5 Online Learning Sources to Boost Your Business Acumen | Entrepreneur

Photo: Dan Scalco

"The internet's free exchange of ideas makes it easier than ever to learn about real-world issues that affect your company." notes Dan Scalco , Guest Writer and founder and marketing director at Digitalux.

Photo: undrey | Getty Images

There’s never been a better time to be in business. As the world has grown increasingly interconnected, the internet has become a veritable treasure trove of information on how to run a successful company.

No matter your industry or experience level, there’s always something new you can learn. Here are five online resources to help you take your business acumen to the next level.

1. Academic Earth. 
Academic Earth offers online learning programs and degrees in a wide range of topics, including programs on accounting, business, entrepreneurship, management and marketing. These courses are designed to broaden students’ understanding of the business world and hone their skills in a variety of specialties. Topics range from identifying business opportunities to finding the right venture capital. Other courses focus on creating a meaningful workplace for employees, manufacturing need for your product and cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit.

2. Coursera.  
Coursera is chock full of knowledge for entrepreneurs (and pretty much everyone else). With courses ranging from "Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Thinking and Action" to "Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship," you'll find plenty of content to help guide new startups. Coursera even can suggest ways to bankroll your business adventure, with courses such as "New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs." Many courses were developed at nationally renowned colleges and universities. But no matter their origins, you can rest assured these programs will lead to you new skills and ideas.

3. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. 
Anyone looking to build a firm foundation on business basics will benefit from Kutztown’s Free Online Learning Programs. According to Kutztown's website, the program encompasses "one of the largest collections of free, on-demand entrepreneurial training resources in the United States” (just try to say that 10 times fast). Choose from categories such as accounting, business planning, legal issues, management development and marketing to refine and test your business knowledge.
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Source: Entrepreneur