Whether you’re just getting started as a small business owner or looking to launch your own small business in the near future, you’re probably well aware of the amount of knowledge required to get things off the ground. From legal issues to tax considerations, small business owners often need to spend just as much time hitting the books as they do running their business.
Unfortunately, finding reliable information in the small business space is no easy feat. Given the dizzying array of online resources and tools available, you’d assume that there’s a wealth of information out there to help small business owners launch and scale their businesses. The truth is that a lot of these resources are outdated and just as likely to create a barrier between budding entrepreneurs and their goals as they are to help them succeed.
If you want to avoid dubious advice and influencer hucksters, you need to focus your attention on reliable platforms and websites with a proven track record of customer satisfaction. To kick-start this process, we’ve rounded up the 10 best places to learn about small business concepts. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it will get you started on the right foot.
1. HubSpot Academy
If your small business involves content creation, inbound marketing, or sales, HubSpot Academy is a must-read for any startup. In addition to offering informative, certified courses in management principles, digital content, and customer service, HubSpot Academy also functions as an online community for entrepreneurs and small business owners of all industries to network and share their expertise.
2. Small Business Loans Australia
Small Business Loans Australia is a rich resource for all things small business financing, featuring in-depth guides about almost every type of financing. These comprehensive guides strip back the financial jargon and deliver concise snapshots of the different types of business loans, grants, and other financial assistance options available to small business owners in Australia. Despite the focus on Australian small and medium-sized enterprises, these guides are relevant for businesses across the globe.
In addition to hosting an expansive collection of learning materials, Small Business Loans Australia also offers a matchmaking service to connect small business owners with top-rated loan providers. In as little as 2 minutes, you can apply for an instant business loan tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a short-term bridge loan to tide you over between cash-flow positions or a long-term loan to help pay down your debt, Small Business Loans Australia can help you find the right option for your business.
3. BusinessBalls
Boasting thousands of user-friendly videos, BusinessBalls is a one-stop shop for learning about team management, hiring your first employee, founder leadership, and business productivity. With many videos under 10 minutes, BusinessBalls is an ideal resource if you’re on the go or short on time, and their videos can be viewed on any computer or mobile device.
4. GoSkills
If you’re looking for a more personalized approach to your small business education, GoSkills offers an array of affordable, customizable courses and tutorials designed to fit your unique business needs.
5. Moz
Let’s face it, most small businesses these days benefit from a slick website and active socials. If you want to get the most out of your online presence, you need a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. Moz is a leading name in the SEO industry, and their beginner’s guide to SEO is widely recognized as one of the best resources on the topic.
6. Codecademy
Once you’ve got the basics of SEO under your belt, you’re ready to learn some basic programming principles. Codecademy is a detailed, beginner-friendly resource for learning basic programming, including popular web development languages like JavaScript and HTML. The interactive tutorials are a great way to start learning about the inner workings of the web, and the resources provided by Codecademy can help you overhaul your website, automate everyday tasks, and streamline your workflow.
7. Simple Studies
With Simple Studies, you can learn everything from the basic principles of small business accounting to the finer points of financial management. Featuring a range of self-guided tutorials and an online accounting certificate course, Simple Studies is a rich resource for anyone working to improve their small business financial literacy.
8. LinkedIn Learning
One of the world’s leading online learning platforms, LinkedIn Learning boasts over 16,000 education courses. Whether you’re interested in accounting, marketing, or anything else in between, you’ll find a cornucopia of information to support your learning journey.
9. Udemy Business
Udemy Business is a massive online marketplace for educational business content. Featuring curated content from the Udemy platform, all courses on Udemy Business are taught by industry professionals, providing a wealth of hands-on training for small business owners.
10. edX
edX is home to some of the most highly regarded education resources available online. Founded by a group of educators from Stanford, edX provides access to thousands of interactive classes and certified courses, including lectures, videos, and podcasts. If you’re a complete beginner in the world of small business, edX is a fantastic option to brush up on everything from business management to product development.
The Bottom Line
As a small business owner, you’re responsible for your product, your reputation, and your livelihood. By educating yourself about the skills and processes you need to grow your business, you’ll be well equipped to make informed decisions about your future and improve your prospects for success.
