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  2. Small Business

Small Business Courses

Small business courses can help you learn financial management, marketing strategies, customer service techniques, and operational efficiency. You can build skills in budgeting, social media marketing, and effective communication with clients and suppliers. Many courses introduce tools like QuickBooks for accounting, Canva for marketing materials, and CRM software for managing customer relationships, showing how these skills can streamline operations and enhance business growth.

Popular Small Business Courses and Certifications


  • coursera logo white

    Stay ahead of how AI is reshaping work

    Find your AI Series
  • M

    Michigan State University

    How to Start Your Own Business

    Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Intellectual Property, Value Propositions, Financial Statement Analysis, Business Planning, Design Thinking, Ideation, Innovation, Income Statement, Entrepreneurship, Business Modeling, Product Development, Balance Sheet, Market Opportunities, Verification And Validation, Lean Methodologies, Open Mindset, Resource Management, Creativity, Leadership

    4.5 stars, 1.3K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.5 (1.3K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • C

    Coursera

    Create a Small Business Website with Weebly

    Skills you'll gain: Web Content, Content Management, Web Design and Development

    4.5 stars, 64 reviews, Beginner, Guided Project, Less Than 2 Hours

    ★ 4.5 (64) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Category: Free
    Free
  • A

    Anthropic

    AI Fluency for Small Businesses

    Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, AI literacy, AI Workflows, Responsible AI, Delegation Skills, AI Enablement, Business Priorities, Business Research, Accountability

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Category: Free
    Free
  • H

    Harvard Business Review

    Strengthen Your Business Savvy

    Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Generative AI, Strategic Thinking, Business Acumen, Financial Statement Analysis, Critical Thinking, Plan Execution, Financial Acumen, Prompt Engineering, Strategic Decision-Making, Budgeting, Business Leadership, Responsible AI, Organizational Strategy, Organizational Effectiveness, Financial Data, Strategic Leadership, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Modeling, Digital Transformation

    4.8 stars, 53 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.8 (53) · Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • C

    Coursera

    Business Analysis & Process Management

    Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Process Modeling, Business Process, Business Analysis, Process Management, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Analysis, Computer Literacy

    4.5 stars, 7.7K reviews, Beginner, Guided Project, Less Than 2 Hours

    ★ 4.5 (7.7K) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Category: Free
    Free
  • What brings you to Coursera today?

  • U

    University of Virginia

    Entrepreneurship: Growing Your Business

    Skills you'll gain: Financial Statements, Financial Accounting, Balance Sheet, Financial Statement Analysis, Design Thinking, Accounting, Annual Reports, Innovation, Journey Mapping, Process Design, Entrepreneurship, Philanthropy, Leadership Development, Corporate Sustainability, Business Ethics, Personal Integrity, Finance, Business Leadership, Sustainable Business, HR Tech

    4.8 stars, 7.8K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.8 (7.8K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • P

    Packt

    QuickBooks - Just the Basics

    Skills you'll gain: QuickBooks (Accounting Software), Reconciliation, Financial Reporting, Bookkeeping, Inventory Management, Accounting, Workflow Management, Inventory Control, Accounting Software, Sales Tax, Small Business Accounting, Accounting and Finance Software, Accounting Records, Process Optimization, Inventory Accounting, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Transaction Processing, Accounts Payable, Expense Management, Financial Data

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • C

    Coursera

    Small Business Marketing Using YouTube

    Skills you'll gain: Marketing Analytics, Digital Marketing Tools, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Content, Business Marketing, Social Media Management, Customer Engagement, Gmail, Target Audience

    4.7 stars, 1.4K reviews, Beginner, Guided Project, Less Than 2 Hours

    ★ 4.7 (1.4K) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Free
    Free
  • C

    Coursera

    Small Business Marketing Using Facebook

    Skills you'll gain: Content Scheduling, Online Advertising, Facebook, Marketing Analytics, Advertising, Digital Advertising, Social Media Content, Content Development and Management, Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Target Audience, Social Media Management, Customer Engagement, Web Presence, Business Marketing

    4.6 stars, 276 reviews, Mixed, Guided Project, Less Than 2 Hours

    ★ 4.6 (276) · Mixed · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Free
    Free
  • C

