Business Management Essentials
Business Management Essentials at Northeastern University is a modular, high-impact learning series designed to build the practical skills today's leaders need most.
Delivered through a rotating selection of focused modules—Project Management, Leading People, Marketing & Communications, Operations Management, and Finance—this series offers the flexibility to engage with the topics most relevant to your professional journey. Each module is experiential at its core—combining real-world case studies and peer learning in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Participants leave with actionable insights, expanded perspectives, and the confidence to lead with impact.
Whether you're a small business owner managing multiple roles or a leader in a larger organization looking to strengthen your expertise in a specific area, Business Management Essentials meets you where you are and helps you grow from there.
Northeastern University is a registered provider of the Commonwealth Corporation which means small Massachusetts-based businesses may qualify for 100% tuition reimbursement, making this an accessible and strategic investment in your leadership development. For more information on how to get reimbursed, visit the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Program.
5 modules. 40 live classes. Zero cost for eligible learners.
Next offering: January 9, 2026 | Format: live online or in-person half-day workshop over four weeks each consisting of two 90-minute sessions
Drive execution. Lead with clarity. Deliver results.
Delivered in four half-day workshops over four weeks, this module equips leaders with the practical frameworks, tools, and mindset needed to to create meaningful connections that drive sustainable growth. This four-week program helps small business leaders understand the essentials of marketing, choose the right channels, and create a simple, actionable plan that aligns with their time, budget, and goals.
| Weekly Topics | Content Overview |
|---|---|
| Week:1 Understand Your Customer & Craft Your Message | Discover what marketing really means – understanding and serving your customer. Learn how to identify your target audience, uncover their needs, and articulate your unique value. Put your learning to work by defining your ideal customer persona and writing a clear, compelling value proposition statement that connects. |
| Week 2: Reach Your Audience Where They Are | Explore the marketing channels that matter most – from social media and email to partnerships and paid advertising. Learn the difference between promotion and positioning and how to choose the right balance of paid, owned, and earned media. Build your Channel Focus Plan by selecting 2–3 channels to prioritize and outlining your next 90 days of outreach. |
| Week 3: Create Content That Builds Trust | Gain strategies for navigating the unpredictable. From identifying and mitigating project risks to managing suppliers, contracts, and logistics, this week is all about strengthening resilience in execution. Create your first content samples – social posts, emails, or web copy – and complete a Mini Brand Audit to ensure your message, tone, and visuals align. |
| Week 4: Plan for Consistency and Action | See how all the pieces fit together. Learn how to maintain marketing momentum, manage time and budget constraints, and plan for sustainable growth. Combine all your work into a One-Page Marketing Plan and a 90-Day Action Plan you can start using right away. |
This module is hands-on, collaborative, and designed for immediate application in your role. Whether you're launching a new marketing initiative or leading transformation at scale, you'll leave with strategies you can use on day one.
Click here to begin your Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Program application.
Coming soon! Stay tuned.
Coming soon! Stay tuned.
Next offering: Spring 2026 | Format: live online or in-person half-day workshop over four weeks each consisting of two 90-minute sessions
Drive execution. Lead with clarity. Deliver results.
Delivered in four half-day workshops over four weeks, this module equips leaders with the practical frameworks, tools, and mindset needed to manage complex projects with agility and confidence—regardless of industry or function. Designed for real-world application, each week builds on core concepts and introduces strategies for leading teams, navigating uncertainty, and measuring impact.
| Weekly Topics | Content Overview |
|---|---|
| Week:1 Project Management Fundamentals | Explore a range of project management approaches—including Waterfall, Agile, Lean, and Design Thinking—and understand when to apply each. Learn how to organize and initiate projects effectively, and get hands-on with performance and planning tools used by top-performing teams. |
| Week 2: Project Management Building Blocks | Dive into resource planning and team leadership. Discover what it takes to build and lead high-performing project teams, and how to leverage emerging technologies—like AI—to amplify your effectiveness and deliver smarter outcomes. |
| Week 3: Managing What You Can't Control | Gain strategies for navigating the unpredictable. From identifying and mitigating project risks to managing suppliers, contracts, and logistics, this week is all about strengthening resilience in execution |
| Week 4: Understanding and Measuring Success | Close the loop with tools to measure impact, manage quality, and evaluate outcomes. Explore common project pitfalls and how to avoid them, while learning how to use data and metrics to define and demonstrate success. |
This module is hands-on, collaborative, and designed for immediate application in your role. Whether you're launching a new initiative or leading transformation at scale, you'll leave with strategies you can use on day one.
Click here to begin your Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Program application.
