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Discover the Best Business Classes Near Me
When people say business, it's a reference to an income-generating organization–commercial, industrial, or other– that fulfills a need. Businesses may sell goods, services, or a combination of the two. Businesses are run by or employ people who manage the finances, create marketing campaigns, develop strategies, provide customer service, and much more. Large businesses may have entire departments devoted to strategizing, while a small business might have one person fulfill several roles.
Learning about business is essential because it can equip you with valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in any career. It can help you understand the why behind business leaders’ decisions.
Expanding your business knowledge can grow your understanding of economics, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. These business principles help you make informed and nuanced decisions in your workplace. Business education can also teach you how organizations function and run effectively. Skills developed in business courses–communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and critical thinking–are highly transferable and in-demand across industries. Learning these skills can make you a valuable employer asset, opening up more job opportunities.
Best Business Classes & Schools
Here are the top 10 business classes and schools:
- EA Principals, Inc–Applied Business Architecture (located in New York)
- Noble Desktop–Effective Business Writing (located in New York)
- Los Angeles City College–From Bright Ideas to Smart Business (located in Los Angeles)
- American Management Association–Assertiveness Training for Women in Business (Live Online)
- Quality & Productivity Solutions, Inc–Developing High Performance Teams (located in Marlborough, MA)
- Computer Training Source, Inc– Six Sigma (Live Online)
- Digital Workshop Center–Bookkeeping Fundamentals (Live Online)
- American Management Association–The Strategic Controller (Live Online)
- NYIM Training–Excel for Business Bootcamp (Live Online)
- Lean Methods Group–Change Leadership (in Denver)
#1: EA Principals, Inc.–Applied Business Architecture (in New York)
Located in Manhattan, EA Principals specializes in training top business leaders of US Government agencies and private companies. In their Applied Business Architecture course, participants learn modeling, capabilities, TOGAF business scenarios, information mapping, and value streams. The instructor brings in typical situations, so you can practice the application. Business Architects are in high demand, yet more people need to be trained to fulfill these jobs. Attending this class will help you stand out. Accredited by The Open Group, this course prepares students to take the TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 Exam.
Key Information
EA Principals, Inc Applied Business Architecture costs $1595. There are no materials fees. A complete refund, less a 2% processing fee, is honored if the student drops out no later than three weeks before the start date. Missed portions of courses may be made up during another section of the class due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. EA Principals will not provide a refund within 21 days of the class start date.
After taking this course, students can request a Certificate of completion. They can also sign up for TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 Exam. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions over 45 minutes. Completing the exam with a passing score will lead to a TOGAF Business Architecture Level 1 Open Badge.
More Details
You can attend EA Principals in person in New York City or at one of their global locations, such as Virginia, , France, Australia, Poland, or Kuwait. They specialize in working with government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
#2: Noble Desktop–Effective Business Writing (in New York)
Businesses need skilled and trained writers. The fastest and most effective way to gain these skills is taking a class like Effective Business Writing in New York. This class also may be offered live online. Enroll in this business writing course to enhance your writing abilities, from emails to proposals. The course starts by diving into the essentials of effective writing: audience, structure, and purpose. Then, it layers different business writing genres. Students will craft effective digital communications, including the unfavorable news email. They will also compose formal documents such as business letters and the important business proposal.
Key Information
The price for the in-person or live online course is $325. Students may select a one-day class or break the course into two sections across two days. Enrolled individuals must be at least 18 years of age. However, this class does not have any prerequisites. Students can also take this class as part of a package to save money. Noble Desktop offers a Business Writing Bootcamp, blending this course with their advanced business writing course and grammar essentials. Students can take the 18-hour course for $695, saving several hundred dollars off the individual sticker prices.
Students must pay for the class before the session begins but may cancel up to 11 business days before the class starts, minus the registration fee. If students are more than four days from the class start, they may reschedule without penalty. Noble Desktop also offers free retakes within one year of the course.
More Details
When students complete the class, they will receive a certificate of completion from Noble Desktop. The necessary software is provided, or the instructor will help students sign up for a free trial. In the many online reviews, students express satisfaction with Noble Desktop’s courses, including their business writing class. Martine A. said, “the reminders are a great refresher of what I knew. Granted I didn’t know it all, and was very impressed to learn the different styles of writing that can be included in the document.” She continued to “recommend the course to professionals and college graduates about to enter the work force.”
