Successful entrepreneurship takes more than an innovative idea—it also requires the right mindset and skillset. Whether you’re developing new business, launching new ventures, or building an entrepreneurial culture within a larger organization, this program prepares you to develop new strategies for transforming disruptive innovation into competitive advantage and a profitable business.

Summary: Successful entrepreneurship takes more than an innovative idea—it also requires the right mindset and skillset. Whether you’re developing new business, launching new ventures, or building an entrepreneurial culture within a larger organization, this program prepares you to develop new strategies for transforming disruptive innovation into competitive advantage and a profitable business.

Key Benefits

Bringing you together with other entrepreneurial executives, this program examines the unique challenges that confront early-stage ventures. You will gain the analytical, financial, and managerial skills needed to make sound investment decisions, manage rapid change, and ensure the success of your new enterprise throughout its lifecycle. After completing this entrepreneurship program, you are eligible to attend an annual companion program, Leading Growing Ventures, designed to help you maintain entrepreneurial momentum.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Conceive, launch, and grow a successful new venture Conceive, launch, and grow a successful new venture

Analyze, prioritize, and determine the feasibility of new product and business ideas
Pitch your business to potential investors and other stakeholders
Evolve your leadership approach to manage ongoing innovation, radical change, and growth
Address competitive challenges

Make sound investment and resource allocation decisions Make sound investment and resource allocation decisions

Determine the risks of starting a new venture
Assess the required resources and support
Recruit and develop the talent needed to support an entrepreneurial mindset and effort
Balance vision and pragmatism as you pursue growth

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Conceive, launch, and grow a successful new venture

Analyze, prioritize, and determine the feasibility of new product and business ideas
Pitch your business to potential investors and other stakeholders
Evolve your leadership approach to manage ongoing innovation, radical change, and growth
Address competitive challenges

Make sound investment and resource allocation decisions

Determine the risks of starting a new venture
Assess the required resources and support
Recruit and develop the talent needed to support an entrepreneurial mindset and effort
Balance vision and pragmatism as you pursue growth

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

Entrepreneurs launching their own startup
Executives responsible for jump-starting innovation in established firms

Participating Companies Have Included:

Accenture

Benefit Seven

Beneteau Inc.

BrainHeart Capital AB

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Eli Lilly

Revlon

SanDisk

United States Agency for International Development

Vivint

Dive Deeper into the Experience

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs launching their own startup

Executives responsible for jump-starting innovation in established firms

Participating Companies Have Included:

Accenture

Benefit Seven

Beneteau Inc.

BrainHeart Capital AB

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Eli Lilly

Revlon

SanDisk

United States Agency for International Development

Vivint

Dive Deeper into the Experience

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Learn More

Learn More

Experience the Case Method in the Classroom

Watch participants debate the issues and present their viewpoints.

Learn More

Learn More

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Learn More

Learn More

Complementary Program

Advance your learning through Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital, offered the week following Launching New Ventures, which delves into entrepreneurial finance and offers advice for navigating the world of private equity and venture capital. Together, these programs provide you with essential skillsets for exploring investment opportunities and leading a successful enterprise.

Complementary Program: Advance your learning through Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital, offered the week following Launching New Ventures, which delves into entrepreneurial finance and offers advice for navigating the world of private equity and venture capital. Together, these programs provide you with essential skillsets for exploring investment opportunities and leading a successful enterprise.

Learning and Living at HBS

When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Learning and Living at HBS: When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

What You Will Learn

Launching New Ventures goes to the heart of the entrepreneurial process—exploiting disruptive opportunities to create successful new businesses. Immersed in an intensive learning experience that includes faculty presentations, case studies, and group discussions, you will refine your thinking and broaden your skills as you examine strategies employed by successful entrepreneurs at every stage of the launch process.

In the program's first three-day segment, you will examine the central pillars of new venture formation, business execution, and entrepreneurial challenges.

What You Will Learn

In the program's first three-day segment, you will examine the central pillars of new venture formation, business execution, and entrepreneurial challenges.

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Your opportunity and pitch Your opportunity and pitch

Identifying and analyzing entrepreneurial opportunities
Turning a viable opportunity into a focused strategy and well-defined business initiative
Developing and refining an effective business plan
Creating pitches to sell the idea to investors, customers, partners, and key employees

Your team and capabilities Your team and capabilities

Attracting the talent and resources required to turn a vision into reality
Recognizing and managing risk, while creating and measuring value
Building the organization and capabilities needed to launch and nurture early-stage ventures
Deciding whether to build capabilities in-house or obtain them through partnerships, joint ventures, or acquisitions

Your growth Your growth

Evolving the strategy, organization, and leadership approach as the business grows
Creating balance in a business with both product- and service-based revenue streams
Exploring alternatives for expanding the operations of a successful business

Key Topics

Your opportunity and pitch

Identifying and analyzing entrepreneurial opportunities
Turning a viable opportunity into a focused strategy and well-defined business initiative
Developing and refining an effective business plan
Creating pitches to sell the idea to investors, customers, partners, and key employees