Next offering: Spring 2026 | Format: live online or in-person half-day workshop over four weeks each consisting of two 90-minute sessions
Grounded in real-world application and designed for impact, this module adapts to the unique needs of each cohort. Faculty draw from a dynamic mix of learning tools—including case studies, simulations, debates, and collaborative breakouts—to drive engagement and insight. Participants will reframe leadership not just as managing teams, but as the ability to influence across boundaries—customers, suppliers, even competitors. Technology and AI are embedded throughout as critical lenses for shaping strategy, enhancing decision-making, and leading with confidence in a rapidly evolving landscape.
| Weekly Topics | Content Overview |
|---|---|
| Week:1 Understanding Yourself and the People You Lead | Lay the groundwork for effective, modern leadership by helping participants develop a deeper understanding of themselves and those they lead. Through a mix of self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and foundational leadership concepts, participants will explore their personal leadership values and communication styles. They'll examine how personality differences and motivational drivers shape behavior—both within teams and across external relationships. The sessions also introduce practical tools for enhancing self-awareness, including the use of AI as a reflective aid, and build skills in active listening, feedback, and influence to lead with clarity and impact. |
| Week 2: Building and Leading Effective Teams | Focus on building and leading high-performing teams with intention and accountability. Participants will explore the dynamics that shape team effectiveness—from roles and decision-making norms to psychological safety and trust. They'll learn strategies for hiring, onboarding, and structuring teams that align with the needs of growing organizations. The content also equips leaders with practical tools for managing performance, including setting clear goals, delivering meaningful feedback, and coaching team members for growth. Emphasis is placed on fostering a culture of accountability while supporting individual and collective success. |
| Week 3: Leading Through Conflict, Change, and Growth | Prepare leaders to navigate two of the most challenging aspects of leadership: conflict and change. Participants will gain practical tools for managing tensions, resolving disputes, and approaching difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence. Building on this foundation, they will explore how individuals and teams respond to change—and how to lead effectively through uncertainty, transitions, and periods of rapid growth. The sessions emphasize clear communication, emotional intelligence, and strategies for keeping both teams and customers engaged and aligned during times of transformation. |
| Week 4: Cultivating Culture and Leading for the Long Term | Focus on shaping a strong, inclusive culture and aligning people practices with strategic goals. Participants will explore how to foster equity and belonging within small teams through intentional practices, shared values, and team rituals. They'll learn how to assess and evolve workplace culture using feedback loops and culture audits. As the module concludes, the emphasis shifts to strategic leadership—covering delegation, succession planning, and aligning talent development with business priorities. The experience culminates in a capstone reflection and celebration of progress, reinforcing key takeaways and preparing participants to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. |
Each session of this module is designed to deliver practical, immediately applicable tools that help small business leaders navigate real-world challenges with confidence. Whether you're building a team, driving growth, or managing change, this module equips you to lead with clarity, agility, and purpose.
Click here to begin your Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Program application.
Outcomes
- Confident Leadership: Develop the mindset and skills to lead decisively in complex, fast-changing environments.
- Cross-Functional Mastery: Gain hands-on expertise across core business disciplines—project management, marketing, operations, leadership, and finance.
- Strategic Perspective: See your role and your organization's challenges from a broader, more impactful vantage point.
- Real-World Problem Solving: Apply learnings immediately through case studies and peer collaboration.
- Effective Communication: Build the ability to ask tough questions, facilitate meaningful dialogue, and influence diverse stakeholders.
- Collaborative Network: Connect with a diverse community of emerging leaders, gaining new perspectives and ongoing support.
- Agility and Adaptability: Cultivate the confidence to navigate change and seize new opportunities with clarity and purpose.
- Practical Tools: Walk away with actionable frameworks and strategies ready to implement in your business or team.
This course reframed leadership for me: less megaphone, more microphone. I walked away with stronger coaching habits and a deeper understanding of how to bring out the best in others. It was transformative.
– Nicole Green | Leading People and Project Management cohorts
Northeastern's Business Management Essentials program provided a clear, practical foundation and invaluable insights across key business areas. The real-world case studies, supportive instructors, and flexible format made it easy to apply what I learned right away, which will take Cambire Consulting to the next level. The team went above and beyond to support us, and I highly recommend completing all of the modules if you can—you won't regret it.
– Elizabeth Sorrell | Leading People and Project Management cohorts
Participant profile
Business Management Essentials is built for doers, builders, and emerging leaders who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Whether you're running a business, leading a team, or preparing to step into a more strategic role, this program gives you the practical tools and perspective to lead with confidence.
Participants typically include:
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to sharpen their skills across core business areas to drive growth and impact.
- Rising leaders and new managers who want to build a strong foundation in project management, operations, finance, marketing, and organizational leadership.
- Professionals in larger organizations seeking to deepen expertise in a specific function—or broaden their view across departments.
- Career shifters and high-potential talent preparing for greater responsibility or cross-functional leadership.
This is experiential learning in action—hands-on, fast-paced, and built for the real world. You'll leave each module with skills you can apply immediately and a network that extends well beyond the classroom.
Next Cohort:
Marketing & Communications
Location: Live online, or in-person on the Boston campus
Date and Time: January 9 – 30, 2026
Upcoming Events
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us for a live online informational session introducing Northeastern's Business Management Essentials program and learn how we can support your professional goals. We also walk you though the application process of your potential 100% tuition reimbursement.
Get in touch
Horace Ling
Associate Director
Executive Education
h.ling@northeastern.edu
Why choose us
- Cluster cohort model designed to foster peer-to-peer learning, enabling individual and company-level growth
- World-class faculty with experience in academia AND business
- Tangible learning artifact to promote next day applicability and maximize ROI
- Active and applied learning techniques to create an impactful experience
- Practitioner perspectives to enhance program context and network building
- University-issued digital badge to verify and promote skill-building