    Chris Croft Training

    Profitable Side Hustles: start your own business

    Skills you'll gain: Cash Management, Cash Flows, Ideation, Risk Mitigation, Entrepreneurship, Business Planning, Business Risk Management, Marketing, Growth Strategies, Market Opportunities, Entrepreneurial Finance, Marketing Strategy and Techniques, Self-Starter, New Business Development, Competitive Analysis, Accounting, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Market Analysis, Self-Motivation

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of California, Irvine

    Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Thinking & Action

    Skills you'll gain: Business Planning, Feasibility Studies, Entrepreneurship, Market Opportunities, Process Management, New Business Development, Business Strategies, Ideation, Business Strategy, Business Operations, Marketing

    4.6 stars, 3.1K reviews, Mixed, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.6 (3.1K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • C

    Coursera

    Business Operations Support in Google Sheets

    Skills you'll gain: Google Sheets, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Maintenance, Data Analysis, Business Operations, Resource Allocation, Automation, Operations, Data Management

    4.7 stars, 200 reviews, Intermediate, Guided Project, Less Than 2 Hours

    ★ 4.7 (200) · Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Category: Free
    Free
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Best free Small Business courses

High-quality free Small Business courses you can start today.

  1. 1
    Create a Small Business Website with Weebly
    CourseraBeginnerLess Than 2 Hours4.5(64)Free
  2. 2
    AI Fluency for Small Businesses
    AnthropicBeginner1 - 3 MonthsFree
  3. 3
    Business Analysis & Process Management
    CourseraBeginnerLess Than 2 Hours4.5(7,673)Free

Best Small Business courses from Coursera

Top-rated Small Business courses offered by Coursera on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Small Business Marketing Using YouTube
    CourseraBeginnerLess Than 2 Hours4.7(1,441)Coursera
  2. 2
    Small Business Marketing Using Facebook
    CourseraMixedLess Than 2 Hours4.6(276)Coursera
  3. 3
    Business Operations Support in Google Sheets
    CourseraIntermediateLess Than 2 Hours4.7(200)Coursera

Best Small Business certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Small Business from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    How to Start Your Own Business
    Michigan State UniversityBeginner3 - 6 Months4.5(1,343)Specialization
  2. 2
    Strengthen Your Business Savvy
    Harvard Business ReviewIntermediate1 - 3 Months4.8(53)Specialization
  3. 3
    Entrepreneurship: Growing Your Business
    University of VirginiaBeginner3 - 6 Months4.8(7,820)Specialization

Skills you can learn in Entrepreneurship

Innovation (38)
Modeling (25)
Business Model (18)
Plan (16)
Investment (15)
Market (economics) (15)
Product (12)
Planning (11)
Social Entrepreneurship (10)
Strategic Management (10)
Business Plan (9)
Business Strategy (6)

Frequently Asked Questions about Small Business

Small business refers to independently owned and operated enterprises that typically have a small number of employees and relatively low volume of sales. These businesses are crucial to the economy as they create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to local communities. Small businesses often drive economic growth by providing unique products and services, and they play a significant role in enhancing competition and consumer choice.‎

A variety of job opportunities exist within the small business sector. You could find roles in management, marketing, finance, or operations. Positions such as small business owner, marketing coordinator, financial analyst, or operations manager are common. Additionally, there are opportunities in customer service, sales, and human resources, allowing individuals to explore various career paths based on their interests and skills.‎

To thrive in small business, certain skills are essential. These include financial literacy, marketing knowledge, customer service skills, and operational management. Additionally, understanding data analytics can be beneficial. Courses like the IBM Business Analyst Professional Certificate can help you develop these skills, equipping you to make informed decisions and drive business success.‎

There are many online courses available for those interested in small business. Some of the best options include specialized programs in business analytics, marketing strategies, and financial management. For instance, the Business Analytics Specialization offers insights into data-driven decision-making, which is vital for small business success.‎

Yes. You can start learning small business on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many small business courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in small business, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning about small business can be done through various methods, including online courses, workshops, and networking events. Engaging with communities of small business owners can also provide practical insights. Online platforms like Coursera offer structured learning paths that guide you through essential concepts and skills needed for small business management.‎

Topics typically covered in small business courses include business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and customer relationship management. Additionally, courses often explore the use of technology in business operations and the importance of data analytics in decision-making.‎

For training and upskilling employees in small businesses, courses that focus on business analytics and operational efficiency are particularly beneficial. Programs like the Google Business Intelligence Professional Certificate can equip employees with the skills to analyze data and improve business processes, ultimately enhancing productivity and decision-making.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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