Running a small business can be challenging. As a business owner, you wear many hats and have many responsibilities, regardless of your industry. To stay ahead of the competition, you need to continuously develop and hone the essential skills that will help you run your business successfully.

This article will provide you with the tools you need to succeed, with information on different training courses that cover taxes, business management, and using accounting software like QuickBooks Online to better manage your business. Keep reading to check out the following topics:

• Why should you expand your knowledge with training courses?
• Tax classes for small business owners
• Top business classes for small business owners
• Accounting courses for small business owners

Why should you expand your knowledge with training courses?

As a small business owner, you probably already have a lot of experience in your chosen field - but that doesn’t mean you can’t continuously learn more about your industry and effective business practices. 

In the fast-paced world of business, it's survival of the fittest. And let's be real, giants like Google and Amazon aren't just sitting around twiddling their thumbs. They're constantly evolving and taking notes from each other. So if you're clinging on old strategies and methods you’ve always relied upon, you might just get left in the dust. 

To develop successful business strategies, it's essential to have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Further training and education can offer valuable insights into what it takes to develop your business, equipping you with the tools and techniques needed to grow your company. From understanding market trends to harnessing the power of accounting software, completing training courses provides you with the necessary skills to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of being a small business owner.

Tax classes for small business owners 

Navigating the complex world of business taxes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a new business owner just starting out in your industry. Luckily, you can learn everything you need about filing your taxes in your region before it’s required of you. 

We recommend looking for the following: 

Small business tax workshops

Taxation can be quite complicated when it comes to running a business, especially since tax regulations tend to change frequently. 

Small business tax workshops provide extremely valuable knowledge and guidance on how to navigate the complexities of filing tax returns, optimizing tax savings, and comprehending the consequences of different types of business structures. By enrolling in a course like this, you can gain the necessary tools you need to make sure you stay compliant with tax laws.

Region-specific tax courses

Understanding the tax regulations of your country and region is crucial for you as a business owner. Specialized tax courses offered for your country will cover topics like income tax, tax returns, and what’s expected for your business type and structure. Completing these courses ensures that you're well-versed in tax preparation, making the process smoother and potentially unlocking opportunities for filing tax deductions. 

Top business classes for small business owners 

Although you may believe you have a solid understanding of business basics, there is always room for growth. Successful business owners continuously strive to broaden their knowledge by taking a proactive approach. Now, let's explore which business courses would be beneficial for small business owners. 

Online business courses for entrepreneurs

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in business. You need to adopt a range of skills and implement diverse strategies to succeed. 

Online business courses offer a comprehensive approach and will cover topics like strategy, development, social media marketing, time management, and digital marketing. The advantage of these courses is in their flexibility, as they allow business owners to acquire knowledge at their own pace and convenience through online learning.

Exploring free online business courses

For entrepreneurs who are mindful of their budget, free online business courses are an excellent way to build knowledge without becoming out of pocket. These courses usually cover the fundamentals of business principles and strategies, and may include anything from business development to financial management. 

While these courses may not provide an in-depth exploration like their paid alternatives, they serve as a valuable starting point for individuals who need to grasp the basics.

Accounting courses for small business owners

QuickBooks, a widely used accounting software, plays a pivotal role in managing the financial aspects of small businesses. QuickBooks offers training events and webinars that cater specifically to small business owners. 

If you're new to QuickBooks Online accounting software or want to learn more about how to use it, join a free on-demand webinar or watch QuickBooks' Global Certification course to become certified for free.

QuickBook’s Small Business Accounting 101

For small business owners who are new to accounting and bookkeeping or looking for a refresher, enrolling in a QuickBook’s Small Business Accounting 101 course is an essential first step towards understanding accounting basics. It’s designed specifically to help business owners improve their financial knowledge. This is a free course that can be taken at your own pace. Being self-paced, it allows busy business owners like you to learn at your own pace and fit your ongoing education into your busy schedule.

Let's explore what you can expect to learn from QuickBook’s Small Business Accounting 101 course and how it can empower you to have a better grasp of your business finances and accounting tasks:

Understanding financial reports

The Small Business Accounting 101 course equips small business owners with the ability to comprehend financial reports. Participants will delve into the intricacies of accounting terms, and understanding financial statements such as balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. This knowledge forms the foundation for evaluating a business's financial health, identifying areas of strength and addressing potential challenges.

Effective cash flow management

Cash flow serves as the lifeblood of any small business. Learning how to manage cash flow effectively is a vital skill that can make or break your business. The course provides valuable insights into monitoring incoming and outgoing funds, optimizing payment timing, managing receipts and maintaining a healthy balance for day-to-day operations as well as future growth.

Accurate transaction recording

Maintaining accurate records is fundamental to sound financial management. The Small Business Accounting 101 course provides guidance to business owners on how to accurately record their transactions. You’ll get a better understanding of why keeping well-organized and detailed records is essential, helping you to stay compliant with your tax obligations. 

Enabling informed business decision-making

Financial literacy empowers business owners to make financial decisions that directly impact the success of their ventures. Theis course goes beyond teaching basic accounting principles; it equips participants with the management skills to interpret financial data and utilize it strategically. This includes evaluating investment feasibility, establishing realistic budgets and comprehending the financial implications of different business strategies.

Establishing proper bookkeeping practices

Setting up a strong foundation for a business's financial books is crucial for long-term success. The Small Business Accounting 101 course walks participants through the process of implementing an effective accounting system. This involves creating a comprehensive chart of accounts and adopting efficient bookkeeping practices. 

Sign up for QuickBooks Online Today

At QuickBooks, we understand how time-consuming financial management is for small business owners. Our accounting software for small businesses automates complex accounting tasks and processes so that you can get on with running your small business while maintaining a solid grasp of your finances. Try QuickBooks Online free for 30 days and see how QuickBooks can help you stay on top of your business finances.