Zero-Cost Success
Business ownership is a goal for many Americans. Each year, entrepreneurs take a chance and build their own businesses. In 2021, the United States had over 5 million new business applications, and that trend is continuing. In the first six months of 2023, 2.7 million filings to start a new business were received.
With all this growth and development, maybe you are ready to start your own business. Suppose you seek guidance to start a new business or support expanding an existing company. In that case, there are many free online resources to assist you. Let’s look at free business classes that could help you on your way.
Five Sites with Free Business Classes
Coursera
This recommendation was easy because I have completed two free Coursera courses. The first was dyslexia training for my professional growth, and the second was an introduction to Korean for my personal interest. It is important to note that the inclusion of the word ‘course’ in the name of this site is not a coincidence. The offerings on this site are fully developed courses produced by well-known universities and organizations. They will take one month or more to complete. There are over 850 free online business courses available. You will need to create an account before enrolling in the free options the site offers.
Alison
If you are looking for a less time-consuming introduction to business, Alison might be for you. Certification options require fewer than three hours, and diploma options require fewer than ten hours. There are over 1200 business courses between the certification and diploma options. The classes are created and submitted to the platform by individuals and companies. This site is an excellent option if you are looking for free online business courses with certification. You are required to make a free account to enroll in classes. My experience with Alison was a Chinese for Beginners class that provided a concise overview of greetings and self-introduction.
Udemy
The goal of Udemy is to share the knowledge of individuals with the world. The classes are all developed by people who are passionate about their subject area. As such, some require a monetary investment. When you search the site, be sure you select the free filter. Don’t worry about finding free online business courses on Udemy, as there are over 2,500 options that have been rated by other users. Most courses require less than three hours and range from classes for beginners to experts. A free account is required to enroll in classes.
My Own Business Institute
Santa Clara University sponsors MOBI, which has created four pathways for free online business courses with certifications. The philosophy behind My Own Business Institute is to enable new businesses to form and, in turn, create new jobs. This free option has been available since 2000. You can select from Starting a Business, Business Expansion, Quick Start Entrepreneur, or Sales & Marketing Bade Short Course. All four pathways are self-paced and lead to certification. You must create a free account to register for the courses.
Harvard
Many American colleges and universities have begun to offer limited free courses, and Harvard University has joined the ranks. You can search among the nearly twenty free business classes. Some courses require payment, so filter by business and free. The no-cost options include leadership, tech entrepreneurship and computer science for business. The classes are delivered in various methods, including podcasts, webinars and self-paced modules. You are required to create an account to enroll in a course. This is an excellent opportunity to access the teaching of renowned professors without the associated costs of an Ivy League education.
Considerations for Completing Free Online Business Courses
Even if you are not making a monetary commitment when you start a free online business course, you are committing your time. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to invest your time and energy. According to an article from Northwestern University, online classes are a smart option for many students because they offer flexibility and access to new technologies required in many business roles.
Regardless of your current job or your level of experience with business, there is a free online option that is right for you. Course options are available for those just considering entering the world of business, as well as those seasoned professionals looking to expand their current business situation. An investment in a free online business class is an investment in yourself and your future. Starting with the five sites included, you have a great starting point to research various topics within business.
Take a look at some of the best online degrees at the University of Arizona.