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What does it take to run a business?

Starting a business is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. Our accredited SQA Level 4 qualification in Starting in Business equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate these challenges and build a foundation for sustainable success.

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Ready to start on your business journey?

If you are looking to become self-employed or are relatively new to self-employment, then this accredited course is for you. 

Starting a business is an exciting venture, but it comes with its challenges. Our accredited SQA Level 4 qualification in Starting in Business equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate these challenges and build a foundation for sustainable success.

This one-day intensive course offers practical insights and tools to help you:

  • Make informed decisions when starting or pivoting a business
  • Challenge your motivations and align your goals with market realities
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the steps to achieve business success
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What you’ll learn

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1. Opening: setting the stage

Understand your motivations and objectives for starting a business.

Explore the key considerations for launching and sustaining your venture.

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2. Market research

Learn the fundamentals of effective market research.

Explore primary and secondary research methods.

Create your business model canvas to align your vision with market realities.

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3. Meet the entrepreneur

Gain first-hand insights from an experienced entrepreneur.

Learn practical advice and strategies for overcoming challenges.

Ask questions and receive tailored guidance to support your journey.

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4. Finance fundamentals

Understand cash flow, financial projections, and funding options.

Learn to build a realistic financial case to ensure sustainability.

Discover how to secure financial comfort for your family while pursuing your business goals.

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5. Case studies

Analyse real-life success and failure stories.

Participate in group discussions to evaluate key lessons and apply them to your own business.

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6. The right decision

Reflect on your learning and ensure you’re making the right decision to move forward.

Leave the course with actionable next steps for your business journey.

Course goals

By the end of the course, you will:

  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges of starting a business
  • Use market research effectively to validate your business idea
  • Gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs and apply their lessons to your venture
  • Create a robust business and financial plan as part of the accreditation process

Those who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion, but the accreditation is only then awarded on verification of competency in the Business Plan and Financial Planning.

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Meet your coach: David Christie

This course is led by David Christie FCMI, the author of the qualification. David brings unique insights from his roles working for a large Enterprise Company, and as the Adviser for Virgin Start Up in Scotland.

Through his experience, you’ll gain invaluable guidance to avoid common pitfalls and maximise your potential for success.

Find out more about David Christie here.

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Who should attend?

This course is ideal for:

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs ready to start their journey
  • Small business owners seeking to pivot or refine their strategies
  • Anyone passionate about building a sustainable business

No prior experience is required—just a determination to succeed!

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Course details

Register today
Events

Thursday 23 January, 09:00 – 16:00

Webinar 2

Virtual workshop

Recognition

SQA Level 4 qualification

Accreditation is awarded on verification of competency in the Business Plan and Financial Planning.

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Led by David Christie FCMI

Price
IPSE members
£285 (+ VAT)
Non-members
£349 (+ VAT)

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