Turn Your Business Idea into a Thriving Venture—From Anywhere!

Are you ready to start your own business but unsure where to begin? This self-paced online course provides step-by-step guidance to help you turn your dream into a profitable reality.

Course Overview:

In this practical and spiritually grounded course, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the critical phases of launching and sustaining a successful small business. Drawing on the wisdom and technical insights of James H. Talley, the course equips aspiring entrepreneurs with tools, frameworks, and checklists to steward resources wisely and profitably.

You’ll learn how to measure your readiness, design a robust business plan, choose the right legal structure, understand financial reports, navigate taxation, market your business, and scale it sustainably. Each module includes real-world applications, downloadable templates, and personalized reflection opportunities.

You’ll learn how to plan, launch, fund, and grow a sustainable business—while managing risk and honoring biblical principles of stewardship, diligence, and excellence.

Why Take This Online Course?

  • Self-Paced & Accessible – Learn on your schedule, from any location

  • Expert-Led Training – Gain insights from a seasoned CPA and business consultant

  • Practical & Actionable – Apply proven tools and checklists immediately

  • Downloadable Resources – Business plan templates, tax checklists, startup budgets, and financial worksheets

  • Certificate of Completion – Enhance your resume or secure funding with proof of training

Instructor(s)

James H. Talley , CPA/PFS, CFP®, CGMA

James H. Talley, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CGMA
James H. Talley is a Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist, Certified Financial Planner®, and Chartered Global Management Accountant with over 40 years of experience in small business development, finance, and entrepreneurship coaching.

What You’ll Learn

This 12-module, self-paced course walks you through every stage of business development—from concept to launch to growth. It provides a clear roadmap grounded in real-world practice and timeless biblical principles. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Evaluate your entrepreneurial traits and readiness

  • Write a comprehensive business plan

  • Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business

  • Understand tax responsibilities and recordkeeping

  • Create a feasible financial plan

  • Develop and implement a promotional strategy

  • Protect your business with appropriate risk management

  • Explore franchising as a business model

  • Identify sources of help and funding

Course Outline

  • Module 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship

    - What it means to be a biblical entrepreneur - Traits of successful entrepreneurs - Pros and cons of business ownership - The economic impact of small business

  • Module 2: Developing a Business Idea & Plan

    - Identifying needs, gaps, and opportunities - Conducting feasibility studies and market analysis - Writing a clear, compelling business plan (template included) - Why every business needs a plan - Core components of a business plan - Examples of strong vs. weak plans - Business plan outline and writing tips

  • Module 3: Business Structures & Legal Considerations

    - Choosing between sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation - Business name registration and compliance - Licenses, permits, and regulatory obligations - Overview of legal structures (Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC, Corporation) - Advantages and disadvantages of each - Choosing the best structure for your vision - State registration and compliance checklist

  • Module 4: Small Business Taxation

    - Overview of small business tax requirements - Employer Identification Number (EIN) and choosing tax entities - Maximizing deductions and understanding IRS forms (1040 Schedule C, 1120, 1065) - Overview of legal structures (Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC, Corporation) - Advantages and disadvantages of each - Choosing the best structure for your vision - State registration and compliance checklist

  • Module 5: Financial Management & Recordkeeping

    - Setting up accounting systems (manual and digital) - Creating income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts - Budgeting tools and financial ratios for smart decision-making - Federal, state, and local tax obligations - Employer Identification Number (EIN) - Understanding IRS forms: 1040, Schedule C, 1120, 1065 - Self-employment taxes and deductions

  • Module 6: Raising Capital & Funding Strategies

    - Personal finance management - Developing a startup and operating budget - Startup funding options: personal savings, loans, crowdfunding, grants - Debt vs. equity funding - SBA loan programs and what you’ll need to qualify - The Balance Sheet and Income Statement - Cash flow projections and budgeting - Financial ratios for small business health - Basic bookkeeping and audit readiness

  • Module 7: Hiring & Managing Employees

    - Determining staffing needs and writing job descriptions - Hiring, onboarding, and managing payroll - Employment law compliance and using W-4/W-9 forms - Types of capital: personal, debt, equity - SBA loans, grants, and crowdfunding

