Free Online Learning For Small Business Owners

Google Digital Garage, LinkedIn Learning Free Access, HubSpot Academy, edX, FutureLearn. These free online courses can help turn a small business into a successful empire, making 2025 the best year so far.

An IBM study predicts that by 2022, more than 120 million workers in the 12 largest economies in the world will need to learn new skills or retrain. This is because new technologies are making existing skills less relevant in many industries.

The 2021 Workplace Learning Report from LinkedIn also shows that 76 percent of Generation Z and 61 percent of millennials believe that learning is essential for success in their careers. Many employees, especially younger workers, recognise the importance of professional development and value opportunities to grow and improve their skills.

The good news is that free online courses for small business owners are available on demand, making it easy to learn whenever time allows. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming, and choosing the right resources for a small business or startup can be difficult.  

This article explores some of the best free online learning platforms available to small business owners, detailing their features and how they can support business growth.

Importance of online learning for small business owners

Running a small business requires flexibility and a constant effort to improve skills in different areas, such as managing finances, providing good customer service, and using digital marketing effectively. Online learning gives business owners the chance to:

• Improve knowledge in key areas – Courses cover topics like accounting, leadership, and e-commerce, helping business owners strengthen the areas where they need the most support. A small business owner can take a QuickBooks course to improve their accounting skills, attend a leadership seminar by John Maxwell for team management, or enroll in an e-commerce training program by Shopify to boost online sales.
• Keep up with trends – Access to updated and industry-relevant materials ensures that business owners stay competitive. A digital marketer can stay ahead by taking a course on Google Analytics 4, while a retailer can learn about the latest trends in sustainable packaging through online modules offered by industry associations.
• Reduce costs – Free learning platforms help lower the expenses of professional development. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning offer free courses on topics such as financial planning and customer relationship management, saving business owners money on expensive certifications.
• Learn at a comfortable pace – Online courses offer the flexibility to learn at any time, making it easier to fit learning into a busy schedule. A café owner could complete a hospitality management course through Udemy in their free time or a freelancer might learn advanced Excel skills through Khan Academy over the weekends.

Best free platforms for small business owners

Online learning platforms give small business owners the chance to gain important skills and knowledge without extra costs. These platforms offer courses on many topics, including marketing, leadership, financial management, and business operations. Below is a detailed look at some of the best free platforms for small business owners, their unique features, and how they can support growth and innovation.

1. Google Digital Garage: Google Digital Garage offers a wide range of free courses to help improve digital skills. It provides training on topics like digital marketing, data analytics, and e-commerce. The courses are self-paced, so learners can study at their own speed. Many courses also provide certificates upon completion, helping to add value to new skills. Google Digital Garage is a great resource for business owners who want to improve their online presence or use data to make better decisions.

Key benefits:

• Free certificates for selected courses.
• Beginner-friendly courses with a simple and easy-to-use interface.
• Practical advice for using digital strategies effectively.
• Access to workshops and live training events for extra learning.

2. LinkedIn Learning Free Access: LinkedIn Learning is a well-known platform that offers paid courses, but it sometimes provides free access to selected content. These courses cover various business topics, such as entrepreneurship, financial planning, and leadership. The courses are taught by industry experts, ensuring high-quality learning. LinkedIn Learning’s free access periods are useful for small business owners who want to explore different aspects of business management.

Key benefits:

• Expert-led courses that focus on practical skills and business growth.
• The option to add completed courses to LinkedIn profiles.
• High-quality content designed for career and business development.
• Free trials and limited-time access to premium courses.

3. Coursera: Coursera works with top universities and organisations worldwide to provide high-quality educational content. Small business owners can audit courses for free, meaning they can access learning materials without paying for certificates. Popular business-related courses include business strategy, operations management, and marketing basics. Although certificates require payment, the free option still provides valuable knowledge.

Key benefits:

• Courses from prestigious institutions like Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania.
• Flexible learning options that allow learners to study at their own pace.
• A wide range of business courses that address current industry challenges.

4. edX: edX partners with top universities to offer free online courses in management, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Business owners can audit courses for free or pay for a certificate. The platform also provides specialised programmes like MicroMasters, which offer deeper knowledge in specific subjects. edX is ideal for business owners who want to gain a stronger understanding of complex business topics.

Key benefits:

• High-quality content from universities such as MIT, Harvard, and Oxford.
• Courses available in multiple languages for a global audience.
• A wide selection of business courses, including supply chain management, leadership, and marketing analytics.

5. HubSpot Academy: HubSpot Academy specialises in inbound marketing, sales, and customer service, offering free courses to help small business owners develop strong digital marketing skills. This platform is especially useful for those looking to attract and keep customers through modern marketing techniques.

Key Benefits:

• Free certificates upon course completion, adding credibility.
• Practical tools and strategies for inbound marketing.

6. FutureLearn: FutureLearn offers free courses from universities and organisations worldwide on topics like entrepreneurship, branding, and management. It encourages collaborative learning, allowing learners to engage in discussions with peers and instructors. This community-based approach is valuable for business owners who want to share ideas and learn from others.

Key benefits:

• Interactive forums for peer learning and discussions.
• A mobile-friendly platform for learning on the go.
• Free courses with the option to purchase unlimited access or certificates.

7. Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a non-profit educational platform that provides free courses on economics, finance, and accounting. Its structured lessons and self-paced approach make it a great choice for business owners who want to strengthen their financial and operational knowledge.

Key benefits:

• Detailed lessons on financial management, economic principles, and statistics.
• Tools for tracking progress and assessing learning.
• A simple and user-friendly platform suitable for learners at all levels.

8. Alison: Alison offers free online courses covering various business topics, such as entrepreneurship, management, and customer service. While courses are free, certificates are available for a small fee. This platform is ideal for business owners at any stage of their journey.

Key Benefits:

• Practical courses designed for small business needs.
• Flexible learning options that fit into busy schedules.
• Certification choices for those who want official recognition of their skills.

Additional resources for learning

1. Podcasts and webinars: Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts offer free podcasts and webinars on topics such as leadership, marketing trends, and business strategy. These formats are easy to access and allow business owners to learn while commuting, exercising, or doing other tasks.

2. Industry-specific platforms: Many industries have special platforms that provide free educational content. For example, creative businesses can benefit from Canva Design School, which offers lessons on graphic design. Tech-focused businesses can explore GitHub and Codecademy, which provide free coding resources.

3. Government and local resources: Government agencies often provide free learning materials designed for small business owners. In the UK, the government-backed platform "Learn to Grow" offers courses and tools tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These resources help business owners develop key skills and stay updated with industry standards.

Tips for maximising free online learning

1. Set clear goals – Identify the specific skills or knowledge areas that need improvement before starting a course.
2. Create a learning schedule – Set aside regular time for learning to maintain steady progress.
3. Engage actively – Take part in discussions, complete exercises, and apply new knowledge to real-life situations.
4. Use community support – Many platforms offer discussion forums and peer groups where learners can exchange ideas and seek advice.
5. Combine multiple resources – Using different learning platforms provides a broader perspective and deeper understanding of a subject.

Final thoughts 

Online learning platforms give small business owners an affordable and accessible way to gain essential skills. From digital marketing to financial planning, free platforms like Google Digital Garage, Coursera, and HubSpot Academy provide high-quality educational resources. By making use of these tools, business owners can improve their skills, remain competitive, and ensure their businesses succeed in a fast-changing environment.