New, Online Instructor-Taught Classes for Small Business Owners to be Provided by the SBA and the Thomson Corporation

New online business classes will be available for small
businesses throughout the nation through a cosponsorship between the U.S.
Small Business Administration and the Thomson Corp. (Ed2Go).

Ed2Go is a
national provider of online instructor-taught training classes, offering
courses through more than 1,000 community colleges and other partners around
the country.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to enroll in
three of Ed2Go’s most popular online educational courses at no cost.

The
courses being offered are:

* Creating a Successful Business Plan

Work through all of the major components of a business plan
and turn your business ideas into a solid plan for financing and long-term
success. Committing your idea to paper in the form of a business plan
increases your chances of obtaining financing and keeps your business
strategically focused.

* Customer Service Fundamental

Develop new skills in identifying and satisfying customer
needs, and become an indispensable asset to any organization. This online
course will help you discover and master the essentials of customer service.
You’ll learn the best ways to measure customer service, apply the principles
of consumer behavior to your business, and differentiate between industrial
and consumer marketing.

* Creating Web Pages

Create and post your very own Web site on the Internet in
this extensive, hands-on workshop. Learn about the capabilities of the
World Wide Web and the fundamentals of Web design. You’ll also learn
critical and timely information on securing the best possible location in
search engine listings, and powerful no-cost or low-cost Web marketing
strategies.

Each online course will be six weeks in length, and will be facilitated by
an instructor. The courses will begin June 15, with the next course start
dates beginning on July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21.

Online registration for each course will be available starting May 25, 2005,
to the first 2,400 individuals to register. Registration for each class
will be taken at the SBA’s Small Business Training Network site at
http://www.sba.gov/training . Go to the free online
courses section and click on the "Instructor-Facilitated Courses" button to
complete your registration.

# # #

Rena Carlson

Public Affairs Specialist

Montana SBA District Office

10 W. 15th St., Suite 1100

Helena, MT 59626

406.441.1081 *128

202.481.4195 FAX

[email protected]