Educating entrepreneurs, strengthening communities
Money Smart for Small Business (MSSB) is a comprehensive instructor-led curriculum developed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the U.S. Small Business Administration to support both aspiring and existing small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their businesses.
Free and ready-to-use
Delivered by trusted community partners, the curriculum strengthens bank and community relationships and is fully customizable and copyright‑free.
Anyone can teach MSSB
Experience training or coaching small businesses is helpful, but what matters most is a passion for empowering entrepreneurs. No certifications are required to use the curriculum.
Tell us what you think
We hope you enjoy this preview of MSSB. For more information, please contact us at ConsumerEducation@FDIC.gov.
Curriculum Components
Each MSSB module offers a comprehensive, ready‑to‑use curriculum with all the essential components needed for delivery.
Instructor Guide
Step‑by‑step support with lesson plans, scripts, timing tips, and activities to help instructors teach key concepts and engage participants.
Participant Guide
Clear explanations and hands‑on activities to help learners understand and apply each module’s concepts.
Presentation Slides
Highlights key module points and guide participants through each lesson for clear, consistent delivery.
Guide to Presenting
Offers practical tips to help instructors deliver MSSB modules confidently and effectively. It covers presentation techniques, ways to engage participants, and suggestions for adapting sessions to different audiences.
Is Business Ownership Right for You?
Decide whether to pursue owning a small business.
Planning for a Healthy Business
Create a business plan, identify resources and funding, and set strategic goals.
M2 Instructor Guide
Business Structures
Choose the right business structure by comparing key features and understanding the implications of each option.
Banking Services
Identify banking products and services that meet your business needs, understand FDIC deposit insurance, and how to bank securely.
Financing & Credit
Small Business Financing
Learn about funding options for your small business, what lenders look for, and the requirements and terms involved in securing financing.
Business Credit
Understand how personal credit affects a small business. Learn how to establish, build and maintain business credit, review credit reports, and dispute errors.
M6 Instructor Guide
Financial Management
Budgeting and Financial Statements
Create budgets and financial statements to manage your business finances, monitor performance, and make informed decisions.
Profitability
Learn how to calculate and assess profitability using a basic profit and loss statement. Identify strategies to increase profits and align business priorities with financial goals.
M8 Instructor Guide
Recordkeeping
Establish and maintain an effective recordkeeping system, create a record retention policy, and manage business records using digital and hard copy systems.
Managing Clash Flow
Understand how cash moves through your business, create cash flow projections, and use them to forecast, plan, and address challenges.
Risk, Compliance & Business Continuity
Insurance
Learn about small business insurance options, choose coverage that fits your needs, obtain policies, and manage coverage as your business evolves.
Risk Management
Identify internal and external risks, conduct a risk assessment, develop strategies, and a risk management plan to safeguard your small business.
M12 Instructor Guide
Small Business Taxes
Understand small business tax requirements and learn how to manage federal, state, and local tax obligations.
M13 Instructor Guide
Selling, Closing, or Transferring Ownership of Your Business
Explore business exit strategies and learn how to plan and carry out the sale, transfer, or closure of your business.
Explore Learning Roadmaps
Roadmaps are structured learning paths that guide you through recommended modules tailored to the needs of aspiring and current entrepreneurs. More detailed information is available in the Guide to Presenting.
Roadmap 1: Exploring Business Ownership
Help aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate whether business ownership is right for them and prepare for the startup process.
Modules
- Is Business Ownership Right for You?
- Planning for a Healthy Business
- Business Structures
- Budgeting & Financial Statements
- Banking Services
- Small Business Financing
Roadmap 2: Strengthening Business Management
Enhance financial management, organization, and profitability in an existing business.
Modules
- Budgeting & Financial Statements
- Managing Cash Flow
- Profitability
- Recordkeeping
- Business Credit
- Insurance
Roadmap 3: Preparing for Growth and Expansion
Guide established businesses preparing for expansion.
Modules
- Planning for a Healthy Business
- Profitability
- Managing Cash Flow
- Small Business Financing
- Risk Management
- Insurance
Roadmap 4: Building Financial Resilience
Help small business owners strengthen their financial foundation and prepare for challenges.
Modules
- Budgeting & Financial Statements
- Managing Cash Flow
- Business Credit
- Risk Management
- Recordkeeping
- Small Business Taxes
Roadmap 5: Planning for Transition & Business Exit Strategies
Support entrepreneurs preparing to retire, sell, or transfer ownership of their business.
Modules
- Selling, Closing, or Transferring Ownership of Your Business
- Risk Management
- Small Business Taxes
If you have questions, contact ConsumerEducation@FDIC.gov.