Producers looking to expand their offerings and venture into the commercial insurance space can now earn their Small Business Coverage Specialist (SBCS) designation through a new course at the
Hartford School of Insurance.
The 12-month comprehensive course begins as early as April in some locations, and will “help new agency professionals gain technical insurance and sales knowledge to address the unique needs of a small business owner,” according to The Hartford.
Producers enrolled in the course will get a thorough review of a business owners policy (BOP), as well as auto and workers’ compensation policies. Instructors will also demonstrate how to select and position the best products to serve small business clients.
The course includes an overview of the
unique needs of small business owners throughout their business lifespan, and covers how to service both emerging businesses and growing companies.
Marie Alvarado, assistant vice president of agent education and consulting with The Hartford said the new course was born out of producer interest in small businesses.
“Agents expressed a need for a curriculum focused on small businesses,” Alvarado said. “Small businesses have been a focus for The Hartford for 30 years and we are excited to offer agents the tools they need to fully understand the mindset of small business owners and to help position them for success in the market.”
Rick Newell, head of Small Commercial sales at The Hartford, noted that now is an ideal time for producers to acquire their SBCS as the economy recovers and the small business sector grows in strength.
“Small business is big business—there are about 28mn small businesses in the United States,” Newell said.
Producers who participate in the course may also be eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credit hours. Tuition is $3,495 and includes all training materials, with locations varied throughout the US. Enrollees will spend two weeks in the classroom, with the remainder of the program self-paced.
Interested agents can register for the program
here.
