In the world of small business ownership, learning never stops. The American consumer is changing all the time, and so is the nature of the small business marketplace. There are an endless number of topics to stay abreast of, from marketing trends to industry regulations. Today’s worker has, by and large, embraced this fact. According to LinkedIn Learning’s 5th Annual Workplace Learning Report, more than half of surveyed workers — Gen Z respondents, in particular — believe that learning is the key to success in their career.
The desire for continuous education is there. But with so much material available all the time, it can be difficult to navigate the information landscape. Luckily, the SBA has you covered with the SBA Learning Platform, an online forum that includes courses on various entrepreneurial topics. Summer school doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Check out one of the many available resources on the SBA Learning Platform.
- Learning Center: A comprehensive list of online lessons awaits at the SBA Learning Center. Find out how to conceptualize and develop your entrepreneurial ideas. Or, if you are past that stage, learn how to turn your business into a reality. The Learning Center is ideal for continuous education once you are up and running as well, offering courses on how to master day-to-day business operations, how to understand your competition, how to win new customers and funding opportunities, and much more.
- Ascent: A tool for women entrepreneurs created by women entrepreneurs: That is the power of Ascent. Divided into major topics called Journeys, Ascent helps users reach the pinnacle of their business goals. This free learning platform contains exercises — called excursions — In addition to tools, discussion guides, videos, key insights, self-assessments, and much more.
- Boots to Business (B2B): Learning starts at the fundamentals, and those are what B2B teaches to veterans, active-duty and transitioning service members, and military spouses and National Guard and Reserve members stationed around the globe. Through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), B2B trains veteran entrepreneurs on business ownership online and in person. B2B Reboot brings the program directly into communities for veterans who may not have access to take courses on base.
- T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders: Proven, executive-level leaders require multidimensional, next-level education. That is what the T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders Reimagined program offers. T.H.R.I.V.E stands for Train. Hope. Rise. Innovate. Venture. Elevate. This reinvented initiative delivers in each of these facets for eligible high-potential businesses across the country. Participants enjoy the benefits of mentoring, in-person coaching, self-paced instruction, and more.
Ambition and knowledge are the cornerstones of small business success. Let the SBA help you hone those traits with its virtual toolbox of resources. Take Small Business Summer School on your terms, and see what the SBA Learning Platform is all about.