Courses > Start Your Own Business

Click any title below to view a complete course description including a syllabus, instructor biography, prerequisites, and requirements.

Creating a Successful Business Plan
Instructor: Carol Parenzan Smalley

Success in business begins with a plan. By committing your idea to paper, you face tough questions and identify strengths and weaknesses. Business plans are not just for financing purposes; they are working documents to guide your business. For new and established small business owners, the course will start you down the path of small business success.

Wow, What a Great Event!
Instructor: Cynthia Grzelak

Learn how to create and coordinate successful special events. Develop skills, find resources and gain confidence to plan and produce any size or type of event. Find out what the experts and master planners already know so that you can avoid embarrassing and costly planning errors or production mistakes. After just a few weeks, you will become a knowledgeable event planner poised to produce any type of event.

Business Law for the Small Business Owner
Instructor: Michael Connelly

Learn how to successfully protect your small business and solve most of the legal problems that may arise. You'll discover how to avoid the costly mistakes that many small business owners make in areas such as contracts, employee relations, customer relations, and choosing the right business model. You'll also find out how to deal with government licensing requirements and regulations, as well as problems with tax collectors. And you'll come away knowing how to handle many minor legal disputes on your own and understanding the special considerations of home-based and Internet-based businesses.

Start Your Own Arts and Crafts Business
Instructor: Teri King

If you have an art or a craft and you dream about starting your own home-based or small business, this is the course for you! Learn how to start your own arts and crafts business from a professional artist. Discover how to create a niche in your chosen craft, price your work effectively, find the best craft shows, and market your product to a worldwide Internet customer base.