Many people in India today want to start their own business or work on a side hustle. Students, working professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs are looking for online courses to learn about business, marketing, and how to grow a startup.
That’s why we have come up with the list of top online business and Entrepreneurship Courses. These courses help you understand how to start, manage, and expand a business, all from the comfort of your home. Plus, they are more affordable and flexible than traditional degrees.
Benefits of Pursuing Online Business and Entrepreneurship Courses
- Learn at Your Own Pace: One of the biggest advantages of online courses is flexibility. You can study anytime, anywhere, without disturbing your college, job, or other commitments.
- Affordable and Cost-Effective: Traditional business courses, like an MBA, can be expensive. Online courses are much more budget-friendly, and some are even free.
- Gain Practical Business Skills: Most online entrepreneurship courses focus on real-world skills such as business planning, marketing, financial management, and sales. You learn how to start, run, and scale a business with hands-on examples.
- Learn from Industry Experts: Many courses are designed by successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and top universities. This means you get knowledge and insights from people who have real experience in the business world.
- Build a Strong Business Network: Online courses often have discussion forums, live sessions, and student communities where you can connect with like-minded people, mentors, and potential business partners. Networking is crucial for business success.
Top 10 Online Business & Entrepreneurship Courses
1. MITx: Becoming an Entrepreneur- edX
This course from MIT is great for anyone who wants to start their own business. It teaches you how to find business ideas, understand customers, and build a strong business plan. You will also learn from real-life examples and activities that help you think like an entrepreneur. It is a perfect course for students, working professionals, and beginners who want to learn the basics of entrepreneurship.
- Course Link: Becoming an Entrepreneur
- Designed By: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Course Duration: 6 weeks (2–3 hours per week)
- Course Fees: Free (Certificate available for INR 6,014)
2. Entrepreneurship: Finding and Testing Your Business Idea- in Learning
Starting a business is exciting, but before you invest time and money, you need to check if your idea will work. In this course, Dave Crenshaw teaches you how to find the right business idea, test if it solves a real problem, and see if people will pay for it. You will also learn how to create a simple test plan to check if your idea can succeed.
- Course Link: Entrepreneurship: Finding and Testing Your Business Idea
- Designed By: Dave Crenshaw (Business Coach & Author)
- Course Duration: 41 mins
- Course Fees: Free with LinkedIn Premium
3. HarvardX: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies- edX
This course from Harvard University teaches how businesses can grow in developing countries like India. Taught by Professor Tarun Khanna, it explains how to find business opportunities, solve market problems, and create new ideas in places where resources are limited. You will learn from real-life case studies about how companies succeed in such economies. This course is great for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to start businesses that make both money and a positive impact on society.
- Course Link: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies – edX
- Designed By: Harvard University (Taught by Professor Tarun Khanna)
- Course Duration: 6 weeks (3-5 hours per week)
- Course Fees: Free (Certificate available for INR 21,705)
4. The Complete Business Plan Course (Includes 50 Templates)- udemy
This course, taught by Chris Haroun, helps you learn how to make a business plan step by step. It includes 50+ ready-to-use templates to make the process simple. You will learn how to set goals, study competitors, plan finances, and attract investors. The course also covers business strategy, marketing, and fundraising. It is great for students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to start or grow a business with a clear plan.
- Course Link: The Complete Business Plan Course
- Designed By: Chris Haroun (Award-winning business professor)
- Course Duration:5 hours (Self-paced)
- Course Fees: INR 3,499 (Discounts available)
5. Business Strategy- Harvard University
This course from Harvard University teaches how to develop strong business strategies and gain a competitive advantage. You will learn about market positioning, business growth, and decision-making using real-world case studies. The course introduces the “Value Stick” framework, which helps businesses create value for customers, employees, and suppliers. It is ideal for entrepreneurs, managers, consultants, and investors who want to improve their strategic thinking skills and make smarter business decisions.
- Course Link: Business Strategy
- Designed By: Harvard Business School Online
- Course Duration: 6 weeks (5-6 hours per week)
- Course Fees: Around INR 1,60,000
6. Entrepreneurship Essentials- Harvard University
This course from Harvard Business School Online teaches the basics of starting and running a business. You will learn how to find business opportunities, create a business plan, and attract investors. The course also explains how to manage risks and make good financial decisions. Real-life examples help you understand how successful businesses grow. It is great for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to start a business with confidence.
- Course Link: Entrepreneurship Essentials
- Designed By: Harvard Business School Online
- Course Duration: 4 weeks (6-8 hours per week)
- Course Fees: Around INR 1,60,000
7. Entrepreneurship 2: Launching your Start-Up – Coursera
If you have a business idea and want to turn it into a real start-up, this course from the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) can help. It teaches important topics like how to get customers, make money, and raise funds for your business. The lessons are easy to follow and give practical tips to help you build a strong start-up. This course is a great choice for Indian students and beginners who want to learn step-by-step how to launch and grow a business.
