Many small business owners start out doing something really well. They have a great idea find out that people really want the product or service that they offer. However, as the business starts to take shape and develop, many small business owners find themselves struggling to deal with expansion and the various aspects of business that don’t come naturally to them. This is where a master’s of business administration could come in handy. Below, you will find five of the ways earning an MBA can give you an edge in your business. It used to be that you’d have to go to school full-time to get an MBA, but thanks to technology and higher demand, you can work on your MBA part time while running your business. Many schools offer evening classes, and sometimes even weekend programs to make the pursuit of your MBA as compatible with work as possible.

1. An understanding behind the theory behind business management

One of the best reasons for business owners to go back to school and get an MBA is that you will undoubtedly learn something new. An MBA is a well-rounded degree that will teach you about all the various aspects of running a business. Maybe you are a great salesman and you have a great product, but you don’t know very much about bookkeeping and staying organized. An MBA will help with that. Knowing which strategies are worth your while and which ones are not can make a big difference to your small business’s future.

2. Valuable lifelong business connections

Nearly everyone getting an MBA is interested in business in some shape or form. Another huge benefit of getting an MBA is that you will make lifelong connections with hundreds of professionals and entrepreneurs who will likely help you out in the future. Networking is one of the most important aspects of any successful business, and an MBA will help you know how best to utilize your contacts to form professional relationships, gain other’s trust, and be a resource to others to leverage your network.

3. Knowledge of how to write a business plan

If the day comes when you need to write a proper business proposal for outside funding, then your MBA is certain to come in handy. External sources of capital are far more likely to be interested in investing in your business if you know how to write a proper business plan. They want to know that you’ve thought through every aspect of your business to ensure its success.

4. Support and structure

Many of the top MBA programs are geared towards entrepreneurs and business owners. Programs often have tools in place to help you start and run a business. This support network will prove invaluable as you start and run your business. Not only will you better understand business theory and strategy, but you will be able to know what type of staff members to hire, how much to pay them, and how best to utilize them.

5. Broader horizons

While earning your MBA, you are sure to encounter new ideas and concepts. These new ideas will not only help you to succeed as you run your business, but they will also broaden your horizons and serve as sources of innovation and expansion in the future. International expansion is a must for many industries nowadays, and an MBA will give you the tools you need to make that a possibility in the future.

If you’re considering going back to school at any point, a master’s of business administration could help you get a leg up on the competition and give you valuable skills for helping your company stay afloat in the business world.