Learn how to start a business under the guidance of a professional business expert, and plan and initiate development of a business venture. A large percentage of small businesses fail within the first two years. Make sure your business isn't one of them! This course will be one of the reasons it won't be. There are two parts to the course. In the first part, you learn about how to run a business. The second part involves either you starting a business (this may be very small, or larger), or reviewing the running of an established business. Over several lessons, your tutor will guide you through several stages which assess, analyze and improve operations in this "real life situation".

There are 12 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Small Business
   • Types of business and communication, types of language, office equipment.
2. The Business World
   • Consultancy services, law and business, the landscape industry, business letters, communication systems.
3. Your alternatives - different types of ventures
   • Buying and starting a business.
4. Marketing
   • What is involved in marketing, advertising, selling, communication.
5. Planning
   • Organising and planning to ensure the success of the business.
6. Basic Bookkeeping
   • Financial statements, balance sheet, profit and loss statement,insurance.
7. Sales Methods
   • Selling, sales method, telephone canvassing.
8. Budgeting
   • Assets and liabilities.
9. Developing a 12 month business plan
   • Protection, planning and production.
10. Implementing a business plan
    • Communication with employees, planning the development of the business.
11. Reviewing progress in a new business
    • Research, evaluate and decide on business plan updates.
12. Improving profitability
    • Increase profit and reduce expenditure.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school\'s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Discuss the nature of small business and the skills required to run one successfully.
• Explain the legal requirements, restrictions and the costs of running a small business.
• Describe the different aspects and considerations associated with starting a new or buying an existing business.
• Explain the marketing process.
• Explain the importance of planning in the running of a successful business.
• Explain the importance of record keeping and the principles of bookkeeping.
• Determine sales and promotions strategies in small business.
• Explain the importance of budgets.
• Develop a business plan.
• Implement a business plan.
• Identify factors that affect profitability.