- Course Link: Entrepreneurship 2: Launching Your Start-Up
- Designed By: Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- Course Duration: About 8 Hours
- Course Fees: Free (paid certificate available)
8. Business and Impact Planning for Social Enterprises- Open Learning Library
This course from MIT is a great choice. It teaches how to develop a strong business plan while focusing on solving social problems. You will learn how to measure your impact, attract funding, and build a sustainable social enterprise. The course is designed for students, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in making a difference through business. Plus, it’s completely free, making it an excellent learning opportunity.
- Course Link: Business and Impact Planning for Social Enterprises
- Designed By: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Course Duration: Self-paced
- Course Fees: Free
9. Entrepreneurship Foundations – in Learning
“Entrepreneurship Foundations” on LinkedIn Learning teaches the basics of starting and running a business. You will learn how to find the right business idea, understand your customers, manage risks, and set up your business step by step. The course is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for students and beginners who want to learn the basics of entrepreneurship.
- Course Link: Entrepreneurship Foundations
- Designed By: LinkedIn Learning
- Course Duration: About 1 hour
- Course Fees: Free with LinkedIn Learning subscription (free trial available)
10. Learn how to start a company, with help from the world's top startup accelerator - Y Combinator.
This free course from Y Combinator is a great way to learn. Y Combinator is one of the world’s best startup programs, helping companies like Airbnb and Dropbox become successful. This course teaches you how to develop your business idea, find customers, and grow your startup. You will also get advice from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. It is perfect for students and beginners who want to learn the basics of starting a company.
- Course Link: Startup School – Y Combinator
- Designed By: Y Combinator
- Course Duration: Learn at your own pace
- Course Fees: Free
Best Online Platforms for Business & Entrepreneurship Courses
- Coursera
- Courses from IIMs, Stanford, and top global universities.
- Certificates from recognized institutions.
- edX
- Courses from Harvard, MIT, and other Ivy League universities.
- Free courses with an option to pay for certification.
- Udemy
- Affordable courses with lifetime access.
- Practical business and entrepreneurship lessons.
- LinkedIn Learning
- Short, career-focused courses in business and leadership.
- Certificates that enhance LinkedIn profiles and resumes.
- Harvard Business School Online
- Premium courses in business strategy, finance, and entrepreneurship.
- Designed for professionals and business leaders.
- Open Learning Library
- Free self-paced courses from institutions like MIT and Open University.
- Focus on social enterprises and impact-driven businesses.
- Startup India Learning Program
- Free government-backed courses for Indian entrepreneurs.
- Covers business planning, funding, and startup growth.
Tips to Choose the Best Online Business & Entrepreneurship Courses
- Define your goal – Decide whether you want to start a business, gain specific skills like marketing or finance, or get a certification to boost your resume.
- Check the course syllabus – Ensure the course covers essential topics such as business planning, funding, strategy, and growth. Practical case studies and real-world examples are a plus.
- Look at the instructor’s background – A course taught by a successful entrepreneur or an expert from a top university holds more value than one without industry experience.
- Consider the course duration – Short courses (a few hours) work well for learning specific skills, while longer courses (4–6 weeks) offer a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship.
- Read reviews and ratings – Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning have student reviews that can help you choose a high-quality course.
- Choose a recognized certification – If you’re looking to enhance your job prospects, pick courses from Harvard, IIMs, or Stanford, as their certificates are widely recognized.
- Compare free vs. paid courses – Free courses are great for beginners, but paid courses often provide certificates, lifetime access, and valuable resources like business templates.
- Look for additional resources – Some courses offer downloadable business plans, financial templates, and startup toolkits, which can be very useful when starting your business.
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Last Words
Online business and entrepreneurship courses are a great way to learn how to start and grow a business. Whether you are a student, a working professional, or someone with a business idea, these courses help you gain the right skills without spending a lot of money on traditional education.
There are many options available, so choosing the right course depends on your goals, budget, and how you like to learn. Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer excellent courses, and by following the right tips, you can find the best one for you.
FAQs
Q1. Are online business and entrepreneurship courses worth it?
Ans:Yes, they help you learn important business skills at a lower cost than traditional courses. Plus, you can study at your own pace.
Q2. Can I start a business just by taking an online course?
Ans:No, but a course gives you the knowledge and guidance to start. Success depends on how well you apply what you learn and gain real experience.
Q3. Which platform is best for learning business and entrepreneurship?
Ans:Coursera and edX offer university-certified courses. Udemy has affordable courses with lifetime access. LinkedIn Learning is great for short, skill-based courses.
Q4. Are there any free business courses available online?
Ans:Yes, platforms like edX, Coursera, and Startup India Learning Program offer free courses. However, some may charge for certificates.
Q5. Do online business courses provide certificates?
Ans:Most do, but free courses may not include certificates. If you need a recognized certificate, choose courses from Harvard, IIMs, or Stanford on Coursera or edX.