Free training to sharpen your business skills
Access workshops, webinars, and courses led by expert instructors at no cost. Whether you're learning accounting basics, improving your marketing, or preparing to seek financing, these practical programs help you build business skills.
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Skill-building at no cost
ChatBiz connects you with nonprofit organizations, SBA-funded programs, and community partners that offer free business education.
Who provides this
Nonprofit business centers, SBA resource partners, community colleges, chambers of commerce, and industry associations all committed to small business education.
Format options
In-person workshops, live webinars, self-paced online courses, multi-week series, and one-day intensives. Choose what fits your schedule and learning style.
What to expect
Expert instructors with real-world experience, practical tools and templates, and opportunities to ask questions. Most programs are beginner to intermediate level.
Finding and applying for specialty financing
Accounting & Finance
Bookkeeping basics, financial statements, cash flow management, tax planning, and pricing strategies
Business Financing
Understanding loan options, preparing for lenders, building business credit, and improving loan readiness
Marketing
Social media marketing, content creation, email campaigns, branding, and customer acquisition strategies
Sales
Sales fundamentals, customer relationship management, negotiation tactics, and pipeline development
Technology
Business software tools, e-commerce platforms, productivity apps, cybersecurity basics, and digital transformation
Operations
Process optimization, inventory management, vendor relationships, quality control, and efficiency improvement
Good fit vs wrong fit
You're a good fit if
You want to build specific business skills or fill knowledge gaps
You're willing to invest time in learning (workshops range from 1 hour to several weeks)
You're open to beginner or intermediate-level content
You're looking for practical tools and frameworks you can apply immediately
You value networking with other small business
owners
owners
You're preparing to seek financing and want to strengthen your readiness
Look elsewhere if
You need advanced, industry-specific expertise (these are generalist programs)
You're looking for certification or accredited degrees
You expect one-on-one coaching (most are group workshops)
You want guaranteed business results from attending a workshop
You're unable to commit to scheduled sessions or multi-part series
You need immediate answers to urgent business problems
Finding and applying for specialty financing
Filter programs
Search our database by topic and location then contact the provider that meets your needs in one click.
Review details
Read program descriptions, instructor bios, prerequisites, and participant reviews to choose the right fit.
Register
Sign up through the provider's website or contact person. Most programs are free but require advance registration.
Prepare
Review any pre-work, gather requested materials, and come with questions about your specific business situation.
Attend & apply
Participate actively, take notes, and implement what you learn. Follow up with providers if you need additional support.
We connect you, they train you
ChatBiz maintains a directory of free training programs, but we don't deliver the training ourselves. We're here to help you discover the right educational opportunities for your business needs.
ChatBiz Database
Searchable directory of verified free training programs nationwide
Training Provider
Expert instructors deliver practical business education and skill-building
Building capital readiness? Many training programs focus on preparing businesses for financing. After completing relevant workshops, use ChatBiz to check your eligibility with our network of lenders.
Realistic expectations
Free training programs offer tremendous value, but quality and depth vary across providers. Here's what to keep in mind.
Quality varies
Some programs are excellent with experienced instructors and practical content. Others may be outdated or too generic. Read reviews and ask for recommendations.
Some providers upsell
While the core training is free, some providers may promote paid services, certifications, or consulting. You're never obligated to purchase anything.
Mostly introductory to intermediate
Most free programs cover foundational and intermediate topics. Advanced or highly specialized training typically requires paid courses or
consulting.
consulting.
Application required
Learning is only valuable if you apply it. The best results come from business owners who implement what they learn, not just attend sessions.
150+ consulting organizations nationwide
Our database includes trusted nonprofits and SBA-funded programs across the country
SCORE workshops
Free business education from experienced mentors
SBDC training series
Small Business Development Center courses
Training for women entrepreneurs
Women's Business Center programs
Community college courses
Free or low-cost business education
Local business workshops and seminars
Chamber of commerce events
Industry association workshops
Trade-specific skill-building programs
Online learning platforms
Self-paced digital courses and webinars
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