Live Training with an Instructor
Systems Business Coach®
Signature Certification Program
Become a world-class small business coach with certification, proven systems, client tools, and a global community to support your success.
ICF Continuing Coaching Education Aligned Training
Our Systems Business Coach® Certification Program fully trains you to become a small business coach and earn the globally recognized Certified Systems Business Coach® certification.
Our training is grounded in a four-part ontology: a coach approach, systems thinking, appreciative inquiry, and pragmatic business tools:
- Coach Approach: Creating an ethical, respectful coaching environment where small business owners keep their agency and make their own decisions.
- Systems Thinking: Using systems thinking to help small business clients see what is connected, identify leverage points, and make choices that strengthen the whole business, not just one area.
- Appreciative Inquiry: Building clarity and momentum by focusing on what is working, what matters most, and what they want to create next.
- Pragmatic Business Tools: Applying pragmatic tools, including the 52 business competencies in the Successful Small Business Systems Field Guide, to turn insights into practical steps, measurable action, and sustainable results.
As a Certified Systems Business Coach®, you would step right into this highly ethical, proven way of supporting small business owners. We cover this in-depth in our training.
What You’ll Learn:
Module 1: Lead the Way: Setting the Standard in Small Business Coaching Excellence
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- Introduction to the program, participants, and instructors.
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- Emphasis on coaching values and Personal Mastery.
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- Introduction of the client business assessment.
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- Exploring the importance of coaching standards in small business contexts.
Module 2: Introducing the Effective Small Business Coaching Method
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- Introduction to the Effective Small Business Coaching Method.
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- Focus on coach presence, active listening, and the distinction between ‘judger’ vs ‘learner’ mindset.
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- Discussing contracting, setting client goals and aspirations.
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- Techniques for effective coaching communication and relationship building.
Module 3: Application of the Effective Business Coaching Method
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- Delving into the ‘Planning and Performing’ steps of the method, including systems, resources, prioritization.
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- Emphasis on accountability and acknowledgment in coaching.
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- Application in practical, real-world coaching scenarios.
Module 4: Coaching Your Way through a Business Plan
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- Guiding clients through business plan development, including completing SOAR and PESTEL analyses.
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- Introduction to coaching through financial projections.
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- How to integrate coaching methodologies into business strategy planning.
Module 5: Applying Systems Thinking in Small Business Coaching Conversations
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- Understanding and applying systems thinking in coaching.
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- Distinguishing between policy and procedures in the business context.
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- Systems-related coaching questions to enhance client understanding and decision-making.
Module 6: Asking the Right Questions: A Coaching Strategy for Small Business People Problems
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- Techniques for addressing people issues in small businesses.
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- Discussing organizational charts, position agreements, and the impact of bad hires.
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- Strategies for navigating challenging human resource scenarios in coaching.
Module 7: Building Winning Teams: A Coaching Blueprint for Small Business HR Success
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- Coaching strategies for team building and HR success.
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- Conversations around training, team performance, and culture.
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- Real-life applications and case studies for team development in small businesses.
Module 8: Financial Red Flags: Coaching Small Business Owners
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- Identifying financial challenges in small businesses.
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- Learning to read and interpret financial statements.
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- Coaching strategies for financial understanding and management.
Module 9: Live Coaching Lab: Real-Time Practice with Small Business Owners
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- Conducting live coaching sessions with small business owners.
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- Feedback and mentor coaching to enhance coaching skills and approaches.
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- Reflective practice and learning from real-time coaching experiences.
Module 10: Strategic Pathways: A Coach’s Guide to Building a Thriving Practice
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- Developing strategies for a successful coaching business.
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- Utilizing the field guide to inform coaching and avoid consulting.
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- Crafting effective coaching questions based on the guide.
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- Preparing for SBC certification and mastering coaching techniques.
Module 11: The Art of Coaching Questions: Navigating Business Challenges with Clients
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- Advanced questioning techniques for complex business challenges.
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- Exploring client acquisition strategies, government grants, and developmental opportunities for coaches.
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- Practical applications and simulations to enhance coaching effectiveness.
Module 12: Vision in Action: Business Plan Presentations and Graduation Celebration
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- Presentation of final business plans and celebrating the culmination of the course.
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- Reflective discussions on the journey through the course and key learning achievements.
