Online Learning

Online courses have revolutionized small business learning. Entrepreneurs can now learn anytime from anywhere. Managers and employees have the flexibility to enhance their skills on their own schedule. By accessing these multimedia-rich courses, small business owners and employees can improve their skills at their own pace.

We offer four varieties of distance learning:

1) Free, "Jump Start Learning"

These are brief modules that provide answers to your most common business questions. Each simple to use session can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes. Topics include grant funding, fictitious name, closing a business and more. Visit Jump Start Business Learning to find a full listing of offerings and begin.

2) Free, interactive workshops

Each free workshop provides real world business strategies and industry knowledge from entrepreneurs who have succeeded. The courses provide in-depth strategies and solutions to help you manage, operate and build your business, and are accessible 24/7 at no charge. These self-directed, multimedia-rich workshops include worksheets, questionnaires, case studies, related articles and interactive community features that include an "Ask the Expert" section, where you will be directed to a SBDC office near you, and a discussion board where you can interact with other business owners. A variety of topics are available:

Starting Your Business

• Developing a Business Plan
• Conducting a Marketing Analysis
• Analyzing Your Competition
• Preparing a Cash Budget
• Targeting Your Market

Managing Your Finances

• Preparing a Balance Sheet
• Managing Your Cash Flow
• Running a Profitable Company
• Creating a Profit and Loss Statement
• Analyzing Your Financial Ratios

• Pricing Products and Services
• Building Your Brand
• Promoting Your Business
• Advertising Your Business
• Conduct a Market Analysis
• Creating a Competitive Advantage
• Targeting Your Market
• Analyzing Your Competition

3) SBA's Free, Online Courses

The Small Business Administration offers online training addressing a variety of business topics. Most courses are self-paced and should take about 30 minutes to complete. Most require a brief online registration.

Topics include start-up, business planning, business management, financing/accounting, marketing/advertising, government contracting, small business retirement, e-commerce, international trade and federal tax training.

Visit www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses to access SBA's online courses.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the center offering the event for information.