Your team and capabilities

Attracting the talent and resources required to turn a vision into reality
Recognizing and managing risk, while creating and measuring value
Building the organization and capabilities needed to launch and nurture early-stage ventures
Deciding whether to build capabilities in-house or obtain them through partnerships, joint ventures, or acquisitions

Your growth

Evolving the strategy, organization, and leadership approach as the business grows
Creating balance in a business with both product- and service-based revenue streams
Exploring alternatives for expanding the operations of a successful business

During the last three days, you will join past participants of prior Launching New Ventures cohorts to explore the latest thought leadership on how to grow and scale an early-stage venture and drive long-term business success. Each year, the HBS faculty will refresh the advanced curriculum with new case studies. After attending this six-day program, you will become eligible in future years to attend Leading Growing Ventures for continued learning and networking.

Individual Project

During this entepreneurship program, you will have the opportunity to work on strategies for your new venture and receive insights and feedback from faculty and your entrepreneurial peers.

Individual Project: During this entepreneurship program, you will have the opportunity to work on strategies for your new venture and receive insights and feedback from faculty and your entrepreneurial peers.

Faculty

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

William R. Kerr

MBA Class of 1955 Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit; faculty chair of "Launching New Ventures: Jump-Starting Innovation for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners" and "Leading Growing Ventures," and faculty cochair of "Managing the Future of Work."

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Faculty

Lynda M. Applegate

Baker Foundation Professor. Sarofim-Rock Professor of Business Administration, Emerita

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Thomas R. Eisenmann

Howard H. Stevenson Professor of Business Administration. Chair, MBA Elective Curriculum; cochair of the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship; and member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

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Shikhar Ghosh

Professor of Management Practice and Mel Turkman Faculty Fellow. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

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Scott D. Kominers

Associate Professor of Business Administration in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

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Mark N. Roberge

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

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James M. Sharpe

Entrepreneur in Residence. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Christopher T. Stanton

Assistant Professor of Business Administration in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Faculty: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

William R. Kerr

MBA Class of 1955 Professor of Business Administration. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit; faculty chair of "Launching New Ventures: Jump-Starting Innovation for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners" and "Leading Growing Ventures," and faculty cochair of "Managing the Future of Work."

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Lynda M. Applegate

Baker Foundation Professor. Sarofim-Rock Professor of Business Administration, Emerita

Read Full Bio

Thomas R. Eisenmann

Howard H. Stevenson Professor of Business Administration. Chair, MBA Elective Curriculum; cochair of the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship; and member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Shikhar Ghosh

Professor of Management Practice and Mel Turkman Faculty Fellow. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Scott D. Kominers

Associate Professor of Business Administration in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Mark N. Roberge

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

James M. Sharpe

Entrepreneur in Residence. Member of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Christopher T. Stanton

Assistant Professor of Business Administration in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit.

Read Full Bio

Apply Application PDF

More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Telephone: 1.800.427.5577
(outside the U.S., +1.617.495.6555)

Request the Brochure

Download PDF

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

Christy Rutherford

Founder and CEO, Live-Up Leadership, U.S.

Read Her Story

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Telephone: 1.800.427.5577
(outside the U.S., +1.617.495.6555)

Request the Brochure

Download PDF

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

Christy Rutherford

Founder and CEO, Live-Up Leadership, U.S.

Read Her Story

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Telephone: 1.800.427.5577
(outside the U.S., +1.617.495.6555)

Request the Brochure

Download PDF

Strategy for Start-ups

A framework for the launch of a startup.

Learn More

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Telephone: 1.800.427.5577
(outside the U.S., +1.617.495.6555)

Strategy for Start-ups

A framework for the launch of a startup.

Learn More

Request the Brochure

Download PDF

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Telephone: 1.800.427.5577
(outside the U.S., +1.617.495.6555)

Request the Brochure

Download PDF

A Question That Can Make or Break a Startup

Without this element, a startup faces an uphill battle.

Learn More

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Telephone: 1.800.427.5577
(outside the U.S., +1.617.495.6555)

A Question That Can Make or Break a Startup

Without this element, a startup faces an uphill battle.

Learn More

Request the Brochure

Download PDF

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

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Launching New Ventures: Jump-Starting Innovation for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

"HBS is a great place to continue to build relationships and network with other leaders from around the world."

Summary

Summary

DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Conceive, launch, and grow a successful new ventureConceive, launch, and grow a successful new venture icon-dropdown-down

Make sound investment and resource allocation decisionsMake sound investment and resource allocation decisions icon-dropdown-down

Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network icon-dropdown-down

Conceive, launch, and grow a successful new venture

Make sound investment and resource allocation decisions

Expand your personal and professional network

Who Should Attend

Who Should Attend

Complementary Program

Complementary Program

Learning and Living at HBS

Learning and Living at HBS