Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Economic Empowerment Project
and Virginia Tech Center for Economic Education Founder and Director
Dr. Cheryl Ayers
U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination
Credentials for the Innovation & Gig Economy
National Online Entrepreneurship Institutes are offered annually for middle/high school teachers and adult educators, equipping them with the content knowledge and resources needed to fully prepare students to pass the Examination. 3-Hours of university undergraduate or graduate credit optional.
The customized, standardized U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination
-
Is aligned with industry standards, serving as a baseline assessment of foundational entrepreneurship knowledge, skills, and mindsets required for high school students and adult learners to successfully start a business (certificate and digital badge included)
-
Questions were reviewed by subject matter experts, including industry leaders at America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE
-
Is aligned and cross-walked with the National Content Standards for Entrepreneurship Education, Career & Technical Education (CTE) entrepreneurship competencies, and entrepreneurship certificate tests administered by My Own Business Institute (MOBI) in Silicon Valley, California
-
Resources include a Vocabulary List, Reading Guide with access to a free e-textbook, detailed Study Guide (28 pages) that also serves as a curriculum framework, and two Practice Exams (118 questions each) — one written on a High School, HSE/GED, and IET literacy level and one written on an ABE/ESL literacy level.
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 7 – October 6, 2026
5 Zoom Classes on Thursday, 3-5 ET*
Sept 10 & 24 | Oct 8 & 22 | Nov 5
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
Jan 18 – Mar 19, 2027
5 Zoom Classes on Thursday 3-5 ET*
Jan 21 | Feb 4 & 18 | Mar 4 & 18
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.”