Tirohanga whānui
Turn your business ideas into reality
Smart Steps to Business introduces you to the world of small business and entrepreneurship through a Māori perspective. You’ll learn how to identify, analyse, and plan for business opportunities, evaluate risks, and apply ethical and professional behaviours that support success.
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop a business plan, understand key areas like marketing, finance, compliance, and technology, and build the confidence to take your first steps as a business owner or entrepreneur.
He aha tāu ka whiwhi?
Skills you'll leave with
Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:
Identify and evaluate small business opportunities that align with your skills and interests
Develop and present a small business establishment plan
Understand compliance, technology, and relationship requirements for running a business
Apply professional, ethical, and culturally grounded business practices
Communicate effectively and build stakeholder relationships
Mā te mahi ka ako
Learn by doing
You will get to:
Create a business establishment plan for a real or simulated idea
Participate in workshops, wānanga, and online sessions
Present your business concept to potential stakeholders
Ngā ara e wātea ana
Pathways
On completion, you’ll have the skills to:
Keep studying
Continue your studies with Level 4 qualifications in Small Business Management, First Line Management, Accounting Support Services, or Administration and Technology, building on the foundation you’ve developed in this programme.
Use at work
Start your own small business or take on an entrepreneurial role in your community, applying what you’ve learned to real business opportunities.
Community involvement
Use your business knowledge to help whānau or community enterprises.
He meka
Quick facts
- Level 3 (Introductory)
- 60 Credits
- 20 Weeks
- NZ Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) Level 3
- No fees
- NZQA Accredited
- In some locations this programme may be provided by a sub-contractor
Paearu whakauru
Entry criteria
You can enrol if you:
Are 16 years or older
Are a NZ citizen or resident (includes Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) or Australian citizen/permanent resident
Currently reside in New Zealand
Be a graduate of a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) OR
Demonstrate numeracy and literacy competence through an exercise
Te wā
Time commitment
This programme is:
Full-time
60 credits
20 weeks long
Online-based, with workshops and wānanga
Kōnae ako
Learning modules
Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?
Where and when can I learn?
Prefer learning in a classroom with others? Check out our classroom offerings.
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
He Puāwaitanga Kawerau 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Kawerau
He Puāwaitanga Whirikoka 2026
Graduation Ceremony, Gisborne
Pitopito kōrero o te wā
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