6 Things to Know About Going Back to School and Running a Business

Guest article by Amber Ramsey of Learn It For Life

You’ve thought about earning a degree or certificate. But maybe you’ve been too busy building a successful small business to actually sign up for those classes? If so, you shouldn’t wait one second longer to make your education dreams become a reality!

Taking classes that pertain to your industry can give you an edge over the competition. Plus, it’s never been easier to go to school online or find financial help for your education or business. If you’re ready to learn more about how to make education goals work with your goals for business success, here’s what you need to know.

YOU’LL BECOME A MUCH MORE SAVVY BUSINESS OWNER

Obviously, the number one reason you should consider going back to school right now is that doing so can give your business a big boost. While you may be a pretty sharp entrepreneur already, there are no drawbacks to strengthening your skills when it comes to accounting, technology, food service, or any other area that is a necessity to keep your business thriving.

YOU CAN TAKE COLLEGE CLASSES ON THE GO OR AT HOME

Sure, you’d like to earn a degree to enhance your business, but you may be wondering how you can find the time to do so. Fortunately, there are accredited institutions that offer online degree programs that can benefit small business owners, including a bachelor’s in accounting. In an accounting program, you’ll learn more about economics, finance, business ethics, and marketing — all of which are valuable lessons for taking your business success to the next level.

YOU’LL NEED SOME BASIC TECH TO TAKE ONLINE CLASSES

If you want to keep your schedule truly flexible, you’ll need a laptop that’s truly portable. That way, you can complete assignments at home on the weekends, at work during breaks, or even while you are traveling to promote your business. You can find quite a few budget-friendly options that offer the power and features you will need to be at the top of your class.

YOU MAY ALSO NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS

Still not sure how to fit classes into your busy schedule? If you’re serious about pursuing your education goals, you could always turn to Elysian Staffing to get the help you need for business tasks you can delegate (like admin or marketing work) to free up your time and energy. This is an easier way to connect with the best talent, whether you need temporary help or more permanent solutions for your business.

YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY LOOK INTO OPTIONS FOR FINANCIAL AID

You may also be wondering how to find the extra cash you will need to cover tuition, books, and other education costs. If so, your first move should be to fill out a FAFSA, or Federal Application for Financial and Student Aid. Completing this form with your desired program and school information will put you in the running for grants, scholarships, a loan, and other programs that can help cover costs.

YOU ALSO WANT TO RESEARCH OTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

You may also be thinking about going back to school because you have more time on your hands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether this is because your business hours have been reduced, you’re working from home, or you’ve had to temporarily close shop, you should know that there are assistance programs available to help you keep your business — and life, in general — afloat. That way, you can worry less about the future of your business and concentrate on your new classes.

If you’ve always dreamed of earning a degree or furthering your education in some other way, there’s no time like the present. Before you know it, you will be a graduate with a ton of new skills and experiences that you can put towards helping your small business grow into the next chapter of success. With more online programs than ever before and plenty of options for financial assistance, there’s never been a better time to learn!

Elysian Staffing is a full-service staffing agency that specializes in helping businesses with creative hiring needs. Reach out to start growing your business by hiring top talent.

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