Running your own business is no small feat. It takes vision, determination, and the ability to juggle a thousand responsibilities at once. But even the most driven entrepreneurs hit a wall sometimes, whether it’s with small business management, scaling operations, managing finances, or reaching new customers.
That’s where Athens State University’s applied management degree with a concentration in small business management can make a BIG difference.
Why an Applied Management Degree?
An applied management degree isn’t just about the theory behind good management. It’s about learning skills you can use immediately in your day-to-day work. You’re studying how businesses succeed while actively applying those lessons to your own.
With the small business management concentration, the applied management program is built specifically for business owners like you. It focuses on the real-world challenges small businesses face: limited time, limited resources, and big dreams. And it equips you to overcome them.
Small Business Management Concentration + Your Business
If you’re already in the thick of running a business, going back to school may seem like a bold move. But the truth is, finishing your degree or earning a new one in applied management can help you grow more business savvy, lead better, and build a business plan that lasts.
Here’s how the small business management concentration can help you boost your business skills:
1. Make better strategic decisions.
It’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you’re caught in the day-to-day of running a business. The small business management concentration of our applied management degree helps you step back and think long-term about what you want your business to be and how to get there.
You’ll learn how to set goals that align with your mission, create strategic plans, and make decisions that move your business forward—not just keep it afloat.
Bonus: You’ll also gain skills for assessing risks, identifying opportunities, and adapting to change—tools every entrepreneur needs.
2. Strengthen your financial skills.
Managing cash flow, understanding balance sheets, and forecasting for the future can feel overwhelming, especially without a formal background in finance. Our small business management concentration breaks down the numbers in a way that’s easy to understand and immediately useful.
Through our fundamentals of accounting courses, you’ll learn how to:
- Budget more effectively
- Price your products and services wisely
- Plan for sustainable growth
Strong financial skills mean fewer surprises and more control over your business’ future.
3. Market smarter, not harder.
Small business marketing isn’t one size fits all. What works for big companies may not always work for you. In the marketing and communication courses of our small business management concentration, you’ll explore marketing strategies that are affordable, targeted, and tailored to your specific audiences and their needs.
From first touch to customer retention, you’ll learn how to connect with your customers in more meaningful ways and turn them into loyal advocates.
4. Become a stronger leader.
Leadership isn’t just about managing people. It’s about inspiring them. Whether you’re leading a team of two or twenty, the way you lead impacts your company culture, employee retention, and overall success.
Our applied management degree gives you practical tools to lead with confidence. You’ll dive into topics like organizational communication, team development, and conflict resolution, all with a focus on small business realities.
5. Improve day-to-day operations.
From inventory management to time-saving systems, streamlining your operations can free you up to focus on what really matters for your business. In this program, you’ll explore project management methods and tools that can help you run your business more efficiently.
The goal? Less chaos, more clarity, and a business that can run without burning you out.
6. Grow your confidence in small business management.
The ultimate benefit of this degree? It gives you the confidence to grow your business the way YOU envision. Instead of relying on guesswork, you’ll have the knowledge, tools, and support to make informed choices and take your business to the next level.
Whether you’re looking to expand, hire your first employee, or simply get a better handle on your operations, this degree helps you move forward with purpose.
Designed for Busy Entrepreneurs
We know you’re balancing a lot: your business, your family, and everything in between. That’s why our applied management program and small business management concentration are designed to be flexible and practical, with courses that fit into your life and content that connects directly to your business.
It’s not about starting over. It’s about building on what you’ve already created and giving you the edge to make it even better.
Ready to invest in YOU?
If you’re running a small business, you already have the drive. Now it’s time to sharpen your skills, expand your toolkit, and keep growing.
A degree in applied management with a concentration in small business management is more than a credential. It’s an investment in your business, your future, and your success.
Explore our applied management program today!
