University of Missouri-Kansas City

What you'll study

This programme focuses on the core disciplines required to operate and grow small and early-stage businesses. Coursework combines theoretical foundations with applied projects and typically covers new venture creation, operational planning for small firms, entrepreneurial finance and capital raising, marketing and customer development for limited-resource firms, and legal and ethical issues for small businesses.

• New Venture Creation: opportunity recognition, business modelling, lean start-up methods and validation techniques.
• Small Business Operations: process design, supply chain considerations for smaller firms, inventory and cost control, and scaling operations.
• Entrepreneurial Finance and Accounting: financial forecasting, budgeting, cash-flow management, small-business lending and investor pitching.
• Marketing for Small Enterprises: customer segmentation, low-budget digital and local marketing, brand building and sales strategies.
• Legal, Regulatory and Risk Issues: business formation choices, contracts, intellectual property basics and compliance considerations for small firms.
• Growth Strategy and Family Business Management: strategic planning, succession planning, franchising and expansion pathways.
• Capstone / Practicum: applied project or practicum working with a real small business or start-up to solve an operational challenge or develop a growth plan.

The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, case studies, team projects and experiential placements. Options for part‑time or evening study are commonly available to suit working professionals, and students work closely with faculty who have practical entrepreneurial and small-business experience.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any discipline or equivalent qualification.
• A competitive academic record; programmes often state a minimum GPA but admissions take the whole application into account.
• Professional work experience is recommended, particularly for applicants without a business background; many successful applicants bring several years of work in small firms, startups or relevant industries.
• Application materials typically include a CV or résumé, statement of purpose outlining entrepreneurial goals, and one or more letters of recommendation.
• Standardised tests (GMAT/GRE) may be optional or recommended depending on the applicant profile; check the school’s admissions guidance for current practice.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles that require both strategic judgement and practical operational skills. Typical career paths include:

• Founder or co‑founder of a start‑up or small enterprise.
• Operations manager or director in a small or medium‑sized business.
• Business development manager, product manager or growth lead in high‑growth small firms.
• Small‑business consultant or advisor working with local clients, incubators or accelerators.
• Franchise owner, family business successor or operator within a family enterprise.
• Roles in community economic development organisations, small-business banking, or entrepreneurship programmes and support organisations.

Alumni also frequently leverage the degree to secure seed funding or to participate in regional accelerator programmes, benefiting from applied experience and local networks developed during the course.

Why study at University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri–Kansas City offers this programme within a school recognised for strong links to the local business community and a pragmatic approach to management education. Studying here provides access to experienced faculty with practitioner backgrounds, small cohort sizes that enable personalised mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities that connect students with local start‑ups and small businesses.

Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — including incubators, accelerators, investors and a vibrant small‑business community — gives students a practical environment to test ideas, secure internships and build professional networks. The programme’s emphasis on applied projects and operational skill development helps graduates move quickly into hands‑on roles that drive small‑business performance and sustainable growth.