The SBA Small Business Training Network--Log On!
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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:
Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing a Your Own Business
Business Plan Workshops
Interactive Checklist for Starting a Business
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.
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Johnson: You’ve been listening to the SBA’s Small Business Training
Network…I’m Ron Johnson reporting.