The AMTA-CT Chapter leadership is working hard to gather and distribute COVID-related information as quickly as possible to keep you informed. Since March, Nikki Arel, AMTA-CT Government Relations Chair, has been fielding many questions related to operating a massage therapy business, from business plans to policies and procedures and budgeting. These topics of interest are not within the purview of the AMTA-CT Chapter. We are not business advisors. However, recognizing a need, Nikki and Susan Francis, AMTA-CT Education Chair, have researched and compiled a variety of resources. These resources are listed below.
CEDF Resources – CEDF resources are not endorsed by AMTA: we are simply compiling a list of resources that may, or may not, be helpful.
In Connecticut, the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) is a highly regarded source for help in all business matters. The mission of CEDF is to provide financial and technical support to small businesses. There are many educational opportunities and podcasts available for free at CEDF’s We Teach Success. Classes are available for business needs and personal/team development. To see the class descriptions and podcasts, please click here: https://weteachsuccess.org/cedf-courses/. You may also sign up to receive their emails so that you may have access to weekly, free webinars.
Many of our AMTA members have accessed some of the following resources as they addressed their business needs:
- Women’s Business Development Center: https://ctwbdc.org/
- Focuses on entrepreneurial and financial education sources
- Specializes in working with women entrepreneurs, but accepts all clients
- Score: https://www.score.org/
- Offers free business courses at one of their 40 chapters scattered throughout the state
- Offers a mentorship program
- Live Plan: https://www.liveplan.com/
- Step-by-step guide in writing a business plan
- Miscellaneous free resources on branding, business plan and marketing checklists
Locally, you may want to look at your town or region’s Economic Development office. These local offices help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate start-up and growth.
Some members are concerned about the need for CEUs before they renew their license. Here are some low-cost or free business courses:
AMTA Courses- FREE
- From the Client’s Perspective: Marketing, Policies and Ethics of Your Practice
- It’s Your Business-Understanding Business Concepts
- Panning for Tomorrow to Help You Today
- Taxes for Massage Therapists
NCBTMB Courses – LOW COST
- Building your business (Online Course, 3 CEs, $50)
- Class designed to help build a business plan, goals, strategies, finances and administration.
- https://shirleyknapp.com/product/building-your-business-online-course-3-ce-hrs/
- Accounting for Massage and Bodywork Practice: Lessons from Surviving an Audit (Online Course, 2 CEs, Email for price)
- Set up accounting books, prep for an audit
- https://freedommassage.com/accounting-for-massage-and-bodywork-practice-lessons-from-surviving-an-audit/
- The Ultimate Guide to Business Organization (Online Course, 2 CEs, $40)
- Planning for the Unexpected (Online Course, 1 CE, $20)
We hope that this information helps you as you move forward. We do hope that you and your families and clients stay safe and healthy.