Small Business Coaching
Foundations Course
Learn to Coach Small Business Owners – Start Your Business Coach Certification Today.
Earn 30 ICF Continuing Coaching Education Credits
for this training program Live Training Only →
Foundations: Learn to Coach Small Business Owners
I’ve spent years helping professionals like you discover a better way to support small business owners. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to coach small business owners effectively, this 8-week Foundations Course is where you start.
This isn’t theory for theory’s sake. It’s practical, interactive learning grounded in neuroscience and sound business principles. You’ll learn how to coach real people running real businesses — the heart of every community.
You will also earn 30 ICF CCEUs and build momentum toward ICF Level 1 and Level 2 credentials.
Join the Foundations course to explore the fit, build confidence, and learn from a program recognised worldwide for developing effective small business coaches.
ONLINE COURSES
8 WEEK COMMITMENT
90 MINUTE CLASSES
EARN 30 ICF CCE CREDITS
(LIVE TRAINING COURSE ONLY)
Explore our Certification Program and Mentor Coaching options, enroll today, and start building a rewarding career helping small business owners succeed.
Have questions? We’ve got answers in our FAQs—so you can feel confident about the path ahead.
Flexible payment plans available
Who should take the Small Business Coaching Foundations Course ?
Coaches
You are a coach, with or without ICF credentials, ready to expand your practice to coach small business owners. Earn 30 ICF CCEUs for renewal or to begin your ACC Level 1 or PCC Level 2 pathway.
Career changers and aspiring small business coaches
You want to become a small business coach. You may be leaving a corporate role, navigating a layoff, or retiring from a successful career. You bring real business experience and want a credible, practical path to your next chapter.
Helping professionals without coaching skills
You are a business consultant, economic development officer, marketing agency owner, business bank manager, bookkeeper, or accountant. You already serve small business clients and see their struggles. You want a better way to help.
Economic development agencies
As the central go-to resource agency in your community for small business owners, you are looking for ways to provide even greater value and better outcomes to the small business owners you serve.
Imagine transforming your passion into a powerful force for change, offering much needed support to vulnerable small business owners. Our courses are grounded in both neuroscience and sound business principles, tailored to meet the unique needs of small business owners and their teams.
Here’s what you’ll gain from our comprehensive course modules:
Module 1 – Psychographics & Demographics of a Small Business Owner
- Understand the psychology and demographics that drive small business owners.
- Enhance your ability to connect with and support clients effectively.
Module 2 – Contracting and Establishing Client Goals
- Master the art of contracting to set clear coaching expectations.
- Help clients define and achieve their business and personal goals.
Module 3 – A Coach Approach to Strategic Planning
- Develop a unique coaching approach to strategic planning.
- Guide clients in creating actionable, results-oriented business strategies.
Module 4 – Small Business Money Problems (and what to do about them)
- Tackle financial challenges with confidence.
- Help clients make informed decisions to secure their business’s financial health.
Module 5 – Coaching towards a Healthy Small Business Culture
- Cultivate a healthy business culture for your clients.
- Foster environments where success and well-being go hand in hand.
Module 6 – Strategic Target Market Exploration for Coaches and Clients
- Explore strategies to identify ideal target markets.
- Guide clients in reaching their target audience effectively.
Module 7 – Roadmap to a Successful Small Business Coaching Practice
- Create a roadmap for your coaching practice’s success.
- Learn the ins and outs of building and managing a thriving coaching practice.
Become a catalyst for change in the world of small business coaching and embark on a journey towards enriching lives and businesses. Join us and acquire the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact on your clients’ entrepreneurial ventures
I love the idea of small business, and they are the heroes of the economy. And it’s so tough and it can be lonely. And sometimes it is a coaching conversation that needs to happen. I feel like having systems and having the framework so I can not only be certified but but have that extra bit of confidence to sell myself and have that conversation. – Chris Wilkinson
I’m a CPA, and I’ve always worked with Small Business owners. I opted into this program because I am looking to transition my career to becoming a small business coach. I’ve always really enjoyed those interactions and that kind of relationship and I want to continue that on as I transition into my later career life and that’s why I’m here – Kirsten Jenner
Sometimes when people are stuck, yes, it might be a limiting belief. Yes, it might be something that’s coachable, but actually it might also be something that’s really practical. And the resources that I’ve seen from a systems business coach I think are going to be incredible for that. – Mike
In keeping with our value of democratizing small business coaching, we have opened the doors with this high value low cost training.
Self paced:
$797.00 Canadian 🇨🇦
$597.00 USD 🇺🇸
Instructor lead classes include 30 ICF CCE credits (20.5 core)
$997.00 Canadian 🇨🇦
$797.00 USD 🇺🇸
We offer location based pricing and flexible payment plans as needed.
