About the Institute
Credentials for the Innovation & Gig Economy
The COABE Online Entrepreneurship Institute for Adult Educators & Service Providers is aligned with the U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination, equipping adult educators and service providers with the content knowledge, instructional strategies, curriculum, and resources they need to successfully prepare adult learners to pass the U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination.
Put GED and workforce skills to work (literally) for your adult learners!
400+ Free, Online Resources
Real-world Instructional Context for HSE Academic Subjects | Workforce Readiness Skills Preparation | National Live Zoom Breakout Groups for WIOA & Peer Collaboration
PART A: Entrepreneurial Mindset
September 2 – October 31, 2025
25 Hours | 5 Zoom Classes on Tuesday 3-5 pm ET*
Sept 4, 18, Oct 2, 9, 23
Types of Entrepreneurship | Workplace Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneurial Mindset | Entrepreneur Self-Assessment | Economic Way of Thinking | Problem Solving & Research | Entrepreneurial Pathways | Business Opportunity Recognition | Innovation & Design Thinking | Lean Canvas & Lean Startup
*Class recordings also available
PART B: Business Plan
January 19 – March 27, 2026
30 Hours | 5 Zoom Classes on Tuesday 3-5 pm ET*
Jan 22, Feb 5, 19, March 5, 19
Business Plan | Competitive Analysis | Marketing & Branding | Operations & Resources | Management & Networking | Start-up Costs & Funding Sources | Accounting & Financial Statements | Business Structures & Taxes | Risk Mitigation Elevator Pitch
*Class recordings also available
$550 for Parts A & B
$275 for Part A or Part B
55 Hours of Professional Development
Optional 3-hours of undergraduate or graduate credit for an additional $135
Questions should be directed to Dr. Cheryl Ayers | cheryl42@vt.edu
Click here for registration & payment information
Who Should Attend?
Any adult service provider who works in adult education, basic skills, HSE/GED programs, literacy, career coaching, workforce development, employment centers, social services, aging and vocational rehabilitation, benefits/work incentives, disability services, corrections, veterans affairs, American Job Centers, Goodwill Industries, United Way, immigrant services, disenfranchised youth programs (alternative education, juvenile justice, Job Corps, etc.), foster care, substance recovery programs, homelessness aide, community colleges, and other like-minded nonprofit and government organizations.
“Dr. Cheryl Ayers is a great enthusiastic instructor who shows passion for her work. Her energy motivates you to follow your dreams while engaging others to follow theirs.”
“The course opened my eyes to seeing new ways to help the adult learners in our programs; by seeing them as potential entrepreneurs, there are many other career pathways we can help them explore.”
“The content is great! The assignments, along with the book is awesome, which is a very good resource. Having a facilitator with the passion for entrepreneurship and adult education motivate students to do their best.”
“The work that went into creating, researching, and organizing this institute on the part of Dr. Ayers is astounding. I think the dual pronged approach – determining how to create entrepreneurial training for adult learners while building one’s own knowledge around starting a business or social enterprise is a great way to learn the work and be in the work at the same time. Thanks for your support to all those participants.”