Idea Exchange: What training classes did you take to help you prepare for your business?

Not all small businesses are started by business savants. Most budding business owners enlist the help

of mentors or enroll in courses to help them get started. There are several free counseling and

training programs available locally and online designed to help small

businesses, and we want to know which ones our Community members found

valuable.

In

our monthly Idea Exchange, we pose questions to the Community about various topics, as well as the

content, features or services provided by Business.gov. In September, we asked 'What training classes did you take to help you prepare for your business?' Here's what you had to say:

• SBA Online Training Courses - Mousid

  informed members about free

  online courses offered by SBA to help businesses get started. Recently, SBA added additional training

  programs to help to small businesses seeking

  government contracting opportunities offered through the Recovery Act.

• Entrepreneurial Studies Classes - DHorning

  shared how an entrepreneurial class at a local university helped him to

  learn how to develop a comprehensive business plan. He said '... in the end, I had 40 pages of

  projections, costs, and valuable research that made me feel confident

  about going into business for myself.'

  Many local community

  colleges offer entrepreneur-type classes. Some are listed as continuing education or

  workforce development courses, depending on the college. While not

  free, these classes are often affordable and convenient options for

  business owners who don't want to enroll as a full-time student.

• Help from SCORE and the Chamber of

  Commerce

  - One member, LurMkr, gave a detailed account of how his

  local SCORE and the Chamber of Commerce offices provided guidance when he

  was considering turning his 'hobby' into a business. 38 years later, the business is still

  running strong! Click here to check out his full story.

• Self-Employment Assistance Program

  - This program

  shared by Mvovakes

  is designed to encourage and enable unemployed workers to create their own

  jobs by starting their own small businesses. As he stated, only a handful of states,

  like New

  York and Washington,

  offer a Self-Employment Assistance Program, so check with your local State Workforce Agency

  to find out if it is available.

• Financial Literacy and Debt Management

  Courses

  - The courses that made the most impact for Bozdahova turned

  out to be one that he took after starting his business. Looking to dig out of debt, this member

  took free courses to develop a debt relief strategy. Locate your local

  SBDC to find out about financial literacy courses and counseling near

  you.

Thanks to everyone who shared information about helpful

training programs. New and existing business owners alike can benefit from your

recommendations.

To find out about other training opportunities check out the Small Business Training

and Assistance page. Here you will

find out about online tools and resources, in-person services near you, and

state programs designed to assist small businesses.

What's the Next Idea Exchange

The current idea exchange 'What is one effective tactic you've taken in response to the recession? will

run until November 3. Please submit your thoughts and vote on the

ideas you agree with by clicking Kudos!