Trusted by 700+ Small Business Owners and Entreprenuers Worldwide
| DATE | LOCATION | SESSIONS | TIME | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2025 - Dec 22,2025 | Mondays - 12:00pm - 1:30pm(PT) | Live Online | Mondays | 12:00pm - 1:30pm(PT) | Save your Seat |
| Jan 7, 2026 - Feb 25,2026 | Wednesdays - 9:00am - 10:30am(PT) | Live Online | Wednesdays | 9:00am - 10:30am(PT) | Save your Seat |
| March 5, 2026 - Apr 23,2026 | Thursdays - 1:00pm - 2:30pm(PT) | Live Online | Thursdays | 1:00pm - 2:30pm(PT) | Save your Seat |
| Apr 7, 2026 - May 26,2026 | Tuesdays - 10:00am - 11:30am(PT) | Live Online | Tuesdays | 10:00am - 11:30am(PT) | Save your Seat |
| Oct 22, 2026 - Dec 17,2026 | Thursdays - 9:00am - 10:30am(PT) | Live Online | Thursdays | 9:00am - 10:30am(PT) | Save your Seat |
| DATE | LOCATION | ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self Paced | Online | 8 Weeks | Add to Cart |
Our self-paced online course offers the flexibility to learn on your own schedule, making it perfect for busy business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. Whether you're an early riser or a night owl, you can access materials and complete lessons at a time that works best for you. This format allows you to progress at your own speed, revisiting challenging topics as needed without the pressure of keeping up with a fixed class schedule. It's an ideal way to gain new skills or knowledge while maintaining balance in your daily life.
What Your Peers Are Saying
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.
Do I need previous business or coaching experience?
Helpful but not required. We start with foundations and build practical competence through live practice and feedback.
Does completing Foundations count toward becoming a certified Systems Business Coach®?
Yes. Foundations is the first step on the SBC pathway. After Foundations, you’ll have clear next steps to continue training and licensure.
What else do I need beyond Foundations to achieve ICF Level 1 / ACC?
We offer two (2) ICF Level 1 Programs.
#1 – The Effective Small Business Coach Training that includes Bootcamp, Foundations and Mentor Coaching
#2- For those who want to become a Certified Systems Business Coach, The Professional Small Business Coach Training program includes Bootcamp, a self paced version of our Foundations course, Certification and Mentor Coaching.
All students must pass the Level 1 ICF coaching performance exam included with the course , log 100 coaching hours, plus pass the ICF knowledge exam offered only by the ICF when you submit your graduation from one of our programs.
Book a call with one of our program advisors to discuss your unique learning goals. https://link.systemsbusinesscoach.com/widget/bookings/sbc-discovery-call
Who is Foundations small business coach training course for?
This program is ideal for:
- Anyone considering a career as a small business coach, this is a great first step!
Consultants
Economic development officers
Marketing agency professionals
Accountants and bookkeepers
Coaches wanting to specialize in small business
Advisors already working with entrepreneurs
Current business owners looking for a side hustle that builds on their experience
Explore our Foundations Course to get started.
What credentials do I need to become a small business coach?
To become a small business coach through Systems Business Coach®, you don’t need to be a certified coach before you start. Our accredited training path provides everything you need to:
Learn how to coach effectively using the ICF Core Competencies
Apply coaching skills to real small business challenges
Earn your ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential
The Foundations Course gives you an overview of our method and the fundamentals of coaching small business owners. It’s designed to help you understand the principles and structure of effective business coaching.
However, this introductory course does not include access to Systems Business Coach® tools, templates, processes, or licensing rights.
To gain access to our full suite of proprietary coaching materials and resources, you’ll continue on to become a Certified Systems Business Coach®. Certification includes licensed use of our complete toolkit of systems, guides, and tools, giving you everything you need to support any small business owner challenge with confidence and professionalism.
Learn more:
➡️ Small Business Coach Certification Program
How long does it take to become a certified small business coach?
With Systems Business Coach®, you can become certified faster than you might think. We offer two certification paths:
ICF Level 1 Certification – Complete in as few as 6 months.
Certified Systems Business Coach® – Earn your designation in less than 9 months.
Both programs prepare you to start coaching small business owners in as little as 12 weeks while you continue your training. This means you can begin building your coaching practice and gaining real-world experience long before you finish the full certification.
Can I make a living as a small business coach?
Yes—you absolutely can.
Our program is modelled after the real-life experience of our founder, who built a sustainable and profitable coaching practice working four days a week (Fridays off for family), taking summers off, and coaching 40 weeks per year. With a roster of 10 active one-to-one clients plus two group programs, this schedule generated approximately $200,000 annually.
And here’s the best part—it was achieved while charging about half of what many “guru” coaches charge. High fees can make it difficult to attract and retain clients. Our suggested pricing ensures everyone wins: the coach earns a healthy living, clients get exceptional value, and the community benefits from stronger, more sustainable small businesses.
With the right systems, tools, and pricing model, becoming a small business coach can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.
Note: Our graduates build rewarding coaching practices through their own effort and drive. You’ll be responsible for finding and working with your own clients.
How do I get started?
You have two options:
Take the Small Business Coaching Foundations Course
This is the ideal starting point for anyone considering a career in small business coaching. It’s affordable, packed with deep and practical learning, and earns you 30 ICF CCEUs. You’ll gain valuable skills you can apply immediately, whether you decide to pursue full certification or not.Book a Discovery Call
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 professional certified small business coach and help you decide if Systems Business Coach® is right for you.
Book a Discovery Call
Help Small Business Owners Build Their Dream Business, while You Build Yours
A Certified Systems Business Coach ® helps entrepreneurs create an Organized & Profitable ® business – using the best practices of coaching: where neuroscience and human behaviour are applied for optimal engagement and results.