#3: Los Angeles City College–From Bright Idea to Smart Business (in Los Angeles)
Many people start a business with little or no guidance. In this business management class offered in-person by Los Angeles City College, the instructor guides students to work through their business ideas before leaping all in. Students think through and identify the problem their business solves and their targeted audience. They also gain foundational knowledge in principles of small business management, pricing structure, work-life balance, and more. Attendees will leave the class with a greater awareness of business information and several resources like electronic spreadsheets.
#4: American Management Association–Assertiveness Training for Women in Business (Live Online)
Take this business assertiveness training for women– in the heart of San Francisco: Union Square, or live online. American Management Association teaches a similar self-improvement course for all genders called Assertiveness Training for Managers in business. They teach assertiveness techniques to female business professionals. Assertiveness techniques are critical for all business professionals but are essential for women. Over several days, women will have the chance to learn the skills, practice them, and share frustrations with like-minded female professionals. Constant feedback, woven into each challenge, will help refine your skills and garner more respect from colleagues and clients.
Key Information
Assertiveness Training for Women in Business is available live online or in person in San Francisco. The course includes 14 hours of instruction and is aimed primarily at those with some management experience–4 years or more– and who wish to improve their conflict resolution and influence skills. Tuition for the course is around $2.6K. There are no required prerequisites but participants must be at least 21 or older.
More Details
Online attendees need a minimum bandwidth requirement of 512 kbps, and cookies and JavaScript enabled. Additionally, they must have pop-up blockers turned off. Headsets are strongly encouraged but optional. Students can get a refund up to three weeks before the course, less a 5% rescheduling fee. Transferring to a future session or sending someone to take the course in your stead is acceptable. Classes must be paid for by the start of the first session, often at the time of booking. One student praised the course saying, “I thoroughly enjoyed the class, the material, and the discussions. I feel like I have a lot of tools to use to be more assertive and gain confidence when in a room with people at different levels of the corporate hierarchy.”
#5: Quality & Productivity Solutions, Inc–Developing High Performance Teams (in Marlborough, Massachusetts)
Good leaders are like talented coaches; they use effective methodologies, vetted tools, and robust techniques to improve their teams. Leaders who regularly incorporate team building and work on their group dynamics–skills covered in this class–are more effective. This coaching business class in Massachusetts teaches proactive, in-the-moment, and reactive strategies for reducing problems. When teams are set up correctly, potential problems fail to develop. All teams have some conflicts and a few problems that breakthrough. The instructor covers strategies for addressing the few. After taking this course, managers and individuals alike will improve their team’s effectiveness.
Key Information
Every manager wants a high-performance team. This class is currently available in person in Boston but can be booked privately for a group of eight or more. This course is ideal for individuals or current managers who want to use coaching to improve their team’s ability to function well as a unit. Managers and would-be managers will start by learning an effective team’s twelve characteristics. Then, they will learn strategies for moving their team toward the ideal. Using action planning and analysis tools to improve the team will be covered.
Tuition for the course is $1495 for three full days of content. There are no required prerequisites, but participants must be at least 21 or older to sign up.
More Details
The company will refund all tuition if it’s within five days of booking the course (and the course has not started. If five days have elapsed, reasonable administrative costs may be deducted from the refund. You may resign from the course after the course has started and will be entitled to a partial refund. Classes must be paid for by the start of the first session, often at the time of booking. Reviews for the school, Quality & Productivity Solutions, Inc, are generally positive. Currently, it averages 5 out of 5 stars.
#6: Computer Training Source, Inc– Six Sigma (Live Online)
Taking a Six Sigma course live online automatically gives you a leg up. Six Sigma is one of the most popular business methodologies. A certificate course like this one can help you earn a raise or nab that perfect job. Through a combination of interactive games, videos, and simulations, participants learn how to use data to solve business problems. Participants get comfortable with using analysis software for the data. At the end of the course, the instructors continue to mentor their students, helping them complete and earn their Green Belt project.
Key Information
Computer Training Source, Inc has two options for live online courses: five full days, or ten partial days/eventings. The class requires a reliable internet connection and a device to access the class over Zoom. Lean Six Sigma is a management solution that embraces proactive solutions to business problems. It strives for organizations to prevent problems, waste, and variation by standardizing workflows. It is not a top-down strategy; every employee is expected to be involved when implementing Lean Six Sigma.
This class has 100% confidence in its content; anyone who takes the Six Sigma Green Belt certification exam offered by Lean Sigma Corp and does not pass it on the first attempt will get the second attempt paid for by Six Sigma Development Solutions as long as the student attended all class sessions, took the exam within three months after the last session, and took two practice exams.
