Small business is the nation’s economic engine, and innovative resources abound to build your skills.

• There’s always more education, maybe an MBA. And of course, you can earn a degree at any brick-and-mortar college.
  
  But many universities today also offer classes via distance learning, in which students assemble locally, and the professor is wired in live—maybe from a prominent university across the country. Just as in a regular classroom, you can see the professor and ask questions.
  
  Too busy to get to a campus? Some universities offer classes and even full degrees online. Logon when you have time, zap e-mail questions to instructors, and submit assignments the same way. Start your search here.
   
• You know what an incubator is: a hospital machine that supports a premature baby until the infant is strong enough to survive in the outside world.
  
  Similarly, business incubators nurture young businesses through the vulnerable start-up period with management assistance, shared equipment and office space, flexible leases, and other tools.
  
  Selection criteria to enter an incubator can be stiff, though. And you should carefully choose an incubator that’s a good fit with your business. You can find out more from the National Business Incubator Association at www.nbia.org.
   
• Ever heard of a coach, outside of sports? Well, there are now 774 business coaches throughout the country who were certified by just one source, Coach U.
  
  Coaches come from many backgrounds. Their common purpose, though, is helping people excel. They’ll counsel you in person or by phone, encourage and even cajole you to overcome barriers keeping you from your goal. Click on www.coachu.com to find a coach matching your needs.
   
• Don’t overlook the focused information provided by business magazines, both traditional print magazines and electronic e-zines.
  
  No doubt you know the names of the major business magazines and those of your own industry. But try out e-names like:
   

  • E-Merging Business

  • The Wall Street Journal’s Startup Journal

  • Self-Employed America, found at the National Association for the Self-Employed Web site

  • Fast Company

All provide the info you expect from traditional magazines, just online.