February 14-21 Is National Entrepreneurship Week – Cerro Coso Launches Spanish-Language Entrepreneurship Certificate

February 2026

By Deanna Ing Campbell, Business Professor, Cerro Coso Community College

February 14-21 Is National Entrepreneurship Week – Cerro Coso Launches Spanish-Language Entrepreneurship Certificate

The week of February 14th through 21st is recognized as National Entrepreneurship Week, a time to highlight the incredible contribution entrepreneurs and small businesses make to our local and national economies. In celebration, Cerro Coso Community College is proud to announce the launch of our Spanish-language Entrepreneurship Certificate. This certificate program consists of four courses offered 100% in Spanish: Introduction to Business, Accounting for Entrepreneurs, Marketing, and Introduction to Computer Information Systems. The program launched this semester and is delivered online both through weekly live Zoom sessions and our online course platform, Canvas. In addition, the program relies primarily on non-cost textbooks to keep costs down for students.

Cerro Coso continues to offer our English-language Entrepreneur Certificate online. In addition, we have expanded the program into partner high schools in Tehachapi and Trona. Looking toward the future, we are planning to enhance the certificate program, adding elective options, and expanding offerings to include Small Business Management. We are hiring a full-time business professor for our Ridgecrest campus, enabling us to offer the program in person, as well.

The Entrepreneurship Certificate is an excellent program for individuals who have completed Career Technical Education certificates and degrees and want to start their own business. Business ownership and management continue to be at the very forefront of economic growth and development in the United States. According to the National Business Association, small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of the US economy accounting for nearly 50% of the private workforce (source: https://nationalbusiness.org/the-impact-of-small-businesses-on-the-united-states-economy/). Visit cerrocoso.edu/academics/programs/coa/entrepreneurship-certificate.html for more information about the Entrepreneurship Certificate.

Students in this program will learn how to create a comprehensive business plan, apply marketing concepts to small business management and development, and analyze accounting information for decision making. The Entrepreneurship Certificate can be completed in one semester but is typically completed over one year.

Priority registration for Summer and Fall 2026 semesters begins on April 8th and open registration begins on April 22nd. Students are encouraged to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply by visiting www.cerrocoso.edu/enrollment-aid/steps-to-apply-and-enroll.html. For additional assistance, contact the Counseling Office at [email protected] or call (760) 384-6219. Schedule a meeting with a counselor today!

News Staff