Course Overview

English for Business and Entrepreneurship is a five-module MOOC, requiring approximately three to five hours of work per module over the course of 12 weeks. This course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in improving their language skills and knowledge of business and entrepreneurship.

English for Business and Entrepreneurship is designed for English language learners at the high beginning, low-intermediate level (B1). 

This course will help you improve your language skills and knowledge of business and entrepreneurship at the same time.

From identifying an opportunity to planning a persuasive pitch, this course will guide you step-by-step through the basic elements of starting up a new business.  Through selected readings and video lectures, you will learn how to use market research to identify risks and opportunities. You will learn how to read and develop a business plan and how to find investors and financial support. Finally, you will learn strategies for making a pitch to present your business concept.

This course was developed by the University of Pennsylvania and adapted by FHI 360 for the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. 

• English for Business and Entrepreneurship is designed for high-beginner to low-intermediate non-native English speakers.  This course will help you improve your language skills and knowledge of business and entrepreneurship at the same time.
• This course was developed by the University of Pennsylvania and adapted by FHI 360 for the Online Professional English Network (OPEN), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. 

Course Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify and apply strategies to improve reading and listening comprehension in English,
2. Analyze the role of entrepreneurship in local economies,
3. Identify and compare business models,
4. Identify and evaluate key components of effective market research,
5. Identify and evaluate elements of an effective business plan in differing contexts,
6. Identify and practice developing strategies to attract investors and obtain funding for a start-up

How to pass this course:

There are five modules in the English for Business and Entrepreneurship MOOC:

1. Becoming an Entrepreneur
2. Identifying an Opportunity
3. Creating a Business Plan, Part 1: Product Description and Marketing
4. Creating a Business Plan, Part 2: Financials and the Executive Summary
5. Attracting Investors and Obtaining Financial Support

The Online Professional English Network

The Online Professional English Network (OPEN). offers professional development courses for English language teachers and educators, as well as other professionals around the world. The goal of the program is to increase the capacity of participants to use English effectively in their professional contexts, increase access to openly licensed learning materials, increase understanding of U.S. society, culture and values, provide opportunities for mutual exchange, and build the capacity of participants to apply what they have learned within their educational and professional communities. 

Who

The OPEN program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with funding from the U.S. government, and is administered by FHI 360.

The professional development opportunities offered through the program are designed and taught by a variety of partners, including universities, non-profit companies, private sector partners, and consultants. Together, the U.S. Department of State, FHI 360, and our partners offer online professional development opportunities to English educators and learners in over 100 countries.

Key Dates

• Enrollment Opens: October 6, 2025
• Course Starts: October 6, 2025
• Enrollment Closes: December 22, 2025
• Course End Date: December 29, 2025

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. It is known for its strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, high academic standing (ranked #7 nationally by U.S. News & World Report), and is a highly competitive institution. Penn’s “One University” policy allows undergraduates to take courses at most of its graduate and undergraduate schools. 

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania