Want to Learn More About Business?

Join our Level 1 business course

Are you seeking to start a business or seek employment, but could benefit from a boost to your skills and courage? Our Accredited Level One Business Course is a friendly introduction to business, designed to help you explore self-employment and workplace skills that will help you thrive, whether you work for yourself or someone else. And the great news is, you don’t need a business idea to start your entrepreneurial journey!

It’s a great fit if…

• You’re interested in business but unsure where to start.

• Are considering self-employment but want to explore what that means for you.

• Are in work but interested in what opportunities self-employment could offer 

• You feel self-employment is a good fit for you but haven’t found the right idea.

• Excited by business, but haven't experienced or know anyone whose done anything similar before.

• Feel like previous learning or work experiences haven't supported you to succeed, even though you have more to give.

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This Qualification Will Give You:

• Space and time in a supportive environment where you can share your ambitions, ideas, and any worries about the future 

• Support from a friendly, experienced team who will listen, encourage you, challenge your thinking, and celebrate your progress 

• Opportunities to meet and connect with others who are at a similar stage in exploring their next steps 

• Learning and inspiration from people who have been where you are and have successfully moved forward 

• Practical tools and local information to help you take the next step towards starting a business or exploring other career opportunities

• An Accredited qualification valued by employers


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You Will Learn:

• How your strengths and interests can support success in business

• How starting a business fits with your personal and professional goals

• Key skills and knowledge critical for successful business management

• How to develop and evaluate ideas for a product or service

• How to effectively plan towards personal and business goals

• How to confidently communicate, grow your networks and find opportunities

• What actions and organisations could help you continue your journey 

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Delivery Options and Eligibility

• 20-25 hours of learning (4 x 4-hour sessions or 8 x 2-hour sessions)

• 121 learning and workbook support

• Available face-to-face or online

• Free to individuals aged 19+, who live in a North East postcode and are unemployed or earning less than £30,000 annually


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Hear From Our Learners

• 90% of last year’s learners report improved employment opportunities

• 100% reported their course was accessible

 “I enjoyed all of this course. It covered a good range of topics that set the foundation for setting up a business. I found the space created by Julianne and the rest of the FIRST team to be really positive and encouraging, and I feel like I’ve met a lovely group of people on this course. The guest speakers were also really encouraging. There’s a genuineness to everyone involved.”

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