With the help of the Internet, entrepreneurs around the world are finding new levels of success in their business ventures. Raising capital, conducting market research, managing finances, and connecting with vendors, customers and investors is more feasible because of Web-based applications, communication systems, social media sites and other tools and resources. This collection of open courseware is another extension of Web-based educational tools that help entrepreneurs stay ahead of the competition. Classes from the University of California - Irvine, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, BusinessWeek and MIT are designed to give entrepreneurs access to user-friendly resources that help them start and maintain their businesses. In a flexible, convenient format, students are able to take these courses around their busy schedules.

Classes give instruction in human resources, employee training, raising capital, finding investors, managing teams, building up leadership skills, and other basic strategies for entrepreneurs. Because entrepreneurs are usually the main leader in a small business, they are responsible for accounting, marketing, human resources, management, organization, and many other business duties. By taking one or all of these courses designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs will find the support and tools they need to succeed in their unique business ventures. Specific topics covered include strategic direction, leadership, organizational function, group dynamics, finance, and more. Additional resources and reading assignments offered through the courses supplement lecture notes.

• Training and Human Resource Development [UC - Irvine] - Entrepreneurs gain valuable human resources skills in this course.
• The Entrepreneurial Strategies [Kutztown University of Pennsylvania] - Learn the basics of opening up and running your own business in this class.
• Raising Capital for Your Small Business [BusinessWeek] - This open courseware class from Business Week teaches small business owners how to get investors and raise capital.

Start-Up Basics for the First-Time Entrepreneur [BusinessWeek] - This course includes four lessons, all designed to help first-time entrepreneurs find their way.

• Individuals, Groups and Organizations [MIT] - Entrepreneurs will learn how to manage teams, understand group dynamics and master the principles of behavioral science.

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