My Own Business Inc - Learn How to Start a Business

My Own Business, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people succeed in business. The course is presented by successful business owners who point out the common, avoidable mistakes.

Over 13 million visitors have made use of this information.
According to the World Bank: "The high-quality interactive content from My Own Business has been instrumental to the success of the SME Toolkit in each of our target markets across five continents."

Our course is geared toward the entrepreneur who wants to start his or her own business, and the individual who has an established small business and would like to see that business grow and expand. Most people fail in business because they make avoidable mistakes! This free course teaches you what those mistakes are and how to avoid them.

Our 16 sessions cover the most important topics for anyone starting or operating a business

Course Topics

Session 1: Evaluating Business Potential
Session 2: The Business Plan
Session 3: Communication Tools
Session 4: Business Organization
Session 5: Licenses & Permits
Session 6: Business Insurance
Session 7: Location and Leasing
Session 8: Accounting and Cash Flow
Session 9: How to Finance Your Business
Session 10: E-Commerce Business
Session 11: Buying a Business or Franchise
Session 12: Opening and Marketing
Session 13: Expanding and Problems
Session 14: International Trade
Session 15: Managing Employees (New!)
Session 16: Home Based Business (New!)

Inside The SBA - Resources and Links to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Example Business Plans and Templates Sample Business Plans & Templates: Two sample business plans are provided. Blank templates are also provided for you to create your own business plans.

Test your knowledge Test Your Knowledge: Quizzes will verify your level of understanding.

Business Audio Clips Audio Clips from Business Professionals: Learn how to overcome common problems.

Business Resources Links to In-depth References: All sessions contain valuable references to books, software and services.

Invest In Your Future Success

Course Textbook:
A 269 page printed Textbook version of this course is available as a ready reference guide including all 16 business topics and business plan templates.

Online Certificate Course:
For entrepreneurs wishing to document a satisfactory level of understanding in all 16 business topics, a graded version of this course including a final examination and Certificate of Completion is available.

Certificate Course Plus Textbook:
To receive both the Textbook and the graded Certificate version of the course:

The text of these materials, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an informational retrieval system or otherwise, except for students own personal use.
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