SBDC Launches E-Learning

The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, an outreach program of the University of NH Whittemore School of Business and Economics, has launched a new, online program for New Hampshire business owners, E-Learning for Entrepreneurs. The program offers 21 three-hour courses in business management, finance and marketing at no cost to users. New and experienced business owners may take a course in one sitting, or over time, depending on their schedules.

NH SBDC is continually looking for ways to help New Hampshire businesses be sustainable," said Mary Collins, NH SBDC state director. "E-Learning for Entrepreneurs utilizes today's technology to provide knowledge, tools, and resources for the state's business owners. In this uncertain economy it is even more important that businesses statewide have access 24/7 to management tools that will help strengthen their firms. "

During six months of beta testing, more than 500 courses were taken by entrepreneurs in 125 rural and urban NH communities. Course titles include: Crafting Your Business Plan, Accounting 101, Creating Buzz: Small Business Marketing, and Finding and Attracting Investors. The classes can be found at the NH SBDC Web site.

"We more than doubled our outreach to New Hampshire business owners during our e-Learning for Entrepreneurs beta test," said Heidi Edwards Dunn, NH SBDC's educational program coordinator. "We believe that E-Learning for Entrepreneurs will be an invaluable resource for New Hampshire entrepreneurs, and I encourage them to watch for future additions to the program."

The project is underwritten by Citizens Bank Foundation, NH Department of Environmental Services, Public Service of New Hampshire, Daniel Webster College and TD Banknorth.

The NH Small Business Development Center provides confidential business management consulting and educational programs to New Hampshire's small businesses. The NH SBDC is the only New Hampshire agency that has
full-time certified business advisors providing one-on-one, long-term, management consulting to small businesses. NH SBDC is a cooperative venture with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New Hampshire (DRED), the University System of New Hampshire, and the private sector. For more info on NH SBDC, visit www.nhsbdc.org