Explore the practical steps involved in creating a business start-up with a free online Level 2 course.
You’ll learn how to shape an idea, research a market, consider business ownership, understand legal and financial factors, plan marketing and develop a business plan.
The course is suitable if you are exploring self-employment, developing an early-stage idea or want to strengthen your understanding before starting a business.
Free for eligible learners. Certificate included on completion.
Study online with tutor support. No previous business qualification required.
This course may be fully funded for eligible learners through the Adult Skills Fund.
Availability can depend on your location, eligibility and current funding options.
Build the skills to start and grow your own business in 6–12 weeks.
Gain a nationally recognised, accredited Level 2 qualification.
Fully funded for eligible adults through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).
By the end of the course, you’ll have developed your understanding of:
The course is divided into four manageable units covering the early stages of a business start-up, marketing, legal and financial considerations and business planning.
There are no exams. You’ll complete assessment tasks based on the knowledge developed through the course.
The exact unit wording and assessment process may vary slightly depending on the awarding body and training provider.
Explore how business ideas are developed, different forms of business ownership and the resources that may be needed when creating a start-up.
Understand target markets, customers and competitors. Explore how market research can inform the development of a marketing strategy.
Develop your awareness of the legal and financial factors that should be considered when planning a new business.
Understand the purpose and structure of a business plan and apply your learning to the development of a start-up plan.
This free online business start-up course introduces the steps involved in planning and developing a new business.
You’ll explore business ideas, ownership, resource requirements, target customers, market research, marketing, legal and financial considerations and business planning.
The course is suitable for beginners, aspiring entrepreneurs, adults considering self-employment and people developing an early-stage business idea. You do not need a previous business qualification or a completed business plan to apply.
You’ll study online with tutor support and complete assessment tasks based on the course units. There are no exams.
On successful completion, you’ll gain a recognised Level 2 Certificate in Creating a Business Start-Up from NCFE or TQUK, depending on your provider and location.
This course may be suitable if you want to:
Learn in confidence with support from a qualified tutor throughout the course.
Join thousands of learners in growing both professionally and personally.
If you’re thinking about setting up your own business, getting your business plan right is crucial to your success.
Source: King’s Trust
Your 3 simple steps to qualification…
You can begin your stress-free journey to qualification by completing the short form on this page.
Once submitted, we’ll instantly match you with a relevant training provider based on your location to complete your enrolment.
Enjoy a flexible and engaging learning experience through an award-winning online platform with support from a qualified tutor.
You can access first-class resources, interactive case studies, and support tools. All available on any device, anytime.
Your nationally recognised level 2 certificate proves you’ve developed essential new skills and in-depth knowledge. The qualification is accredited by either NCFE or TQUK, depending on your location.
It’s a powerful personal achievement that boosts confidence, enhances employability, supports CPD and opens the door to further study or career progression.
This course can provide a foundation for learners who want to continue developing their business and enterprise knowledge.
After completing the course, you may choose to explore:
The course can support planning, confidence and further learning, but it does not register a business, provide start-up funding or guarantee that a business will launch, survive or make a profit.
The course also does not replace tailored legal, tax, accounting or financial advice.
Watch recent video testimonials from our learners.
This course is fully funded for eligible learners in England through the UK Government’s Adult Skills Fund.
Your course will be delivered online by one of our approved training provider partners, depending on your location.
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*View visa restrictions
Funding isn’t available for Skilled Worker visas, Student visas, Graduate visas, Sponsorship (skilled/seasonal) visas, or any visa with a study restriction.
If this applies, you won’t be eligible for funding.
Start Your Enrolment
Yes, the course is free for eligible learners. Funding depends on your eligibility, location, circumstances and current availability.
Yes. The course is completed online and includes support from a qualified tutor.
Yes. When you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive a Level 2 Certificate in Creating a Business Start-Up.
Yes. The course leads to a recognised Level 2 qualification awarded by NCFE or TQUK, depending on your provider and location.
The course covers business ideas, ownership, resources, market research, marketing, legal and financial considerations and business planning.
No. You can apply if you are still exploring self-employment or deciding what type of business you may want to start. Having an idea may help you apply the learning to your own plans.
The course can help you understand the steps involved and develop a business plan. It does not register or launch a business for you and cannot guarantee that a business will succeed.
Business planning is one of the course’s main areas. The exact assessment requirements can vary by provider, but the course develops your understanding of how a business plan is structured and created.
No. The course does not include a grant, loan or investment. It focuses on developing business start-up knowledge and planning skills.
No. The course introduces general legal and financial considerations but does not provide tailored legal, tax, accounting or financial advice.
The course may suit aspiring entrepreneurs, but the official qualification is the Level 2 Certificate in Creating a Business Start-Up.
It may be useful if your business is at an early stage or you want to revisit your market research, marketing or business plan. It is primarily designed around planning and developing a start-up.
No previous business experience or qualification is required.
No. You’ll complete assessment tasks based on the knowledge covered in the course units.
You can normally study one funded course at a time. The total number available depends on your eligibility, provider rules and current funding availability.
The course usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, based on around 5 to 10 recommended study hours per week.
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