Best degree for an aspiring small business owner?

I'm planning to start a small business in the future, and I'm wondering what college degree would help with that. Should I aim for something general, like business administration, or something more specific?

Choosing a college major when you have a specific career goal can be challenging. As someone aiming to start a small business, you have several options. These include, but are not limited to, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, or Marketing.

Business Administration will provide a broad overview of all aspects of managing a business, which can be advantageous for a potential business owner. You'd learn about aspects such as accounting, human resources, project management, and sales.

On the other hand, an Entrepreneurship major often provides specialised coursework focusing on launching and running a new business. This often includes lessons on identifying opportunities, raising capital, marketing new products, and overcoming initial hurdles commonly faced by startups.

Finance might be suitable if you're venturing into a business involving significant financial management or planning to manage your investment strategies independently. A strong understanding of finance can help with budgeting, balancing income and expenses, ensuring you have adequate cash flow, and managing other financial aspects of the business.

Lastly, a Marketing degree can be valuable in understanding consumer behavior, developing effective advertising strategies, and setting prices for products and services. Given that drawing and maintaining a customer base is essential for any business, this could be a vital skill set.

Remember, the "best" degree will ultimately depend on what area of business ownership you're passionate about and what type of small business you're hoping to start. Using electives to take courses in multiple business-related areas can also provide a balanced foundation. Keep in mind that real-world experience through internships, part-time jobs, or entrepreneurial ventures can also be a valuable supplement to your education.