The current COVID-19 outbreak in the world has thrown many of us a little off our game! As the number of confirmed Corona Virus (COVID-19) cases continues to rise, Governments across the nations of the world have resorted to extreme measures like a total lockdown to curb the spread of the virus.

With the lockdown being enforced, how can you make good use of the free time on your hands?

As a business owner, this is a good time to learn a new skill or improve on existing ones for your business. Here is a list of 5 short management courses you can take during this period:

• Developing a Business Plan
• Business Model Canvas
• Introduction to Bookkeeping
• Introduction to Financial Management
• Marketing skills

1. Developing a Business Plan

About this course: A business plan is an essential road map for business success. It projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the route a business intends to take to grow its revenue base. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may want to review your current business plan or develop a new one.

In this course, you will learn how to develop a business plan for your business.

Skill level: Beginner

Course offered by:  msmehub.org by FATE Foundation

Link to this course: https://msmehub.org/learning-centre/developing-a-business-model-canvas

2. Business Model Canvas

About this course: A Business Model Canvas (BMC) helps you think through how your business will make money, revenue sources and expenses, your value proposition, and the key activities that your business will engage in. the current situation is definitely a good time to review your business model and position your business right.

In this course, you will learn how to develop a BMC for your business.

Course offered by: msmehub.org by FATE Foundation

Skill level: Beginner

Link to this course: https://msmehub.org/learning-centre/developing-a-business-plan

3. Introduction to Bookkeeping

About this course: Introduction to Bookkeeping course is the ideal starting point for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and accountants. You don’t need any previous knowledge of accounting for this course.

In this course you will learn about:

• Business transactions, the banking system, and double-entry bookkeeping
• Payroll and ledger accounts
• Reconciliation and preparing the trial balance.

Course offered by: ACCA Global

Skill level: Beginner

Link to the course: http://www.acca-x.com/global/en/courses/management-accounting/introduction-ma1.html

4. Introduction to Financial Management

About this course: Interested in taking your business to the next level? Knowledge of accounting will be key to your success. By studying at your own pace, this Introduction to Management Accounting course is an ideal starting point.

This course will guide you on your finance management journey and will explore the nature and purpose of cost and management accounting

Course offered by: ACCA

Skill level: Beginner

Link to the course: http://www.acca-x.com/global/en/courses/management-accounting/introduction-ma1.html

5. Marketing skills

About this course: Facebook Blueprint is an online learning site that offers a huge range of classes and certifications. This site offers information on building your digital marketing skills e.g. how to grow your Facebook & Instagram page, how to create Facebook ads, how to find customers on Facebook etc.

Course offered by: Facebook

Skill level: Beginner
Link to the courses: https://www.facebook.com/business/learn