Write a full business plan after conducting careful market research and analysis. Know what other programs offer, and know the demand for online bookkeeping schools. Also consider what employers require for potential employees. For instance, offering courses in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel, and QuickBooks could give your students a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
Develop the overall course instruction. Account for sequences of courses. Beginning accounting must precede intermediate accounting. A course focusing on journaling of daily sales must come before intermediate accounting, in which students will need to learn how to construct a simple balance sheet. Writing general course descriptions make it easier for course instructors to develop the curriculum for each course.
Check the business plan for time line and action steps. When will you hire the website content developer? When will you hire instructors? When will you begin accepting students?
Find the accrediting association closest to your area of instruction. Apply for accreditation. This is especially important to lend credibility to your program and build a reputation.
Research grants and loans for your venture. If your city offers small business development assistance, there is a good chance that programs are in place to help people find grants for web-based businesses. Also check for foundations which offer grants to educational institutions. You can consult lists of organizations in references in your local library as well as online. Bear in mind that you might find funding locally or nationally. You also could consider a private investor who is a silent partner. A silent partner provides funding but allows you all decision-making in the venture.
Have website content developer publish the website once all course content has been completed and the schedule of classes has been finalized.
Begin registering students via the website and telephone.
Commence with classes.