The Savvy Marketers, a training program designed for small businesses, has been launched by Hart Communications, an independent public relations firm based in San Francisco. It is a series of Internet based courses to provide small business owners with skills to master the marketing needs of their companies, and demystify the marketing process.

The course is a series of one hour sessions over 90 days, which is 12 consecutive weeks. Classes are taught via Webinar, which combines an Internet presentation and conference call. The spring course begins June 4, and the fall 2008 course begins September 3. The price is $1,185.

"Small businesses come to us time and again with two important issues they need help with," said Tim Hart, owner of Hart Communications and a lead instructor for the Savvy Marketers program. "One, they are overwhelmed by marketing options available to them, and two, they are afraid they will make expensive mistakes."

"We launched the program to address these important questions. We want to help entrepreneurs develop the marketing skills that will serve them for the lifespan of their businesses, while providing them with the tools, tips and techniques they can start using today." Among the topics addressed are:

• How to develop a detailed marketing budget.
• How to create a year round marketing calendar.
• Essentials of standout marketing materials.
• Essentials of websites and emarketing.
• Grassroots marketing and cross promotion.
• Basics of PR and media.
• How to make the most of a tight budget.
• How and when to ask for help if doing it yourself isn't right for you.

In addition to the weekly Webinar sessions, students can also attend a voluntary, weekly virtual office hours conference call that is modeled after drop in hours on a college campus. They can ask questions on homework, test ideas, network and more.

"We want this to be a robust but friendly, supportive and safe learning environment," said Savvy co-founder Kathleen Hart. "We're all rooting for each other here and we think the office hours is just one more way we can connect and get entrepreneurs the help they need."

For more information, visit www.thesavvymarketers.com.