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ITDP · 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 83-1404551

ITDP× Southern Lion
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Full curriculum

Every module, lesson and lab.

Start the self-paced trainingApply to the 12-Week Academy
The complete outline of the 4-week preliminary self-paced training and the 12-week Small Business Tech Academy — designed with the Southern Lion Foundation to help merchants strengthen their business, improve their digital skills and compete at a higher level.
Tracks
Two
Total length
16 weeks
Cost
Free to qualified participants

The outcome

What every merchant receives

Before the module lists: this is what you walk away holding.
  1. 01Comprehensive One-on-One Technical Assessment
  2. 02Personalized 30 / 60 / 90-day Acceleration Roadmap
  3. 03Hands-on instruction across AI, marketing, e-commerce, cybersecurity & systems
  4. 04Classroom + lab assignments built around YOUR actual business
  5. 05Access to recorded classes for review
  6. 06Shareable certification badges
  7. 07One-on-one support from tech + business professionals

Southern Lion merchant bonus

Southern Lion merchants who complete the one-on-one technical assessment, all required Academy sessions and the technology implementation assignments will be eligible for a one-month rent credit, prorated over nine months.

Track 1 · Self-paced

Preliminary self-paced training

4 weeks · roughly 2–3 hours a week · completed inside your vendor dashboard.

Finish all four weeks to earn your Foundations Badge and a printable certificate — awarded automatically once every lesson, knowledge check and apply exercise is complete.

Create your account

Track 2 · 12-Week Academy

12-Week Small Business Tech Academy

Hands-on, in-person and virtual instruction with individualized guidance. The cohort begins in September, with a preparation phase in August covering a self-paced review and a one-on-one technical assessment.
In-person class
Weekday · Southern Lion · approx. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Virtual class
Weeknight · approx. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

A message from leadership

Sonja P. Nichols

CEO, Southern Lion Foundation

Sonjanichols@Southernlion.com
(980) 256-8256

“This is your business. This is your opportunity. This is your next level.”

Excerpts from Sonja P. Nichols, CEO, Southern Lion Foundation, to the first Academy cohort.

“Southern Lion Foundation, in partnership with ITDP Training, is launching our very first cohort of the 12-Week Small Business Tech Academy. This is a structured, technology-powered, hands-on business growth platform designed to help you strengthen your business, improve your digital skills, work more efficiently, reach more customers, and compete at a much higher level.”

“This is not a collection of disconnected workshops or occasional meetings. It is a comprehensive 12-week program with consistent instruction, practical assignments, individualized guidance, and tools you can begin applying to your business immediately. Learn today. Implement today. See results today.”

“Please do not worry if technology is not your strength. You do not have to be a technology person to participate or succeed in this Academy. Throughout the month of August, we will offer a self-paced online review course to help you become familiar with important technology terms, tools, and ideas at your own pace.”

“You are already doing the hard part. You are investing your money, your time, your creativity, your energy, and your faith into your business. This Academy is designed to help you build the systems around your dream.”

How to register

Create your vendor account, complete the registration, and write “Southern Lion Merchant” in the Anything else we should know? field so we can match you to your booth.

Join as a vendorApply to the Academy