The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

This series offers guidance on starting and managing a home-based business. It provides an overview of the options available in creating a home-based business and how to evaluate these options. Topics related to financing are examined, including writing a business plan and preparing financial statements, evaluating financing options, planning for personal expenses, and preparing for the loan application process. Office management considerations are covered, including equipment and insurance, hiring others, keeping the books and other tax considerations, and maintaining a professional image.

Choosing a Business
Time: 5.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides an overview of the options in creating a new business from home, buying a franchise, buying an existing business, or joining a partnership.
Objectives:
* Select a potential business to start from home.
* Create a business concept.
* Decide upon a franchise opportunity.
* Evaluate opportunities to buy or join existing businesses.
* Choose whether to create a business alone or as a partnership.
* Decide whether to incorporate a home business.
Topics:
* Weighing the Options
* Choosing the Right Business
* Creating a Business Concept
* Franchises
* Buying Someone Else''s Business
* Joining Other Existing Businesses
* Solo Ventures versus Partnerships
* Forms of Corporations

Raising Financing
Time: 5.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course explains how to create a business plan and raise the money to support the plan.
Objectives:
* Write a business plan.
* Prepare financial statements as supporting documentation.
* Plan for personal expenses while starting a business.
* Evaluate financing options.
* Decide whether to use personal resources for financing.
* Prepare for the loan application process.
Topics:
* Creating a Business Plan
* Supporting Your Financial Plan
* Making Ends Meet
* Raising Money
* Using Personal Resources for Funds
* Borrowing Funds

Office Management
Time: 5.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course explains how to set up and manage an office at home.
Objectives:
* Create an office in the home.
* Set up phone lines and office equipment.
* Manage advertising and marketing.
* Create invoices for payments.
* Hire assistants.
* Set up proper insurance.
Topics:
* Zoning and Creating an Office
* Phone Lines and Options
* Choosing Office Equipment
* Marketing Your Business
* Advertising on a Shoestring
* Invoicing and Payments
* Hiring Assistants
* Being an Employer
* Insurance

Managing Your Business
Time: 5.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course explains how to run a home business, including such topics as keeping books and dealing with taxes.
Objectives:
* Keep a home business's books.
* Pay the right taxes on a home business.
* Use tax write-offs and deductions.
* Separate personal responsibilities from business activities.
* Create a professional image.
Topics:
* Keeping Books
* Paying Taxes
* Tax Write-Offs
* Tax Deductions
* Taking Time Away from Work
* Presenting a Professional Image
* Keeping In Touch with the Outside World