Getting Ready to Start
Before diving into business finance fundamentals, let's make sure you're properly prepared. This quick assessment will help you understand what you'll need for a successful learning experience.
Are You Ready?
Success in our business finance program depends on having the right mindset and basic preparation. We've found that students who complete this simple readiness check perform significantly better throughout the course.
- You can dedicate 4-6 hours per week to learning and practice exercises
- You have access to a computer or tablet with reliable internet connection
- You're comfortable using basic spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets)
- You can commit to attending at least 80% of scheduled sessions
- You have basic math skills and aren't intimidated by working with numbers
- You're genuinely interested in understanding how business finances work
Don't worry if you're not perfect in all these areas. The point isn't to be an expert already — it's about being honest with yourself about your current situation and commitment level.
Essential Skills You'll Need
Basic Math & Analysis
- Working with percentages and ratios
- Understanding simple formulas
- Reading charts and graphs
- Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Technology Comfort
- Creating and editing spreadsheets
- Organizing data in rows and columns
- Using online learning platforms
- Downloading and opening PDF files
Learning Approach
- Taking notes during explanations
- Asking questions when confused
- Practicing concepts outside of class time
- Working through examples step-by-step
Business Awareness
- Basic understanding of what businesses do
- Awareness that companies need to make money
- Recognition that financial decisions matter
- Curiosity about how money flows in organizations
Remember, these are starting points, not requirements for graduation. Our September 2025 program is designed to build these skills progressively, so you'll develop confidence as you go.
Your Preparation Journey
Here's how to get the most out of your preparation time. Each stage builds on the previous one, so take them in order and don't rush through.
Foundation Setup (2-3 weeks before)
Get your learning environment ready. Install spreadsheet software if you don't have it, test your internet connection for video calls, and create a quiet study space. This sounds simple, but having everything ready eliminates distractions later. Also, start browsing business news occasionally — even just reading headlines helps you get familiar with financial terminology.
Skill Refreshing (1-2 weeks before)
Practice basic math skills, especially working with percentages. Create a simple budget for yourself or track your expenses for a week — this gives you hands-on experience with the kind of number work you'll do in class. If you're rusty with spreadsheets, spend 30 minutes playing around with creating tables and simple formulas.
Final Preparation (week of start)
Review the course materials we'll send you, double-check your schedule to ensure you can attend sessions, and mentally prepare for active participation. This isn't about cramming — it's about getting into the right headspace for learning. Think about what specific questions you want answered about business finances.
