SmallBizU

SmallBizU is a financial empowerment resource for small businesses. Fifth Third began offering the online program in 2013 as a pilot to arm small businesses with valuable learnings and tools to successfully manage their business. The Bank's sponsorship enables the small businesses to participate in SmallBizU for free.

SmallBizU teaches entrepreneurs and business owners about the three "Ms" of business: money, marketing and management. Delivered online, each course includes animated slides with voiceover narration, worksheets and toolsets. It consists of 20 core classes with two additional training programs.

SmallBizU courses on money include: Creating a Loan Package, Finding and Attracting Investors and Accounting 101.

Management courses include: Crafting a Business Plan, Choosing a Legal Structure and Buying a Business.

Marketing courses include: Positioning, Pricing and Strategy Tactics and Understanding Intellectual Property.

The two training programs are called Pitch Then Plan and Money Training Academy. Pitch Then Plan helps translate business ideas into business plans. Money Training Academy is a certificate program that teaches the basics of money—where to find it, how to get it and how to manage it. The certificate, once earned, is favorably viewed by banks and investors.

SmallBizU is an online academy created by Enterprise Columbus in 2002. Since the inception of the program, thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners from across the country have utilized the program.