Online Class: Small Business Guide

Navigate the complexities of starting a business by mastering regulatory compliance and safeguarding your enterprise's financial health with this course. You'll gain insights into business registration, intellectual property, taxation, and employment laws to build a strong foundation for success.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 13
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 52
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 5
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Navigating the Business Landscape: Essential Legal and Financial Foundations

Venturing into the world of business is a thrilling yet complex journey, one that is lined with a plethora of rules, guidelines, and often daunting regulations. From the initial spark of an idea to the establishment of a thriving enterprise, every step involves decisions with legal and financial implications. This course is meticulously curated to guide entrepreneurs through this intricate maze, ensuring they lay down a foundation that is not only compliant but also conducive to sustainable success.

Course Overview:

The path to business ownership is more than just selling a product or service; it's about ensuring every facet of your enterprise operates within the purview of the law, while also making savvy financial decisions to secure and grow your assets.

  • Regulatory Compliance: From the moment you conceive the idea of a business, various regulations come into play. This course unpacks the multifaceted layers of compliance, highlighting the importance of licenses, permits, and adherence to tax and employment laws. We delve into real-world case studies that underscore the ramifications of non-compliance, emphasizing the vital need for entrepreneurs to be well-informed.

  • Protecting Business Assets: Beyond compliance, a business’s longevity is intrinsically linked to how it manages and protects its assets. This encompasses safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring against unforeseen adversities, and understanding the financial avenues available for business expansion.

Detailed Course Breakdown:

  1. Registration of Business Name: Learn the nuances of selecting and legally registering a business name that aligns with your brand identity and meets legal criteria.

  2. Business Structures: Unpack the various business structures available, understanding their legal and financial implications.

  3. Sole Proprietorship and Partnerships: Dive into the simplest business forms, exploring their advantages, limitations, and suitability based on your business vision.

  4. Corporation: A deep dive into corporations, exploring their structure, benefits, and the responsibilities they entail.

  5. Limited Liability Company (LLC): Understand the hybrid structure of an LLC, its protective advantages, and its operational flexibility.

  6. Licenses and Permits: Navigate the regulatory landscape, understanding the various permits and licenses your business might require, from zoning approvals to health and safety certifications.

  7. Intellectual Property: Grasp the importance of protecting your business's intangible assets. From trademarks to patents, learn the process and significance of each.

  8. Taxes: Decode the complex world of business taxation. Understand the various tax obligations, deductions, and best practices to ensure compliance and financial health.

  9. Employees: Dive into employment laws, understanding your obligations and rights as an employer. Explore topics ranging from contracts to employee rights and benefits.

  10. Insurance: Recognize the various types of business insurances available, understanding their scope and determining which ones are vital for your business type and scale.

  11. Finance - Grants, Loans, and Venture Capital: Unlock the potential of various financial sources available to businesses. Understand the nuances of grants, loans, and venture capital, determining which avenue aligns best with your business goals and needs.

Why This Course?

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, equipped knowledge is your most potent tool. This course provides you with a comprehensive roadmap, ensuring you make informed decisions that foster growth while minimizing legal and financial pitfalls.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to refresh your knowledge, this course offers invaluable insights. Join us on this enlightening journey and lay down a foundation for your business that promises robust growth and unmatched success. Let this course illuminate your path, turning potential pitfalls into stepping stones toward your entrepreneurial dreams.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.55 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,365 votes)

Lesson 1. Navigating the Complex World of Business Name Registration

Registering a business name is a critical initial step, providing legal protection and helping forge a strong brand identity. Navigating the varied regulations across state lines requires strategic planning and ensures smooth business operations. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: Registration of Business Name

Lesson 2. Structuring Your Business: From Concept to Continuity

Deciding upon a business format significantly defines liability exposure, tax treatment, and decision-making processes. Entrepreneurs must understand these elements to craft a tailored path toward sustainable success and stakeholder confidence. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Business Structures

Lesson 3. Crafting Your Business Path: Exploring Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships

Sole proprietors gain business impetus from minimal formalities and unified financial management tied to personal taxes, yet face growth limitations and personal risk exposure. Partnerships harness synergy from combined resources and shared vision, fostering a supportive environment while necessitating effective conflict resolution and clear contractual terms. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Sole Proprietorship and Partnerships

Lesson 4. Navigating the Labyrinth of Corporate Formation: A Deep Dive into Incorporation

Corporate operations are governed by a blend of state laws and federal regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability to shareholders. This structure supports diverse purposes from commercial ventures to nonprofits, solidifying the corporation's role in various sectors. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Corporation

Lesson 5. LLC Essentials Explored

As a modern business entity, the LLC facilitates innovation and growth by offering members liability protection and operational flexibility. Entrepreneurs leverage these features by drafting comprehensive Operating Agreements and aligning their business strategies with state and federal regulations. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Limited Liability Company

Lesson 6. The Legal Fundamentals of Startup Success: Licenses and Permits

State regulations often involve separate tax obligations and business licenses for activities like real estate or medical services. Understanding the diverse requirements across different states is vital for businesses expanding across regional borders. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: Licenses and Permits

Lesson 7. Understanding the Essentials of Intellectual Property

Intellectual property rights are crucial to safeguarding original works, inventions, and brands, enabling creators and companies to thrive in a competitive economy. Understanding copyright, patents, and trademarks allows for the protection of creative and innovative efforts, ensuring longevity and profitability. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Intellectual Property

Lesson 8. Taxation in Business: Essentials Every Entrepreneur Must Know

Understanding business taxes is crucial for entrepreneurs, impacting financial health and growth. With evolving regulations, businesses must stay informed about various structures and obligations for optimal tax efficiency. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Taxes

Lesson 9. Keys to Empowering and Protecting Your Workforce

Employees are pivotal to business success, acting as its backbone and key drivers of goals through expertise and creativity. Essential federal laws such as FLSA, OSHA, and FMLA are in place to ensure fair treatment and protection for employees, forming the legal framework for responsible workplace practices. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: Employees

Lesson 10. A Comprehensive Guide to Business Insurance: Beyond Risk Management

Liability insurance shields businesses from legal disputes and potential financial ruin by covering damages and legal fees arising from lawsuits. It’s essential to understand policy limits, which typically do not extend to issues like contract breaches or discrimination suits. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: Insurance

Lesson 11. Debt or Equity: Choosing Your Path to Business Financing

Debt financing offers startup capital without surrendering ownership, while equity financing trades stakes for resources and expertise, ideal for businesses prioritizing collaboration. The misunderstood landscape of government assistance rarely includes grants, focusing instead on loans and venture capital for research-driven enterprises. 60 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: How would you rate this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Finance – Grants, Loans, Venture Capital
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
157
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize registration of business name.
  • Summarize business structures.
  • Summarize sole proprietorship and partnerships.
  • Define corporation.
  • Define limited liability company.
  • Describe licenses and permits.
  • Summarize intellectual property.
  • Summarize taxes.
  • Describe hiring employees.
  • Describe insurance requirements and types.
  • Summarize finance options, including grants, loans, and venture capital.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Small Business Guide
Course Number: 8900100
Lessons Rating: 4.55 / 5 Stars (1,365 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.
Last Updated: May 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: John Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Very straight-forward with lots of good information for starting a business." -- Chantelle P.
  • "Excellent instructor. I like receiving feedback from my instructors." -- Shannon S.
  • "This course was awesome!" -- Jerrie S.
  • "Thank you for your presentation and feedback." -- Daniel S.
  • "Thank you, you're an excellent instructor!" -- Rakisha C.
  • "All of it was helpful." -- Leah F.
  • "The overall information was great." -- Deborah C.

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