Back to School: Are You Going This Fall?

August 19, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

This fall, classrooms around the country will be filling up with more than just the usual 18-22 year olds. An increasing number of schools, colleges and universities nationwide are offering special classes aimed at helping small business owners. Some of these courses are even free due to community service and growth projects put on by graduate students.

Courses are available in the evenings, online and through local chapters of trade associations. If you are interested, you can also see if your local chamber of commerce offers any classes as well.

Small business courses are a great way to help entrepreneurs who have a good grounding in their product and vertical, but know less about basic business management such as marketing, accounting and finance. Although some small business owners may decide they want an MBA, many others just want to pick up the basics so they can run their business more effectively. The decision depends a lot on time, location, finances and schedule. Also there is the question of how much you might need to be able to impress others, such as venture capitalists, with your business acumen.

The easiest way to find helpful courses near you is to start by looking for a local Small Business Development Center. They can be found on this SBDC list on the SBA web site.

Another option is to check your local community college or the Continuing Education Department of a nearby University.

Finally there are more alternative, mentor-style, learning options such as those offered by SCORE. SCORE also offers online learning which can help with the bare basics.

Whether you decide to take a course, or just read up on the internet, remember that noone knows it all. Learning is a great way for you to grow, and to grow your business successfully.