Luna’s School of Business offers a path to entrepreneurship | Preferred Business Program

Luna Community College’s School of Business is offering students a clear path to entrepreneurship, not just employment. Its business programs are designed to help students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and other fields build on their vocational skills to start their own businesses.

“It could mean the difference between working for someone else and starting your own business,” said Academic Director Tycie Jackson.

“Even if you don’t want to be an entrepreneur, understanding the business side of your field can lead to promotions, management roles or simply a better understanding of your industry. You’ll be able to see the bigger picture and become a more valuable asset to any team.”

The School of Business offers several degree and certificate options, including an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting, AAS in Business Administration, Associate of Arts (AA) in General Business and a Certificate in Small Business Management.

All of Luna’s business programs are fully online, offering students the flexibility to work full-time jobs while completing their coursework. Luna also offers many classes in eight-week blocks, allowing students to structure their schedules to fit their needs and accelerate program completion.

Real-World Applications for Skilled Trades

The Small Business Management Certificate is a practical option for anyone who wants to acquire essential knowledge in finance, marketing, accounting and ethical decision-making. For students in CTE programs, this certificate can be a way to complement technical skills with the business knowledge needed to launch and manage their own ventures.

For example, a welding or automotive student could take business courses to learn how to price a project, create bids and manage expenses for their own shop. A cosmetology or barbering student could use the certificate to understand the legal requirements for opening a salon, develop a marketing plan to attract clients and handle their own bookkeeping.

This combination of hands-on skill and business acumen gives graduates the tools to succeed on their own terms.

Luna’s Commitment to Quality

The quality of the business programs is a direct result of the dedicated and experienced faculty. Jackson said all of Luna’s business instructors have a blend of academic expertise and significant real-world experience, with many having worked in the business world before becoming educators. Their professional insights ensure that the curriculum is practical and relevant, directly preparing students for the challenges and opportunities they will face.

Further, the School of Business is nationally accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP), which follows the Baldrige model.

This accreditation covers areas such as leadership, strategic planning, academic quality, faculty credentials, student learning outcomes and educational support. This means courses are structured to prepare graduates with skills that transfer to the workplace or to further study at four-year institutions.

Next Steps and Enrollment

Begin your journey with a second eight-week class starting October 13. Curious about how business training could support your goals? Jackson encourages all those interested in learning more to reach out to her directly for guidance on program offerings, enrollment and financial aid.

Additionally, students and community members can access ongoing support through the Luna Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides one-on-one business counseling and training under the leadership of Director Briana Montano-Baca.

Reach Tycie Jackson at 505-454-5381 or [email protected], or learn more at luna.edu/departments/school_of_business.

Luna Community College is part of the Las Vegas Optic Preferred Business Program.