It’s not an easy feat to be an entrepreneur amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, to help, there are many online resources for small business owners to take advantage of — especially during this time. If you’re just starting out or need a few refresher courses, here are five websites that offer free classes for entrepreneurs.
[Read: 4 Invaluable Online Classes For Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs]
LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda)
LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that houses a number of online courses for professionals who want to sharpen their creative and technical skills. LinkedIn Learning provides one free trial month to new users so you can take advantage of thousands of courses to help your entrepreneurial journey.
A few relevant courses from LinkedIn Learning include:
- Pivoting Your Small Business in a Crisis is fitting for the current climate and teaches business owners how to improve their chances of survival.
- Business Building Strategies for Emerging Entrepreneurs helps new business owners mitigate risks and build a strong brand off the bat.
YouTube
YouTube isn’t just for cat videos anymore. Plenty of YouTubers create content to help their subscribers learn more about entrepreneurship. Many speak from experience and discuss mistakes and decisions they’ve made and offer relevant advice. A simple search will bring you videos that answer common questions about entrepreneurship.
Examples of YouTube videos include:
- Launching Your Product: Here's What To Do Before Anything Else teaches business owners how to launch new products to drive traffic and sales to grow their businesses.
- 6 Steps to Build a STRONG Personal Brand in 2020 outlines the top steps for creating your personal brand, including defining your brand and growing it into a thriving business.
- The 20 BEST Pieces of ADVICE Every Aspiring ENTREPRENEUR Needs to HEAR! is perfect if you’re in need of inspiring advice from other entrepreneurs on how to build the best business possible.
A simple search will bring you videos that answer common questions about entrepreneurship.
Coursera
Coursera brings you courses and classes from seasoned companies and universities to strengthen your skills in a number of areas. With multiple classes covering entrepreneurship and owning a new business, you’ll have plenty of courses to choose from, hosted by award-winning universities and top-rated companies.
A few Coursera courses on entrepreneurship include:
- Entrepreneurship Specialization from the University of Pennsylvania explains the conception, design, organization and management of a new business.
- How to Start Your Own Business from the University of Michigan brings you a hassle-free guide on how to create your own business, with tools and guidance to get you started.
- Entrepreneurship: Launching an Innovative Business from the University of Maryland focuses on innovative opportunities you can bring to your industry’s market and gain a competitive edge.
[Read: 10 Free Resources Your Small Business Should Be Taking Advantage of Now]
Udacity
Udacity boasts a number of technical courses by partnering with leaders in the tech industry to teach critical skills needed in the workforce. They house a number of multifaceted courses with top teachers and projects to help solidify learning.
Courses on Udacity that speak directly to entrepreneurs include:
- Get Your Startup Started teaches you how to kickstart your business and secure the funding you’ll need to get your startup off the ground.
- How to Build a Startup offers tips for gathering marketplace research and customer feedback to help you create a solid business plan.
Skillshare
Skillshare is home to thousands of free courses with the option to upgrade to premium access, which houses even more courses from thoughtful teachers and leaders across the globe. You can sign up with a free trial or dive right into the free classes they have available.
A few courses that center on entrepreneurship include:
- Entrepreneurship Hustle: From Business Plan to Real Success focuses on obtaining success in the restaurant business.
- Entrepreneurship: Online Business Planning 101 focuses on setting a solid foundation for your new online business.
- Sales Fire: B2B Sales & Business Development for Startups, Entrepreneurship, Freelancers & Creatives breaks down the art of sales and business development strategies you need as an entrepreneur.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
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