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.

Courses available

First Steps to Starting a Business
SBTDC online courses | Jump Start Modules | SBA topics
Environmental and energy | IRS information
FAMEE marketing courses | Exporting webinars

1. "First Steps to Starting a Business"

Enroll in The First Steps to Starting a Business

This new online course is designed specifically for those who are thinking about a new business venture. It provides an overview of the critical first steps associated with starting a business.

Participants will assess their strengths and weaknesses in terms of business ownership, learn about the importance of planning, understand legal and regulatory requirements and identify sources of financing.

Learn more or visit https://extweb.missouri.edu/courses/default.aspx?courseid=65; to enroll for $49.95. Enrolees have 90-day access to the course and takeaway materials.

2. Free SBTDC online courses

These online training courses, sponsored by US Bank, are easy to use. Topics include start-up issues, managing finances and marketing, with several courses under each major topic Visit www.va-interactive.com/sbdc/ot/modules_bank.php?state_name=MO to select a course, register and login.

3. Free "Jump Start Business 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:

starting a business
sales
business management
intellectual property

Visit Jump Start Learning to find a full listing of offerings and begin.

4. SBA's free, online courses

The Small Business Administration (SBA) 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:

Visit www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/counseling-training to access SBA's online courses.

5. Environmental and energy training opportunities

Visit the Missouri Environmental Assistance Center's listing of training, webinars and other online events.

6. IRS online learning and educational products

The Internal Revenue Service (IRA) offers free resources to help you learn about business taxes on your own time and at your own pace.

Visit www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=146331,00.html to access IRS materials, including:

7. FAMEE Foundation's marketing course

The Kansas-based nonprofit Foundation for the Advancement of Marketing Excellence in Entrepreneurs (FAMEE), has recently released a free electronic course entitled "8 Marketing Tips for Recession Stressed Entrepreneurs." The goal is to provide entrepreneurs with meaningful tips and encouragement to make better marketing decisions in times when the economy is not performing well.

Visit www.famee.org/small-business-marketing/preview-recession.html to preview a sample session or visit www.famee.org/small-business-marketing/recession-marketing.html to register for the full 10-day course.

8. Exporting webinars

Sessions will be led by experts in their field. Upcoming webinar topics:

A Basic Guide to Exporting: Resources You Should Know (August 10): This webinar will provide you the basic information on export assistance available for small and midsize companies. This interactive webinar will also help you find the right assistance for your company including federal and state governments, industry associations and non-profits. Examples will be provided of small companies that have used these resources to increase their international sales and profits.
European Union VAT & Customs for U.S. Exporters (August 11): Get an overview of VAT rules that are most relevant to U.S. companies doing business in Europe, as well as some of the more significant changes in EU Customs rules. The Webinar will explain VAT impacts on U.S. exporters (goods vs. services, B2B vs. B2C, online/electronic services, and VAT compliance strategies). It will also discuss the implementation of the modernized Customs Code as well as the Tariff Reductions/Suspensions.

More than 20 past export/international market webinars are archived online at www.export.gov/mrktresearch/eg_main_018213.asp .