Neither Miami Dade College nor Broward College planned to launch entrepreneurship certificate programs in the depths of this dismal economy.

Still, their timing couldn't have been better.

``There are a lot of people out of work right now, and we are always talking about how we can help them get back to work,'' said Michael Fenick, program manager for business administration at Broward College.

Sometimes that means helping students make their own jobs.

To that end, students at both colleges can earn a certificate in entrepreneurship, still a relatively rare program nationally at the associate's degree level.

Both programs teach students how to write and present their business plans, apply for financing, develop marketing and e-commerce strategies and manage a small firm. The programs don't require prerequisite courses or degree work. Speakers often include successful entrepreneurs, lenders, angel investors and e-commerce experts. Students also can participate in business plan and elevator pitch contests.

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