Major Assignments Overview
Assignment 1: Personal Coaching Business Plan Development
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- Objective: Students will create a detailed business plan for their own coaching practice. This plan should encompass market analysis, financial planning, marketing strategies, and long-term business goals. The assignment aims to apply the business principles and coaching methodologies learned throughout the course to a practical, personal business context.
Assignment 2: Client Coaching Experience
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- Objective: Each student is required to engage with a coaching client, conducting a total of 4 hours of coaching sessions. This assignment provides hands-on experience in applying coaching techniques and methods in real-world scenarios. It serves as an opportunity to practice skills such as active listening, powerful questioning, and effective goal setting in a live coaching environment.
Assignment 3: Comprehensive Learning Presentation
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- Objective: Students will prepare and deliver a presentation that encapsulates their overall learning and experiences from the course. This presentation can be in the form of a written report, a PowerPoint presentation, or another creative media format. It should highlight key insights gained, personal growth experienced, and how the course has shaped their coaching approach. This reflective assignment encourages students to synthesize and articulate their journey through the program, showcasing their development as a small business coach.
These assignments are integral to the “Empowering Excellence: Systems Business Coach® Certification Program,” designed to ensure that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them practically, thereby preparing them to enter the coaching profession with confidence and competence.
This comprehensive program is designed to equip aspiring small business coaches with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary for excellence in the field, aligned with the latest coaching methodologies and business strategies.
Tuition:
$3995.00 USD for International Students. (Non-Canadian).
🇨🇦 Ask about Canadian Dollar at par pricing.
More than just a course, you get:
Training
Twelve live, 2-hour online advanced small business coach training classes delivered over three months.
A Coaching Certification
A globally recognized certification, Certified Systems Business Coach®.
Credits Toward Coaching Credentials
Partial completion of our ICF-accredited Professional or Advanced Certificate in Small Business Coach Training. (60 ICF CCEUs)
Tools
Licensed access to a complete client support library, tools, templates, systems, slide decks, and presenter notes to deliver high value 1:1 coaching, group programs, mastermind groups, webinars, and seminars.
Marketing Support
Featured coach profile on the Systems Business Coach® website to increase visibility
Practical client attraction skills training, so you know how to earn and keep clients
Ready to use branding and marketing assets, including proposals, posts, and client facing resources
Ongoing Training
Connection with a global community of coaches who share your passion for small business success.
After graduation, join every other week group business development meetings, 26 sessions per year with peers, focused on application, accountability, and continued learning.
Digital Course Access
Full online course to follow along and review between classes. Session recordings posted within 24 hours.
A Business Plan
Development of a business plan for your coaching practice
Coach Practice
Peer coaching sessions to build your coaching hours, including one instructor review of observed coaching sessions with written feedback.
Who should take the Systems Business Coach® Certification Program?
This program is ideal for anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference for small business owners, helping them organize, systematize, and succeed, while building a rewarding coaching practice backed by a globally recognized credential.
Professionals committed to improving small business success.
Helping professionals who currently support small business owners and want to be trained and licensed to deliver consistent, high-quality small business coaching with measurable client outcomes.
Entrepreneurs or those looking to change careers
Those looking to change careers or entrepreneurs with business experience who want a credible, structured path to becoming a successful small business coach.
Economic Development Agency and Bank employees
Team members in economic development organizations, banks, and support agencies who want to be trained and licensed to coach small business owners using a consistent, proven method.
COURSE FEE
Participant Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you exploring how to become a small business coach? You’re in the right place. Systems Business Coach® offers one of the only ICF-accredited coach training programs in the world dedicated exclusively to coaching small business owners. Unlike generic leadership or executive coaching programs, our training is built for helping professionals who work with entrepreneurs and business owners of companies with fewer than 100 employees, the segment that makes up 95% of all businesses globally.
Learn how to coach with confidence, earn your ICF credential, and support business owners where it matters most: leadership, finance, operations, team, and marketing.
What is a Certified Systems Business Coach®?
A Certified Systems Business Coach® is a coaching professional who has completed our certification program and signed an agreement to be a licensed provider of the Systems Business Coach® framework, tools and materials.
Why become a Certified Systems Business Coach®?
Certified Systems Business Coaches® are globally recognized for excellence in small business coaching and have access to our licensed coaching resources, a global community, and business development and marketing resources.
Certified Systems Business Coaches® can:
Coaching Resources & Tools
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Utilize program materials for impactful one-to-one coaching sessions, providing valuable insights and guidance to your clients.
