You can take free online courses from the Small Business Administration. As the economy has taken a turn for the worse, you might find that these courses are just in time. There are multiple sections available to choose from including: Surviving in a Down Economy, Financing and Accounting, Business Management, Starting a Business, Marketing and Advertising, Government Contracting, Business Planning, E-Commerce, International Trade, and Federal Tax Training. Many of the categories contain several courses, and they are all free. You might need to register before accessing the courses, however there is never any fee involved.
When you choose a course, you'll be able to get an overview of the categories through the “About These Courses” link. For anyone who has recently started a business, or is considering starting a business during this current economic situation, the courses are a great advantage. They will provide you with many benefits and information regarding various aspects of successful entrepreneurship. The About These Courses will also give you a detailed breakdown of all the courses available, as well as a general idea of how long it would take you to complete a course.
The free online courses by the Small Business Administration use a lot of audio in their instruction. You’ll want to ensure that you have working speakers and have your sound on when beginning a course. One great course that everyone who is in business should consider taking is “How to Prepare a Business Plan.” A Business Plan is essential to every business, and studies have shown that those who create and regularly review and update their business plan are more likely to stay in business and become a success.
It’s important to realize that you aren’t obligated to complete each course once you start it. You can save your course, take a break from the computer, and then pick up where you left off when you have the time. With so many people finding themselves in the midst of hectic schedules, the ability to start and stop online courses at their convenience is an incredible benefit.
You’ll find that the website is very easy to use and self-explanatory. The registration isn’t very in depth, but it does ask several questions, and once you have submitted your registration, you’ll have instant access to the free online courses. Another advantage is that once you finish your course, you won’t receive a degree, but you will be able to print out a certificate from the Small Business Administration.