1. Is the course really free? What's the catch?

One of our key goals as a nonprofit organization is to help you decide if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur before you make a financial or emotional commitment. To assist you, this website contains valuable free information to all viewers including online access to both courses - Starting My Own Business with emphasis on avoiding pitfalls, and Building My Own Business for the established business owner to help take their business to the next level. Courses include the top ten characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, top 10 do's and don'ts, the quizzes, course outlines of all sessions in each course, video clips and other important information. The courses also come with an exam and a certificate at the end, to prove completion. While our courses are free, to help support our mission, a nominal fee is charged for our textbooks. We also ask for voluntary donations to help support our services.

2. How is My Own Business different from any of the other internet resources out there?

At MOBI, we give small business owners what they need - practical advice that's easy to understand, based on what works. Over the past 19 years, we have taken the wealth of experience of successful small business owners and boiled it down into basic lessons that every entrepreneur needs to know. That means no third-party articles by unknown writers, no tips on how to get rich quick, no long scholarly debates - just good straight advice from business owners who've gone down the path before.

3. Who pays for the ongoing costs to support this training?

While our online material is offered free, that doesn't mean additional costs are not incurred. These costs are covered by

• The generosity of organizations and individuals who believe in our work
• Sale of the My Own Business textbooks

4. What is the biggest mistake people make in taking these courses?

Many students do not take the courses in their entirety. There are pitfalls explained in throughout the Starting My Own Business and Building My Own Business courses that a serious entrepreneur needs to know in order to be fully prepared for decision making success or moving on to the next level.

5. Why am I unable to login?

Usernames and passwords are case sensitive. If you included capital letters in your username or your password you will need to type them in exactly the same. For more information please call or contact us.

6. How long does it take to complete the courses, do I really need to take the quizzes?

Any serious entrepreneur who plans to risk savings and personal assets in a business should take all the sessions, all the quizzes, view the video clips, and complete all the suggested activities. Each session should take two to four hours to complete to obtain a reasonable level of understanding in each topic. We recommended investing time in the lessons. Business mistakes can be very, very costly.

7. Can I get a receipt or letter saying how many hours it took me to take the course?

Since this is a self-paced course, we cannot regulate how long each student spends on it. However, we do recommend about two to four hours for each session. This would make a 30-hour course.

8. Is there a time limit to how long I have to take the course?

Everyone learns at his/her own pace. Take as short or long as you need.

9. Is there only one opportunity to take the final exam?

We urge all students to take the final exam very seriously. This knowledge is essential to your business. If you do badly on the first attempt, you may it again, but make sure to learn the material thoroughly.

10. How will the Certificate help me?

The certificate proves that you have mastered the content of the course. It shows that you have a very good understanding of business principles and have the tools you need to start or grow a small business. This is important information for partners, lenders, and customers who put their faith and their money in your business.

11. When and how will I receive my Certificate?

Upon successful completion of the final exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within 2 weeks.

12. Can I take this course even though I am in another country?

Yes. Many of our students come from outside the United States.

13. How will the course relate to me in another country with the laws and the government being different?

Some legal aspects will be different. But mostly the business principles taught are universal. All around the world, small business owners face the same challenges of Marketing, Managing Employees, Finance, Accounting, Business Expansion, etc.

14. Do you ship the textbook internationally?

Yes, we ship to international addresses.