More Details
The school, Computer Training Source, Inc, offers classes to businesses and individuals. The company can schedule in-person classes in Chicago, but most classes occur online. They average 4.7 out of 5 stars across the board. Computer Training Solutions is often recognized for the organization of its classes. Stella, who enrolled in two business courses with CTS recommended the company’s courses due to their instructions, communications, and quality of materials.
#7: Digital Workshop Center–Bookkeeping Fundamentals (Live Online)
This online bookkeeping business class introduces the basics of bookkeeping for small business owners or people who want to understand simple bookkeeping systems. Managing finances can be one of the most challenging parts of a business. In this training course, you’ll learn how to handle your own business & personal records or work in a bookkeeping role. Gone will be the days of asking what your business can afford to spend. It’s time to learn and take charge of your business’ earnings.
Key Information
Bookkeeping Fundamentals is spread out over three partial days. For under $1500, students will gain skills to complete the basics. They will learn how to classify accounts, analyze expected business transactions, utilize debits and credits, correctly record and post transactions, prepare financial statements, and analyze finances. Though not required, this course recommends students have current access to QuickBooks online before the course starts. Students can create a free account for up to 30 days.
Ideally, students arrive with some basic accounting vocabulary knowledge. Before enrolling in this course, students must have basic digital literacy and file management skills. Check the internet access before the first day of class. Also, a microphone is a requirement.
More Details
Digital Workshop Center has been around since 2006. The school prides itself on being community-based and independent. If a student is not accepted into the school, DWS will return all money. Cancellations with full refunds are allowed within three business days of registration. After three days, students can get a refund minus a $150 charge. Once the class starts, any cancellation will result in a partial refund. The school is an eligible training provider in several states, including Washington, Iowa, and Colorado, and is a veterans education training provider. Students can also enroll in one of their certificate programs in business administration.
#8: American Management Association–The Strategic Controller (Live Online)
Whether you are new to a controller role or are more experienced, this specialized business class in Chicago or the same Strategic Controller live online course will help you adapt to the continual evolution of a controller’s role. Businesses have high expectations for their controllers, wanting them to be number crunchers, custodians, analysts, and business partners. In this course, you will learn how to fulfill expectations by learning several vital concepts. First, the instructor will help you understand the Four Quadrants–the key aspects of the role and their significance within the organization. Secondly, participants will gain skills in safeguarding the company’s finances regardless of the financial climate. And finally, the course covers how to enhance your value as a partner.
Key Information
The Strategic Controller course is designed for new and experienced controllers in any organization. Students work through detailed case studies, applying the different responsibilities of each quadrant. The instructor will drop several challenging situations into the mix, so students can test their abilities.
Students must bring a basic calculator to the class. Both the online and in-person courses cost $2695 for three whole days. Classes average around 20 total students, and participants must be at least 21 to participate.
More Details
American Management Association, International or AMA was founded in 1923. The company offers in-person classes in cities like Chicago and New York or live online from anywhere. Some classes have an on demand option. CEUs or Continuing Education Units are available for any course they offer. Students may cancel their class up to three weeks prior for a refund minus a 5% rescheduling fee. Enrolled students may transfer to a future session or send someone else for free.
AMA’s business classes receive a high rating, an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. One student commented on the content of the class that it was both interesting and fun. Another student praised the teachers and positive atmosphere, saying the class provided “all the confidence needed” to succeed in business.
#9: NYIM Training–Excel for Business Bootcamp (Live Online)
Excel is a helpful tool for businesses to manage data. By taking an Excel for Business Bootcamp virtual course, participants gain skills that they can immediately use. With Microsoft Excel, employees can organize and sort data to identify trends. It’s especially beneficial for human resource employees who must track employee hours and functions. Classes have around 12 students, so you’ll receive plenty of individual help.
Key Information
NYIM’s three-day Excel for Business Bootcamp costs $549–a 15% discount for bundling individual one-day classes. The tuition includes 18 hours of instruction, three video suites, and training manuals. Students may retake the course for free up to a year afterward. Upon completion, all participants will earn a digital certificate. Another option is to enroll in their Excel Specialist Certification Program, which adds two hours of private training and an Excel Specialist Exam fee.
Students need a basic understanding of computers to be successful in this course. The first class covers the basics of Excel, such as data entry and applying formatting to text. You can choose a full-time, three-day class or a six-session evening course. NYIM is flexible; they can accommodate a hybrid of the two.
More Details
You can attend NYIM’s Excel Bootcamp in person in New York City or live online anywhere through the Zoom video conferencing platform. Plus, the school has customer support to help you with technical problems or access free software versions before the first day of class. One reviewer, Jonathan S. said, ”NYIM does incredible work! I did the 3-day Excel Bootcamp & it was amazing! They [the teachers] explained everything in an incredibly clear & concise manner. I would HIGHLY recommend NYIM for anyone looking for Excel training.”
