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

1. 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.

2. 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:

• starting a business
• business management
• marketing/advertising
• business planning
• international trade
• surviving in a down economy
• financing/accounting
• government contracting
  - Recovery Act Opportunities: How to Win Federal Contracts
• e-commerce
• federal tax training

Visit www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses to access SBA's online courses.

3. 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.

4. Exporting webinars

The Department of Commerce offers a "Webinar Series: A Basic Guide to Exporting" designed to connect you to business opportunities around the world.

• How to Identify Potential International Markets for Your Products
  Date/Registration: Sept. 9, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EDT
  
  
• Trade Financing and International Payments
  Date/Registration: Sept. 23, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EDT
  
  
• Cashing In with U.S. Free Trade Agreements
  Date/Registration: Oct. 7, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EDT
  
  
• Understanding Export Controls
  Date/Registration: Oct. 21, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EDT
  
  
• Finding International Partners and Conducting Due Diligence
  Date/Registration: Nov., 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EST
  
  
• Understanding Documentation
  Date/Registration: Nov. 18, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EST
  
  
• Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights
  Date/Registration: Dec. 2, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EST

Some past export/international sales webinars are available online at www.export.gov/mrktresearch/eg_main_018213.asp .

5. 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.