Smart Steps to Business

If you’ve always wanted to work for yourself but don’t know where to start – this programme can help you get your business goals off the ground.

Smart Steps to Business is for people wanting to start a business or those who already have a hobby business and want to know if it’s feasible to grow.

Learn how to identify business opportunities, evaluate your ideas, write an establishment plan and prepare to launch your business.

You’ll also gain a clear understanding of the steps required to take your business from an initial idea through to an actual business.

When you pass this programme, you'll get this qualification:

• New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) Level 3

• identifying business opportunities
• creating an establishment plan
• evaluating the feasibility and viability of your business opportunity
• understanding the legal and operational requirements of a business

This is a full-time programme that consists of 60 credits delivered over 20 weeks. Throughout the programme you will be required to attend:

• 1 x 3-hour class per week
• workshops (approximately 2 hours per week)
• 1 x 7-hour wānanga

In addition to these attendance hours, you’ll be expected to complete learning activities designed to enhance your learning for approximately:

• 25 hours per week

Some learning activities will need to be completed online. You’ll need to have access to an internet-connected device to participate in this programme.

In some locations this programme may be provided by an approved sub-contract arrangement.

To enrol in this programme, a potential student must:

• be at least 16 years of age
• be a New Zealand citizen (or citizen of Australia, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands) or permanent resident
• reside in New Zealand
• be a graduate of a Level 2 qualification (or higher) or demonstrate numeracy and literacy competence

Download factsheet

Enrol in our Level 4 Small Business and Project Management programme.

You'll be able to go into business for yourself or use your skills in a range of other employment pathways.