In Part 2, I shared some resources to help you determine the state and federal requirements necessary to start your birth business in your area. In Part 3, I will take a look at business classes for small business owners.

Enroll in Small Business Classes

Live Classes. If you are starting a business for the very first time, you may find it valuable to take some live courses for small business owners. You may be able to find a comprehensive class series that covers everything from business planning to marketing to basic bookkeeping. Or, you can take classes ala carte, based on what you want to learn. In addition to learning business basics, this is a great way to meet other business owners, learn about even more resources available to you, and market yourself and your business.

Your tax dollars have created a fabulous resource in the form of the Small Business Administration, or SBA. Through the SBA, there are organizations called Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Women’s Business Centers throughout the United States. Many of these organizations offer free and inexpensive classes and counseling to help you learn about running your business.

If you are not located near an SBDC or a Women’s Business Center, see if your local community college or school district offers any adult education courses about small business. More good sources to check out include your local Chamber of Commerce or local networking groups.

Online Classes. Due to the busy-ness of our lives, sometimes it is difficult to get away from our families to go live classes. Another option would then be to take courses online.

I mentioned another SBA-based service called SCORE in Part 2 of this series. In addition to offering counseling services, SCORE offers online classes on a variety of business topics.

Another wonderful option for pre-recorded, online workshops specifically for birth professionals is through a website called Conscious Woman. Although classes have not been held recently, recordings of previous classes are available for purchase and download. Most of the classes that are offered are specifically geared towards midwives, doulas and lactation consultants. There are classes specifically about birth and other relevant topics, as well as classes about legal issues such as business structures, copyright law, and contracts. I would highly recommend checking out Conscious Woman.

Please share any additional resources for business classes or workshops that you’ve taken or know about. Visit the Inspired Birth Pro Facebook Page or add a comment below.

These posts may also inspire you:

1. Life After Training – Part 2: Research Requirements to Start Business
2. Learn Tax Basics for Small Business Owners Directly From The IRS
3. Life After Training – Part 1: Build Your Support System
4. Joining Professional Groups For Business Growth
5. Eight Ways To Find Out What’s New About Birth