  • Module 8: Marketing & Promotion

    - Identifying your target market - Crafting a brand and message that connects - Leveraging social media, SEO, and advertising tools - Understanding your niche and customer profile - Low-cost marketing strategies - Positioning, packaging, promotion, and performance - Creating a marketing calendar

  • Module 9: E-Commerce & Online Business Strategies

    - Setting up an online store - Choosing the right platform and tools - Using email marketing, Google Ads, and analytics

  • Module 10: Risk Management & Business Insurance

    - Identifying legal, operational, and financial risks - Business continuity planning - Choosing and understanding insurance coverage (liability, property, workers comp)

  • Module 11: Franchising Opportunities

    - Pros and cons of buying a franchise - Understanding franchise agreements - How to find and evaluate franchise opportunities

  • Module 12: Getting External Support & Business Growth

    - Partnering with mentors, consultants, and legal/financial advisors - Leveraging the Chamber of Commerce, SBA, and government agencies - Continuing education and long-term strategic planning - Working with mentors, accountants, and advisors - Local and federal resources: SBA, SCORE, chambers of commerce - Using AI, GPTs, and digital tools for business success - Final project: Business Plan Submission & Feedback

Who Should Enroll?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch with clarity and confidence

  • Small business owners seeking growth and better financial management

  • Home-based and online business founders

  • Retirees, recent grads, and second-career professionals

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs

  • Retirees launching second careers

  • Minority business owners

  • Home-based and micro-business startups

  • Students seeking an applied entrepreneurship foundation

Course Format & Features

  • Business Success Roadmap:

    A printable milestone checklist from startup to scale-up

  • Reflection Prompts & Journal Pages:

    Align business plans with personal values

  • Certificate of Completion:

    Showcase your training to banks, investors, and clients

Optional Spiritual Integration Features

  • Weekly devotions for Christian entrepreneurs

  • Key Scriptures on stewardship, risk, and planning

  • Bonus segment: "Doing Business God’s Way: 5 Biblical Habits of Kingdom Entrepreneurs"

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to Starting Your Own Business

    2. Quick Check: Activate Your Thinking

    3. Choose each statement with the right concept

    4. Your Entrepreneurial Journey Begins Here

    5. Quick Check: Activate Your Thinking

    6. Choose each statement with the right concept

    7. From Statistics to Significance: Your Role in the Bigger Picture

    8. Lesson 1: What Is Entrepreneurship?

    9. Definition

    10. Entrepreneurship vs. Employment

    11. Entrepreneurship Begins with Willingness

    12. Reflection

    13. Lesson 2: Why Small Businesses Matter

    14. Small Businesses: The Backbone of the Economy

    15. Local Impact, Global Influence

    16. Reflection

    17. Lesson 3: Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

    18. The Entrepreneurial Mindset: What Sets You Apart

    19. Top Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

    20. Growth Comes with the Journey

    21. Real Talk: You Don’t Need to Be a Superhero

    22. Reflection

    23. Lesson 4: Your Entrepreneurial Motivation

    24. Digging Deeper: The Power of Knowing Your ‘Why’

    25. Common Motivations for Starting a Business

    26. More Than Profit: Build with Purpose

    27. When Your ‘Why’ Gets Tested

    28. Reflection

    29. Lesson 5: Are You Ready?

    30. Entrepreneurial Readiness Isn’t About Having It All Figured Out

    31. The “Am I Ready?” Checklist

    32. Growth Begins with Honest Reflection

    33. Download: Module 1 Readiness Checklist

    34. Reflection

    35. End-of-Module: You’ve Laid the Groundwork

About this course

  • $49.99
  • 35 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Start Your Business Journey Today!

Don’t let uncertainty delay your dream. Gain the tools, confidence, and community you need to launch your business and walk in your calling.

Enroll Now and Take the First Step Toward Financial Independence and Purpose-Driven Success!

Your Business. Your Purpose. Your Success.

Enroll today