Let’s be honest: running a small business in South Africa can feel like juggling flaming hot chakalakas while riding a bucking bronco. But fear not, there’s a treasure trove of free courses and resources available from the big guns—designed to help you run your biz smarter, not harder. Here’s a quick look at the 11 best, just for you!
- Amazon Small Business Academy
Launched in 2019, this free program is like a toolkit for entrepreneurs, offering courses to help you start, build, and launch your business. Whether you’re fresh out of the gate or ready to scale, Amazon has something for every stage. - AT&T Small Business Resources
Need expert advice on going virtual or handling cybersecurity? AT&T offers free webinars, “playbooks,” and tips from legends like Barbara Corcoran, plus a whole bunch of small business-friendly phone and Wi-Fi deals. - Bank of America Small Business Resources
From managing money to improving credit, Bank of America’s resources cover all the essentials. Whether you’re applying for funding or strategising HR, they’ve got your back with articles and insights that take the guesswork out of running a small business. - Cisco Small Business Resource Center
Cisco’s site is packed with tech tips and advice for small business owners looking to improve their networking, security, and collaboration. They make the geeky stuff easy to understand, even if your Wi-Fi is still slower than a tortoise. - FreshBooks
If accounting gives you a headache, FreshBooks is your friend. Their blog and platform offer helpful insights and tips on accounting for small businesses at any stage—because even the smallest startup needs to keep their numbers in check. - Google for Startups
Google’s got your back with tools, guides, and even mentorship to help your startup grow. Whether you’re in need of funding or just a little direction, they’ve got everything from the Founders Academy to Accelerator programs to point you in the right direction. - Mailchimp Marketing Library
Mailchimp is not just about email campaigns; their library is loaded with easy-to-digest guides on everything from starting a business to mastering email marketing. Think of it as your digital business coach that doesn’t charge by the hour. - Shopify Blog
Shopify is the platform for eCommerce, and their blog is packed with solid advice. From product sourcing to customer management, their resources can help you scale your online store without the stress. - Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Verizon’s free courses, live events, and mentorship opportunities are geared towards diverse and under-resourced business owners. Plus, they offer resources in Spanish—because business should never be a language barrier. - Visa Small Business Hub
Visa’s Small Business Hub is an online goldmine of tools to help you with everything from managing your finances to boosting your online presence. Stay up to date with trends and tackle business challenges head-on. - Wells Fargo Small Business Resources
Wells Fargo’s portal is a one-stop shop for optimizing operations, securing financing, and improving your marketing strategy. From sales tips to debt management, they help you run a lean, mean, business machine.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, these free resources are a game-changer. So, grab a cup of coffee, dive into these platforms, and take your business to new heights—without breaking the bank!
Bonus: Looking for more ways to up your business game? Check out our Champions of Small Business series for the best accelerators, grant programs, and discounts for small business owners!
Source Info: https://www.entrepreneur.com/starting-a-business/11-free-courses-and-learning-resources-for-small-business/459063