#10: Lean Methods Group–Change Leadership (in Denver)
Making a business successful requires changes. This change leadership business class in Denver teaches how to find success through effective modifications. In this multi-day course, you’ll gather the knowledge, tools, skills, and coaching necessary to become a stronger and more capable change leader within any organization. This class focuses on the specific actions and behaviors required to lead or participate in change initiatives effectively. They walk participants through a process that includes defining what they want to achieve, setting the stage for desired change, creating a detailed plan, overcoming resistance, managing conflict, and fostering a connection and commitment among people. It is a workshop-based course that heavily emphasizes games and practice sessions.
Key Information
Change Leadership is available in person in Denver. The course includes 28 hours of instruction over four full days. Tuition for the four-day class is $2500; full refunds for cancellation are allowed three weeks before the course starts. As the course’s start date moves closer, the Lean Methods Group allows partial refunds. All participants must have completed a DiSC profile before the start of the course. After registration, the instructor will send enrolled students the required pre-reading materials. This class is ideal for anyone wishing to lead change within an organization. It’s also a requirement for the Lean Methods Group’s Lean Master and Master Black Belt development programs.
More Details
The Lean Methods Group has provided business and management classes since 2016. Its focus is on collaboration and structure. Ultimately, they are driven by getting your business the results you want. In addition to this course, they provide Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt to Black Belt Upgrade classes. Mike K gives the organization 5 out of 5 stars for a class he said “re-energized my interest” in his work.
Industries That Use Business
Business is a broad term that encompasses economic activities across many sectors. It can be found in many industries, such as retail, finance, hospitality/tourism, healthcare, agriculture, professional services, and technology. The retail business sector sells goods directly to consumers. These businesses could sell their goods at a location, online, or a combination. Examples of retail include Safeway, Amazon, and Target. Finance industries encompass all financial services like banking and investment. These types of business use principles to manage transactions, risk, investments, and financial planning. Hospitality and tourism businesses can manage real estate or food, transportation, and entertainment for travelers. The healthcare industry includes medical services and facilities, plus medical equipment and medications. Agriculture businesses engage in farming or livestock production or associated agricultural services. Professional service businesses provide support or service to other businesses, such as legal or accounting assistance. Finally, technology businesses develop, manage, or sell technological products and services.
Business Jobs & Salaries
Business careers offer a wide range of opportunities across industries and sectors. Those who wish to focus on the financial side of business may become Business Analysts or Financial Analysts. People drawn toward promoting goods or services may drift into Marketing Manager or Sales Manager roles. Others might prefer working with people and find work as Human Resources Managers.
Most business-related careers pay well, but compensation is dependent on the local living costs. Living on either the Atlantic or Pacific coast costs more, so jobs in those areas pay more. For example, Business Analysts in the United States average just under $85,000 per year with an additional cash bonus of $3,500. In Kansas City, a Business Analyst makes around $70,500, while a job in New York or San Francisco pays around $95,000. A Marketing Manager may average $73,500 in the United States but earns roughly $75,000 in Kansas City and around $90,000 in New York. Human Resource Managers average $80,500 in the US, but the variation in compensation across the country is vast: HR Managers average $77,500 in Kansas City, $88,500 in New York, and $105,000 in San Francisco.
What Will I Need to Learn Business?
Access to resources speeds up your understanding and knowledge of the business field. All resources are typically provided if you sign up for an n-person course. Lists of any additional required resources will be sent to you before a course starts. Reading current business books will also help your understanding. A live online or in-person course taught by an expert also accelerates learning. Expert instructors are essential to learning business because they provide business simulations and case studies to analyze, arrange students in groups to discuss situations, and give them feedback so they can refine their thinking and projects. And, the more you read articles, websites, and blogs or listen to business-related podcasts, the more familiar you will be with current issues.
Is it Difficult to Learn Business?
Learning business can be a challenge, requiring a combination of knowledge, skills, and experience. It is a vast and constantly evolving field. Some areas of business such as FinTech did not exist a few decades ago. Markets are constantly changing and require new strategies to keep relevant. The field of business consists of complex concepts: sometimes, different theories conflict with one another. Going beyond theory to practical application can be tricky. It involves layering theories with legal and ethical considerations to develop something that will work. However, mastering aspects of business is possible with dedication and a commitment to continuous learning. Mastering business, though it takes time and effort, is possible.
