This FREE nationally accredited online qualification is ideal for learners who want to develop the knowledge and skills needed to start their own business.
It introduces the essential steps involved in creating a business start-up, including idea development, understanding business ownership, and identifying resource requirements. Learners will also explore key marketing, legal, and financial considerations, along with the foundations of building a strong brand. By the end of the course, your learner will understand how to create and structure a business plan, supporting them in taking their first steps into entrepreneurship.
Learners will need to create a business plan and accompanying activities using a ‘portfolio’ of assessment. For each unit, learners are asked to submit their ongoing project portfolio alongside a mixture of regular tutor marked assessments.
Unit 1: Initial steps for a business start-up
Section 1: Understand how to develop business start-up ideas
Section 2: Understand the different types of business ownership
Section 3: Understand resource requirements for business start-up
Unit summary: The aim of this unit is to help learners understand the initial steps of a business start-up. Learners will understand how to develop business start-up ideas, understand business ownership and work out what resources are required to develop a business start-up.
Unit 2: Marketing for a business start-up
Section 1: Understand the market and market research
Section 2: Understand how to develop a brand for the business start-up
Section 3: Understand marketing strategies for a business start-up
Unit summary: The aim of this unit is to help learners understand the market their business start-up idea will be positioned in and how to use market research to support the business start-up. Learners will understand how to develop a successful marketing strategy.
Unit 3: Legal and financial considerations for a business start-up
Section 1: Understand HMRC and tax requirements
Section 2: Understand legislation for the business start-up
Section 3: Understand cash, profit and cash flow
Section 4: Understand management of customers and suppliers
Unit summary: The aim of this unit is to give learners an understanding of the legal and financial factors that will affect the business start-up.
Unit 4: Developing a business plan
Section 1: Understand the purpose of a business plan
Section 2: Develop a business plan
Unit summary: The aim of this unit is to give learners an understanding of business planning and how to apply their theoretical knowledge to develop a final business plan.
Approximate Course Duration, 11 -15 weeks (based on an average of 15-20 hours of self study per week)
Our online courses are designed for learners who are comfortable with independent study and require minimal support. We recognise that distance learning isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s important to understand the level of commitment needed to successfully complete your qualification. These courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and fit learning around your existing commitments. However, please note that there are set deadlines to ensure timely completion, with a maximum duration of 4-6 months.
This qualification can be completed on either a desk top PC, laptop or tablet. There is no specific software requirements needed apart from a stable internet connection.
