CEDF, in partnership with Santa Clara University’s My Own Business Institute, is pleased to offer access to the world’s leading source of free online education for entrepreneurs. This program is open to all small business owners and those contemplating opening a business, not just CEDF clients. These popular courses are used by students worldwide to bolster the results for every kind of enterprise you can imagine. The material can prepare you to start your business or expand your existing operation. Videos, audio files and text are employed to help you understand the best practices for selecting, financing, staffing and marketing your business.
Each course, STARTING A BUSINESS and BUSINESS EXPANSION, contains 15 sessions. You can take the courses at your own pace without the pressure of deadlines or class attendance. The program design offers freedom for you to focus on the areas that require more of your attention while letting you move faster through material that you more easily absorb.
MOBI’s QUICK START ENTREPRENEUR offers 10 sessions plus five bonus sessions of the most popular units.
Benefits of registering and completing one or both MOBI courses:
You’ll earn a Certificate of Completion and Digital Badge from Santa Clara University and CEDF.
Your Certificate is recognized by CEDF as evidence of seriousness and prudent preparation by our lending department. While many other factors influence our final decision on a lending application, completion will positively impact your presentation.
Direct access to resources for each session, including a user forum monitored by business ownership veterans including CEDF Business Advisors
A way to measure your learning through quizzes and a final exam
Access to additional videos featuring subject matter experts
Access to revisit the materials as needed for reference as your business journey unfolds.
No cost at any time for the courses contained in this platform.
Are the courses really free? Is there a catch?
No catch. Always free. This is a stipulation of the philanthropist that underwrote the program and awarded it to Santa Clara University.
How long does it take to complete each course? Do I have to take the quizzes and tests?
If you are really serious about risking savings, assets and time pursuing a business dream, whether it is a new venture or an expansion of your current operation, you owe it to yourself and your stakeholders (employees, family, investors and customers) to be as well-prepared as possible. In fact you have an obligation to reduce their risk. So you should certainly study all of the sessions, take the quizzes and complete any suggested activities. University representatives tell us that each session takes from one to four hours obtain a reasonable understanding of the topics. Naturally, an individual’s prior experience, attitude toward study and ability to focus will impact the time required. But these lessons may be the best and at the same time least expensive investment you can make in your future.
How will a certificate of completion help me?
It shows you have seriously and prudently prepared yourself for undertaking your enterprise. If you expect a partner, a lender or other investor, or a future customer to risk their money or time in you, it is ideal to be able to demonstrate that you have taken care to master these important courses. More questions? Visit the My Own Business Institute FAQ page.
CEDF, in partnership with Santa Clara University’s My Own Business Institute, is pleased to offer access to the world’s leading source of free online education for entrepreneurs. This program is open to all small business owners and those contemplating opening a business, not just CEDF clients. These popular courses are used by students worldwide to bolster the results for every kind of enterprise you can imagine. The material can prepare you to start your business or expand your existing operation. Videos, audio files and text are employed to help you understand the best practices for selecting, financing, staffing and marketing your business. Each course, STARTING A BUSINESS and BUSINESS EXPANSION, contains 15 sessions. You can take the courses at your own pace without the pressure of deadlines or class attendance. The program design offers freedom for you to focus on the areas that require more of your attention while letting you move faster through material that you more easily absorb.
MOBI’s QUICK START ENTREPRENEUR offers 10 sessions plus five bonus sessions of the most popular units. 