Featuring Jim O’Connor, Director
Small Business Training Network
U.S. Small Business Administration
To succeed in business entrepreneurs must stay competitive. An essential ingredient to being competitive is training. Learn how SBA’s online Small Business Training Network—a virtual campus—can help potential and current small business owners start, grow and succeed.
Transcript:
The SBA Small Business Training Network--Log On!
Johnson: Welcome to SBA’s Small Business Training Network. I’m Ron Johnson reporting from the U.S. Small Business Administration—your small business resource. Every day, SBA and its nationwide network of partners help millions of potential and current small business owners start, grow and succeed. Resources and programs targeted for small businesses provide an advantage—a leg up--necessary to help small businesses effectively compete in the marketplace.
An essential ingredient to being competitive is training. SBA’s online Small Business Training Network--or SBTN--is a virtual campus housing courses, workshops, publications, information resource learning tools and direct access to electronic counseling and other forms of technical assistance designed to assist entrepreneurs.
With me today is SBA’s Jim O’Conner, director of the SBTN. Welcome to the Program.
Johnson: Tell me Jim, how do you access the SBTN?
O’Conner: On the Internet go to www.sba.gov/training.
The number of course offerings changes periodically, based on course evaluations and client needs. However, SBTN typically offers over 40 free courses.
All SBTN courses are free. However, plans are under way to offer some fee-based courses in the future.
Johnson: How do you enroll or register for an SBTN online course?
O’Conner: Of the 40+ courses offered on SBTN, only 21of the courses require an online registration.
But registration is easy. Go to the SBTN homepage at http://www.sba.gov/training and click on Free Online Courses or go directly to the menu page at http://www.sba.gov/training/courses.html and review topics and specific course offerings. Click on the course of your choice. Some courses require that a brief online registration be completed. The forms are available online. Then complete the course at your leisure.
Johnson: What are SBTN’s most popular courses?
O’Conner: SBTN’s most popular courses are:
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Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing a Your Own Business
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Business Plan Workshops
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Interactive Checklist for Starting a Business
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Steps to Accessing Contracts and Subcontracts
Johnson: What new courses are going to be added in 2006?
O’Conner: The SBTN will feature new courses this year with a greater emphasis on helping existing small businesses grow. We also have courses on hot topics such as cyber security and E-Commerce.
Johnson: How long does it take to complete a typical course?
O’Conner: It varies. However, a typical SBTN course will take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully complete. Some courses offer significant available resources that are optional and could take many hours to review.
Johnson: Is any special equipment needed to take a course?
O’Conner: All you need is a computer and basic Internet connection. If you don’t have a computer at home you can use one at your local library or community college.
Johnson: Does SBA offer a certificate for completing a course?
O’Conner: SBTN will soon offer SBA Completion Certificates for individuals who complete specific courses.
Johnson: Jim, to wrap up, what is the one message small business owners should remember about the Small Business Training Network?
O’Conner: SBA knows small businesses are not run by the clock. The SBTN is available 24/7 offering more than 40 courses. All you have to do is log on to www.sba.gov/training.
Johnson: You’ve been listening to the SBA’s Small Business Training Network…I’m Ron Johnson reporting
