Starting a Business Course

Duration 4 hours

Last audited 10th February 2023

For me

For teams

100% online training
Start when you like
Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)
Instant assessment and result

1 learner per course
Train teams of all sizes
Bulk discounts starting at 10% off 10 courses
Pay by invoice with 30 day payment terms available (5+ courses)

£25 +VAT

include vat

Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses

This Starting a Business course guides you through the steps involved in starting your own business, including choosing your business structure, considering operations, marketing your business and financial planning. Throughout the course, you will find a range of downloadable resources to help you, including a draft business plan - which you can complete as you work through the modules.

Written in collaboration with social entrepreneur and mentor Jane Walton, the course also provides guidance on what you should consider before beginning your business start-up, and includes opportunities to explore, assess and refine your business idea. The course contains optional Choose Your Path sections allowing you to tailor your learning. This will enable you to access the information that is most relevant to you and your business. It also contains case studies and video interviews with tips and advice from real business owners.

100% online training

Access anywhere

Same day digital certificate

Printed certificate posted next working day

Full audio voiceover

Assessment retakes at no extra cost

Created by our core skills team in collaboration with social entrepreneur and mentor, Jane Walton

Accredited by CPD

Optional 'Choose Your Path' sections to personalise your learning

A range of downloadable and interactive resources including a draft business plan

Bulk discount for orders of 10+ courses

Accreditations
Course Content
Reviews
Suitable for

What you'll learn

By the end of the course you will:

Understand if running a business or self-employment is right for you.
Understand which skills and personal qualities may be helpful when starting and running a business.
Understand how to structure a business.
Know what needs to be included in a business plan.
Understand the importance of financial planning, marketing and operations when starting a business.

Training you can trust

Accredited by CPD

All of our courses are accredited by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to universally accepted Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

Course screenshot showing personal qualities and skills: independence

Course screenshot showing starting a business plan

Course screenshot showing online marketing: website and social media

Module 1: Is Starting a Business Right for You?

Getting the most out of this course, why do you want to start a business?, video case study - why did you start your own business?, self-assessment: personal qualities and skills, advantages of starting a business, challenges of starting a business and action plan.

Module 2: Your Business Plan

Video case study - my business idea, forming a business idea (optional content), the 7Ps of business, business viability, starting a business plan, why is a business plan important?, how to organise a business plan, executive summary and writing your business plan: top tips.

Module 3: Business Operations

Product, distribution, case study - the importance of flexibility, price, ways to price your products or services, people (optional content), employing people (optional content), suppliers and place.

Module 4: Choosing a Business Structure

Types of business structure, sole traders (optional content), partnerships (optional content), limited companies (optional content), social enterprises and community interest companies (optional content), choosing a business name, choosing a logo, case study - the importance of branding, opening a business bank account, further legal requirements and action plan.

Module 5: Marketing Your Business

What is marketing?, market research, primary and secondary market research, competitor analysis, product and service features, video case study - the marketing strategies I use and why, methods of advertising, online marketing: website and social media, content ideas for social media, case study - the importance of adapting marketing strategies and impact and after-sale services.

Module 6: Business Finance

Financial plan - general tips, personal finances, start-up costs, sales forecast, profit and loss projections, cash flow forecast, video case study - how do I manage my finances?, balance sheet, break-even analysis, business feasibility and business viability, sourcing funding (optional content), VAT (optional content) and allowable expenses (optional content).

Module 7: Next Steps

What next?, video case study - what are your top business tips?, frequently asked questions, case study - the importance of taking a break, course downloads, further training and assessment.

Download Course Overview (PDF)

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 10 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 80%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass, don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.

This Starting a Business course is suitable for anyone considering self-employment or starting their own business. The course is also suitable for those in the early stages of business set-up - from sole traders to larger limited companies.

If you want to start your own food business from home, check out our Starting a Home Food Business course.

Written by experts

Jane Walton is a social entrepreneur who holds a Masters in Teacher Education, PGCE in Enterprise Education, degree in Information Science and a Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD).

Jane has worked in further education, local and regional government, the cultural sector and for a national charity using her extensive experience in the areas of enterprise, employability, mentoring, volunteering and governance to support and develop the skills and knowledge of those she works with.

Jane is a Business Mentor for the Princes Trust, a chair of trustees of Castleford Heritage Trust and previously was Chair at Young Enterprise UK. She is passionately committed to supporting and mentoring individuals who want to move into self-employment or start up their own business.