Small business owners can take free classes in August on identify theft, preparing them to comply with the new Red Flags Rule, which makes businesses responsible for fraudulent use of accounts.

Other courses offered by the publicly funded Sierra Economic Development Corp. include business planning, business law, communication and internet skills. Courses in August area in Grass Valley and Auburn.

Scholarships are available to employers of one through nine employees to offset the cost to attend SEDCorp classes; applicants must complete a certification statement.

Classes cost $45 and include those listed below. (Take two classes for $80 and save $10, take three classes for $115 and save $20.)

For locations of classes, more information or to RSVP, visit www.sedcorp.biz or call (530) 823-4703.

Classes

• Business Legalities: First-hand attorney advice for business owners, taught by Matthew Crider of CriderLaw. 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11, Auburn.

• Business Planning: Discover the six key components you must have in your business plan and the 12-minute process to make your plan perfect, taught by Machen MacDonald of ProBrilliance. 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 3 in Grass Valley and Aug. 17 in Auburn.

• Communication Skills, Time Management and Body Language: Learn skills to manage nonverbal communication and time, taught by Karen Harvey of Clarity Coaching. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 3 in Auburn and Aug. 10 in Grass Valley.

• Survival Tools to Manage Your Business Finances: Covers accounting transactions, financial forecasting, break-even analysis and cash flow projections, taught by Dave McDougall, independent consultant. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4 in Auburn.

• Franchising as a Career Option: Learn how to reduce your risks, by Lorraine King, Entrepreneur's Source. 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5 in Auburn.

• Making Solar Part of Your Business Plan: Learn how California businesses have increased sales volume with the benefits of going solar. Learn about rebates and incentives, by Rick Robins and Jean-Marc Leininger, Solarecity. 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 in Auburn.

Internet marketing classes

• Beginner: Learn how to get top rankings on Google, how to access free tools, pick the right keywords for your business and market locally, taught by Coryon Redd, batteries4less.com. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4 in Grass Valley and Aug. 16 in Auburn.

• Intermediate: Learn how to set up an adwords account to bid on keywords on Google. A few basics will make sure it is money well spent. The class also covers many strategies to building inbound links to your website, taught by Coryon Redd, batteries4less.com. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 9 in Grass Valley.