Free Level One Business Course 02.02.26

Level One Business Course 

For Curious Minds Seeking Opportunities  

Are you thinking about self-employment but don’t know how to take the FIRST step? 

You might: 

• Not have a business idea yet 

• Be uncertain about how to begin 

• Feel worried about the financial side 

Our Level One Business Course can help you by offering: 

• 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 

Course Themes: 

Theme 1 – Skills to pay the bills 
In the first theme, you will assess whether starting and running a business aligns with your personal goals and aspirations. You’ll also discover the key skills and knowledge areas that are critical for successful business management, helping you build a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial journey. 

Theme 2 – Opportunity knocks 
This theme focuses on nurturing innovative ideas for products and services. You will learn how to evaluate business opportunities and identify potential risks as well as starting to gain an understanding of how you may begin to plan in the future. 

Theme 3 – Networking to get working
Starting a business can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. In the final theme, you will explore the range of support and resources available to new businesses. Emphasis is placed on the importance of business networks and how they can provide ongoing assistance and growth opportunities. 

This course is fully accredited through SFEDI, the leading Awarding body for enterprise, and is fully funded for *eligible participants from the Northeast combined authority area through the Adult Education Budget. 

*Eligibility is based on income, age and postcode area, when you enquire, we'll ask a couple of questions to establish eligibility. 

Assessment: 

Throughout the course, assessment is integrated with continuous guidance and support to help you reflect on your learning and apply it effectively. Methods use are varied in approach, for example; workbooks, skills audit and presentations. 

Delivery Options 

We have a range of different delivery options available including day time and evening sessions, online and in person, please speak to a member of our team to see which would be the most suitable for your needs. 

Course Features 

• Accredited Level 1 Qualification regulated by OFQUAL, and awarded by SFEDI 

• Practical, Skills-Based Learning 

• Opportunity for experienced guest speakers providing information, advice and guidance. 

• Ongoing Assessment with Tutor Support 

• Fun, Interactive and Reflective Activities 

• Ideal for Individuals exploring opportunities 

• Careers support if starting a business isn’t right for you 

Commitment from you: 
To get the most out of this course, it is important that you fully engage with the learning and activities provided. As this is an accredited Level 1 qualification, you will be required to complete workbooks and provide evidence of your learning to achieve the award. 

If you feel that this level of commitment does not suit your current circumstances, or if formal learning feels overwhelming, our shorter and more flexible taster course (LINK) may be a more suitable starting point.
 

By the end of the course, you will: 

• Have a clearer understanding if starting a business is the right thing for you 

• A wider understanding of how to access ideas and opportunities in your local area 

• Industry led design tools and resources to use not just now, but forever!  

WHERE AND WHEN: 

Location: Online 

Time: All sessions run 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Dates: 

Session 1 - 2nd February

Session 2 - 4th February

Session 3 - 9th February

Session 4 - 11th February

Session 5 - 16th February

Session 6 - 18th February

Session 7 - 23rd February

Session 8 - 25th February