During this time of economic uncertainty, many small New Mexico businesses need to build or grow their online presence to help offset the decline of in-person shopping. The University of New Mexico’s Innovation Academy and STC.UNM are offering a special course again starting on June 1, titled NM Small Business Recovery: Take and Expand your Business Online – Part 1.

Businesses will learn e-commerce techniques such as developing a storefront, researching and selecting a high-value, keyword-rich domain name, how to build their online presence through a combination of social media interactions, paid advertisements and much more.

This course is open to everyone in the community and available completely online. With no set meetings, participants can complete this course on their own time. Whether you are a new business with little or no knowledge of e-commerce techniques, or an established business looking to expand your online presence, this course has something to offer for everyone.

The course is taught by Bill Szaroletta, P.E., a research professor for UNM’s Innovation Academy. Szaroletta, who is also the chief innovation officer for UNM ECHO, teaches multiple courses on innovation, product design and e-commerce. All course information and materials will be posted on a dedicated Slack.com workspace. An introductory email will be received shortly after registration. There are also two supplemental books for the course that can be purchased after registration.

Jacqui Martin, a local massage therapist and owner of Stream of Life Massage Therapy, participated in the first offering of this course earlier this spring and learned how to launch an online business and begin selling her products.

“Taking the NM Small Business Recovery Course was the best thing I could have done for my business during these uncertain times,” said Martin. “I am a small locally owned massage therapy business located in Albuquerque called Stream of Life Massage Therapy. I work out of a local yoga studio doing only massage therapy. Without being in the office I have no income and I cannot massage with Zoom.

“The NM Small Business Recovery Course taught me how to get set up and open an online store where I can now sell wellness products and sell my expertise while I cannot be in my office with my clients. Every small business in NM should take this class, it will improve any level of online business. Thank you, NM Small Business Recovery Course, for all your help.”

Other testimonials...

“This is the best CE [Continuing Education] course that has intrigued me to dig deep into my business philosophy and to implement the ideas that I have learned to transform my business with a visible online presence. This instructor Professor Bill Szaroletta is on top of his game and showing us individually how we can dissect the issues that hinder us and ways to propel us in the right direction.” – Ralph Constancia, Infinity Digilab

“During these trying times, the UNM Small Business Recovery Course with Professor Bill Szaroletta has given me knowledge about current e-commerce methods to enhance the survival and growth of my business. I am thankful for the opportunity to take this class and would recommend it for any entrepreneur.” – S.G.

For more information on this course, and to register, visit Small Business Recovery.