Small Business Administration Adult Education

Free Continuing Education for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

May 3, 2009

Information is provided regarding topics of free online courses, along with how to access counselors or development centers to provide additional free support.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has developed a training network designed to help people who aspire to own a small business. SBA online training programs are also available for adults who already own a small business and seek strategies for success or improvement. This SBA training network is called the Small Business Training Network (SBTN).

The SBTN is an online learning environment which offers courses, workshops, publications, resources, learning tools, and access to online counseling. The advantages of online learning or distance education include fitting any schedule. Most resources were designed by academic institutions and corporations which sponsor the training network. Some resources were developed by SBA partners or through the use of internal business experts.

All the SBA training network resources are free and considered “primers” for how to open and succeed in small business. All online courses are self-paced; however, the SBTN offers traditional training programs and workshops around the country. These traditional programs and workshops are free, just like the online training programs.

Continuing Education for Starting a Small Business

The SBTN offers several courses to help prospective entrepreneurs better understand the basics of starting a small business. These self-paced courses take about 30 minutes to complete and offer audio explanations during presentation of course information.

“My Own Business” is one example course offered in this area and includes 14 sessions, such as:

Small Business Marketing and Advertising Continuing Education

Good marketing is critical to the success of a business. Marketing has many dimensions including market research, customer service, advertising, targeting, packaging, pricing, e-marketing, and more. Investing in a good marketing plan is critical to generating excellent returns on investment.

“Marketing 101” is one example course offered in this topic area and includes information such as:

Surviving in a Down Economy as Small Business Continuing Education

With the current economy being challenged by many factors that have slowed its growth, small business owners around the country are impacted. Recession proofing your career as small business owner can be served through the SBTN continuing education programs. The SBTN has developed a number of training materials and tools to help small businesses counter the effects of a slowing economy.

“How to Prepare a Loan Package” is one example course offering and includes information such as:

E-Commerce in Small Businesses Continuing Education

Today’s very competitive business climate demands that business owners understand and use advanced technologies. Technology is an enabler; it can help a business improve efficiencies and even expand operations.

“Technology 101” provides nine sections of using technology applications in small businesses such as:

Making Connections in Small Business Training

The Small Business Administration has over 60 district offices and more than 1,000 Small Business Development Centers around the country. The SBA also provides access to over 10,000 counselors or mentors, called SCORE. These offices, support centers, and counselors are SBA partners who provide additional support or guidance in support of the Small Business Training Network.

Most successful small business owners are lifelong learners and constantly seek relevant forms of continuing education. They continually develop increased depth and breadth of knowledge of their business and market through research, building a network, and participating in professional development activities.

The copyright of the article Small Business Administration Adult Education in Adult Education is owned by David R. Wetzel. Permission to republish Small Business Administration Adult Education in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.