Online courses and business success training programs offered by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will be provided at no cost to small business owners through 2020.

“During this time, it is more important than ever for us to continue to offer accessible and high-quality educational resources for small businesses,” said Allan Adams, UGA SBDC state director. “We’re happy to have the opportunity to temporarily offer all our training programs at no cost as small business owners get back on their feet.”

The UGA SBDC is able to offer the programs at no direct cost through new federal funding allocated to the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and through corporate sponsorships.

Kyle Hensel, UGA SBDC director of continuing education, has been helping SBDC consultants design their content for an online format as well as develop new curricula addressing current challenges. Topics include business planning, operations and strategy, marketing, financials and accounting, human resources and more.

“We’re continuing to innovate to deliver educational resources for Georgia’s businesses,” Hensel said. “Like many of the small businesses we serve, we’ve taken this as an opportunity to adapt.”

Programs will be offered through each of the UGA SBDC’s 17 center locations throughout the state. Training participants will also have the opportunity to connect with their local UGA SBDC consultants to learn more about the resources available.