Adults

Business and Management

Business Startup Essentials

If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, or turning a skill into income, this five week programme gives you the practical foundations to make it happen.

Designed for beginners and early stage entrepreneurs, the course takes you step by step through the essentials of shaping an idea, understanding customers, managing money, building a brand, and completing the legal and practical tasks needed to get started.

Each week blends real world examples, hands on activities, and simple tools used by successful business owners, helping you build confidence and clarity as you develop your own business concept.

More information

Start Date and Duration

This course will start on Wednesday 24th February 2027 and take five weeks to complete. You will attend college on a Wednesday, from 9.30am – 12.30pm.

The course takes place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

Course Content

Across the five weeks, the course takes learners on a practical journey from idea to action. It begins with understanding business and exploring ideas, helping learners understand what makes a business work, how to spot opportunities, and how to refine an idea.

The focus then moves to customers, markets and value, exploring who the customer is, what they need, and how the business solves a real problem. You will also explore covering startup costs, simple budgeting, pricing models, and cashflow essentials then into the world of branding, marketing and selling.

Finally, you will bring everything together with the legal and practical steps needed to get started, including registering a business, understanding insurance and data protection, and setting up an online presence.

Assessment Methods

Assessment on this course is practical, supportive, and focused on real world business skills. Instead of exams, learners complete a series of hands on tasks each week that show how well they can apply what they’ve learned, from shaping a business idea to understanding customers, planning simple finances, and developing a brand. Learners will also take part in short reflective activities where they review their progress and refine their business concept.

Entry Requirements

This course is designed to be accessible and beginner friendly, so there are no formal qualifications required to join. Learners simply need an interest in exploring business ideas and a willingness to take part in practical activities each week.

Course Cost

The total cost of this course is £75. You may be eligible for funding depending on your personal circumstances and subject to a fee assessment during the enrolment process. For further details, please visit our financial support pages.

Future Progression Opportunities

Upon completing the course, learners can progress to a variety of exciting opportunities, depending on their goals and the stage of their business idea.

Degree Overview

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Modules

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Learning Environment and Assessment

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Tuition Fees

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Financial Support

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Careers and Progression

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Connecting Classroom to Career

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