Someone asked me today whether it is advisable for someone who wants to start a business to enroll first in a short business course before embarking on the process of entrepreneurship.

It is always best to come into the business very well prepared. Depending on your time, resources, and learning preferences, there are a number of ways you can learn about how to start a business — even without sitting through a classroom. There are plenty of books and websites on the topic, and you can talk to entrepreneurs who are actually doing it and learn from their experiences.

If you really have to enroll in a short business course, I would recommend a course on how to start your specific type of business (e.g. a course on starting an importing and exporting business if this is the line of business you are interested in) rather than a general course on entrepreneurship. Or something more specific like how to raise capital for your startup.

Before enrolling in a paid course, check out SBA’s Small Business Training Network (SBTN), which offers FREE online courses on various aspects of entrepreneurship — from general information on starting a business to writing a business plan to how to raise capital funds to identifying your target market. I highly recommend that you take a look at these free online courses — and if there is anything that you want more clarification or more information, then go for a short business course.