Running an auto upholstery shop isn’t just about mastering stitch work and turning out flawless interiors — it’s about being a smart, savvy business owner. From managing finances to hiring staff and marketing your services, the business side of things can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to shop ownership.
That’s where the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) comes in.
You’ve probably heard of the SBA before — maybe when you looked into a loan or read about their COVID-19 relief programs. But what you might not know is that they also offer a free online learning platform designed specifically to help small business owners like us succeed.
The SBA learning platform is called Journeys, and it’s surprisingly good.
What is the SBA’s “Journeys” Program?
Journeys is an easy-to-use, self-paced online tool designed to walk small business owners through the ins and outs of building and growing a successful business.
It breaks things down into straightforward tracks or “journeys,” including:
- Ready to Start – For those who are just thinking about opening a shop.
- Already in Business – For existing shop owners looking to improve or expand.
- Sell to the Government – For shops interested in winning government contracts.
- Export Your Products – For businesses that want to tap into global markets.
- Prepare for Emergencies – Because every smart owner needs a backup plan.
Each track is filled with step-by-step guidance, videos, articles, checklists and even downloadable worksheets to help you turn ideas into action. The content is clear, not full of jargon, and written with real-world application in mind.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
Let’s be honest — most of us didn’t get into this industry because we love spreadsheets or business plans. We love working with our hands. But if you want your shop to be profitable, stable, and eventually self-sustaining, you need to have a handle on the business side.
The Journeys platform makes that part of the job much less intimidating.
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to legally structure your business, track expenses, market your services online, or hire your first employee, the program covers it. It’s like having a free business coach, available 24/7.
Even seasoned shop owners can learn something new. For example:
- Want to learn how to bid on government contracts for fleet vehicles? There’s a module for that.
- Thinking about expanding your services or opening a second location? Covered.
- Need help navigating taxes or securing funding? It’s all in there.
Real Talk: It’s Free and Designed for Small Shops
One of the best parts about the Journeys platform is that it’s completely free. No subscriptions, no upsells, no spammy sales pitches — just solid, practical information straight from the SBA.
And it’s designed for small business owners, not giant corporations. That means it actually applies to one-person operations and small family-run shops. You can take what you learn and put it into practice immediately.
Here’s how to get started:
- Go to the Journeys platform.
- Choose the track that best fits your current situation.
- Create a free account to save your progress.
- Set aside a little time each week to work through the content.
It’s not a live classroom, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. You can even work through the tracks at your own pace. Doing just 1 hour a week can add up to major improvements in how you run your shop.
Whether you’re just starting your first shop or looking to take your established business to the next level, it’s worth checking out. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.
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