The City of Austin Economic Development Department launched new small business training classes featuring topics for all business types, including non-profit organizations and creative professionals. The 3-hour classes include a follow-along workbook, resource toolkit full of samples, templates, helpful links, and low-cost software.
The City has contracted an Austin-based small business, Distance Learning Media, LLC, to create and deliver the new class offerings. Training topics focus on organizational development, marketing and communications, money matters, and managing people. Special workshops offer hands-on training for complex lessons like writing a business plan, creating a marketing calendar, or mapping out a recruiting and hiring strategy. Classes are taught by industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
“We have received great feedback from participants on the new classes, the instructors, and the course materials,” says Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Economic Development Department Director. “We offer our new classes in-person at our main office on East Ben White or virtually via Zoom. We want to make sure small business owners have a choice and can make time to attend in a way that works for them and their employees.”
In 2022, the Economic Development Department commissioned a Small Business Needs Assessment to determine what the small business community needed to be successful. It was conducted post-pandemic with a respected group of local business owners, subject-matter experts, and coaches. Guided by the over 1,000 responses, DLM created a curriculum it says is beneficial to traditional small businesses, creatives, and non-profit communities.
“We’re proud to have these Austin-based leaders and instructors help build this program and teach the classes,” said Julie Niehoff, DLM Co-Founder, and Program Director. “It’s important to build that sense of community and help each other succeed. In the wake of COVID-19, it’s nice to be working with other business owners, non-profit and creative professionals, everyone learning together in these interactive, conversational classes, and learning from each other.”
Participants who complete six classes will earn a Business Skills Certification from the City of Austin and DLM. The certificates are awarded twice annually with a special reception at Austin City Hall.
Additionally, the Economic Development Department will host a collection of classes during Small Business Fundamentals Week (January 23 -27), guiding entrepreneurs through key areas of focus in preparing to start or rebuild a business.
For a complete list of the Economic Development Department Small Business Division training classes and resources, visit www.SmallBizAustin.org.
