-owned businesses
• Retail operations
• Service-based businesses
• Agricultural enterprises
• Online and e-commerce businesses
Entrepreneur / Startup Founder
Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders identify opportunities, develop business concepts, and create organizations from the ground up. In this role, you'll build business plans, secure resources, develop products or services, and guide long-term growth strategies. This career path allows graduates to pursue their own vision while creating value for customers and communities.
Where you might work:
• Startup companies
• Technology ventures
• E-commerce businesses
• Service-based organizations
• Self-owned enterprises
Business Manager
As a Business Manager, you'll oversee daily operations, employees, budgets, and business performance. Graduates can expect to coordinate teams, improve processes, support customers, and help organizations achieve their goals. This role provides opportunities to apply leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills across a variety of industries.
Where you might work:
• Small businesses
• Family-owned companies
• Retail organizations
• Service providers
• Agricultural businesses
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
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Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,648 |
| State Fees | $3,240 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,604 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,232 |
| Books | $1,250 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $20,164 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Business Entrepreneurship FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What does the Lake Area Tech entrepreneurship program include?
The LATC entrepreneurship program is part of the Business associate degree and is designed for students who want to start, manage, or grow a small business. The program combines core business fundamentals such as marketing, accounting, management, and finance with entrepreneurship-focused courses that emphasize innovation, business planning, and real-world application through hands-on projects.
How long is the entrepreneurship associate degree at Lake Area Tech?
The entrepreneurship program at LATC is part of a two-year (four-semester) associate degree program. Students can complete the program on campus or choose an online eDegree option for added flexibility.
Can I start my own business with a 2-year entrepreneurship degree?
Yes! The entrepreneurship program at LATC is specifically designed for students who want to start, run, or grow their own business. Graduates leave with experience creating business plans, analyzing markets, budgeting, and pitching ideas—skills directly tied to launching a small business or side venture immediately after graduation.
Many students use the program to:
- Start a new business
- Grow an existing business
- Test business ideas before investing long-term
What classes are in the entrepreneurship track at Lake Area Tech?
Students in the entrepreneurship program complete a mix of core business courses and entrepreneurship-focused classes, which cover topics such as:
- Small Business Management
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Marketing and Promotion
- Accounting Fundamentals
- Business Planning
- Management & Leadership
- Business Law
- Sales and Customer Relations
Is Lake Area Tech’s business degree good for future small business owners?
Yes! LATC’s business degree is an excellent fit for future entrepreneurs and small business owners. The program focuses on applied learning, hands-on projects, and skills that transfer directly to real businesses—not just theory.
Students learn how businesses actually operate, making the degree especially valuable for those who want to be self-employed or work in small organizations.
Where is Lake Area Tech located and who is eligible for enrollment?
Lake Area Technical College is located in Watertown, South Dakota and operates with an open admissions policy. The entrepreneurship program is open to:
- Recent high school graduates (or equivalent)
- Adult learners
- Career changers
- Students interested in starting or growing a business
Students can enroll in on-campus programs or choose the eDegree option depending on their availability.
What career paths can graduates of the entrepreneurship program pursue?
Graduates of the entrepreneurship program can pursue a variety of career paths, including:
- Small business owner or startup founder
- Business manager or supervisor
- Marketing or sales professional
- Operations coordinator
- Family business successor
- Self-employed contractor or consultant
The skills gained are transferable across many industries.
Does Lake Area Tech offer hands-on business training for entrepreneurs?
Yes. The entrepreneurship curriculum includes real-world projects, field trips, networking opportunities, and a required internship or capstone project that provides hands-on business experience with actual companies.
Business Entrepreneurship Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