- Coach clients using our proven Effective Business Coaching Method.
- Gain access to an extensive collection of over 2700 coaching questions, enabling you to facilitate insightful conversations and drive meaningful progress with your clients.
Community
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Engage in coach meetings with fellow Certified Systems Business Coaches®, fostering a supportive community for continuous learning and growth.
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Enjoy the benefits of the client portal and online community provided at connecting you with a network of like-minded coaches and valuable resources.
Business Development
- Access a proven system for converting prospects into buyers, including a Small Business Assessment and Client Proposal, empowering you to effectively communicate the value of your coaching services.
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Receive a customized business card featuring the SBC board game, a unique and engaging way to leave a lasting impression on potential clients.
Marketing
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Showcase your expertise and build credibility with your own bio and picture featured on the SBC website,
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Access a comprehensive branding library (with certain restrictions), equipping you with professional materials to enhance your coaching practice.
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Display the Certified Systems Business Coach® logo on your own website and branding materials, showcasing your official certification and building trust with prospective clients.
Please note that these benefits are subject to the payment of the annual Licensing Fee, which ensures continued access to these valuable resources and opportunities.
What will I learn in the Systems Business Coach® Certification program?
In the Systems Business Coach® Certification program, you’ll learn how to:
- Identify your coaching values while exploring the importance of professional coaching standards.
- Apply the Effective Small Business Coaching Method using coach presence, active listening, a learner mindset, and goal-setting techniques with clients.
- Guide clients through building a business plan
- Apply systems thinking in coaching conversations
- Coach small business clients through people challenges and build winning teams
- Identify financial red flags, interpret financial statements, and coach small business owners toward sound financial management.
- Conduct live coaching sessions with real small business owners, incorporate mentor feedback, and grow through reflective practice.
- Apply advanced questioning techniques to complex business challenges
Do I need previous business or coaching experience to become a Certified Systems Business Coach®?
Previous business or coaching experience outside of training is helpful, although not required. However, Coaching Bootcamp is a prerequisite course.
How long does it take to become a Certified Systems Business Coach®?
Through our certification program, it takes 12 weeks to become a Certified Systems Business Coach®. However, you don’t have to be fully certified to begin coaching. You can start your coaching practice during your training!
What are the 52 Small Business Competencies?
The Systems Business Coach® 52 Small Business competencies are broken down into five categories; Leadership, Operations, Finance, Team and Marketing. At some point, all small business owners will need to put systems in place in each of these areas. Here are all 52 competencies visually represented on the Small Business Coaching Gameboard:
We believe that the client is the boss of their own learning journey, and only the client can decide what’s best for them. You can use this board to help your clients visualize and decide what they need to work on next. It acts as a success map for both you and your client.
What is the Successful Small Business Systems Field Guide?
The Successful Small Business Systems Field Guide is a comprehensive resource that guides your clients through the 52 core competencies essential to small business success, helping them build organized, profitable businesses. As a coach, it also offers you an invaluable roadmap to navigate any challenges your clients might face.
Systems Business Coach founder Beverlee Rasmussen committed 12,000 hours to creating the Small Business Field Guide, demonstrating her dedication to integrating and synthesizing the most effective systems for small business development. It incorporates insights from the likes of Edwards Deming, a pioneer of lean/six sigma methodologies; Peter Senge, known for his influential work on systems thinking, shared vision, personal mastery, team learning, and mental models; Michael Gerber and Donella Meadows on systems thinking; and over 1800 other distinguished authors in fields such as leadership, operations, finance, human resources, and marketing.
How do I know if the Systems Business Coach® Certification program is right for me?
If you’re unsure where to start or want to know how your unique experience and situation fit into a professional coaching career, schedule a free call with us.
We’ll walk you through what it takes to become a small business coach and help you decide if training with Systems Business Coach® is right for you.
Does this program include an ICF credential?
On its own, the Systems Business Coach® certification program does not result in an ICF credential. This program provides proven, ready-to-use coaching tools, a global community, and business development/marketing support through the Systems Business Coach® licensing agreement.
However, you can become a Certified Systems Business Coach® and earn an ICF Level 1 (ACC) credentials through our Advanced Certificate in Small Business Coaching.
Help Small Business Owners Build Their Dream Business, while You Build Yours
Move beyond outdated business training that has not improved outcomes in decades, learn what works, and help your clients build stable, successful businesses.
