Conferences, classes and training are not always in the budget for home business owners. Some can be downright expensive. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to brush up on our business skills, learn new techniques or get training on specific topics. Fortunately, there are resources for training and education that don’t cost a thing. Here are some ideas for finding free training and education to enhance your home business and your own professional development:
The availability of classes, courses, workshops, etc. will depend on the size of the area in which you live. Of course, if you live within a reasonable distance of a larger city or metropolitan area, you’ll have access to all sorts of opportunities. If there is a small business center or administration of some sort in your town or community, check with them first–they may offer classes on marketing, business management, computer skills, etc. or they may be able to direct you to some of the local resources.
Additionally, community colleges are a great resource for weekend classes, visiting speakers, night workshops and other training opportunities that may be free to the public. Don’t overlook service groups and community nonprofits–many of them provide informational sessions to the public that are free of charge or on a “donation suggested” basis. These groups may provide informative sessions on financial planning, workplace issues, community issues, or other topics that may help you in the running of your business.
If you are a member of a professional organization or service group, there are often interesting speakers and informational programs provided at the regular meetings. If there is something you are particularly interested in, try suggesting it to the committee or individual in charge of providing the guest speakers and see if you can use the platform for a topic you’d find helpful. Chances are, if you are interested, others will be too.
Keep an eye on your local paper–most newspapers have a “Community News” and a “Business News” section where upcoming classes, workshops, programs and other meetings that are open to the public are printed. You ‘d be surprised what just might be available for free once you start keeping on the lookout for training and business education opportunities.