Starting a business - best course for business studies

BunnieJ

So, I've decided to just go for it! :j

I've always wanted to set up my own business, but keep putting it off. I always use the excuse of no time/no money etc because I've got no self-confidence and I'm scared I'll fail and end up with a huge debt

I've recently moved and been stuck in a boring reception job for the past 9 months. Fortunately, I managed to find a job in another department of my office and will be moving into an admin role I thought this would be a big move, perhaps the start of something for me career wise (I've always had low paid, dead-end jobs) but it seems that I'll be taking on a load more work for the same low wage. I'm not saying I'm not looking forward to starting my new job, but I did think I would have taken a step up in my salary I would ideally like to study outside of work so that I can begin planning for my business.

For now I just have the basic idea of what I want to do, but it probably won't be put into practice for a long time (I need some knowledge behind me first).

Anyone know the best course to study business? I know the OU does an "introduction to business" module, but that's as far as my knowledge goes. I would like to know a lot more about how businesses work before I think of starting my own.

TIA

saintjammyswine

Speak to your local FE College as most offer business/management courses from Intro Level (usually Level 2) up to Post Degree (Level 7).

BunnieJ

Speak to your local FE College as most offer business/management courses from Intro Level (usually Level 2) up to Post Degree (Level 7).

I'll take a look!

Bantex_2

I meet up with a lot of small business people as part of my job. Most just got on with it rather than studying it.

Put a business plan together and it will tell you what you need to know.

Sncjw

Check out vision 2 learn they do business course level 2 and it's free and it depends if they have funding in area,

BunnieJ

I meet up with a lot of small business people as part of my job. Most just got on with it rather than studying it.

Put a business plan together and it will tell you what you need to know.

That's what I thought. But looking further into it, I would much rather have some knowledge of business before I start aything. I wouldn't even know where to begin with a busines plan!

Check out vision 2 learn they do business course level 2 and it's free and it depends if they have funding in area,

Sounds interesting, thanks

saintjammyswine

Depending on where you are, there are many charities that provide free business training funded through their income generating activities. Might be worth having a look.

BunnieJ

Depending on where you are, there are many charities that provide free business training funded through their income generating activities. Might be worth having a look.

A friend suggested The Princes Trust. I've looked into their 18-30 enterprise scheme to help set up my business before, but you have to be either unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week to be eligable

I'm hoping to open a food/catering business if that helps. I've considered selling my products at a market previously, but I know you need a food hygiene certificate/environmental health to check your kitchen and insurance. I currently live in rented accommodation which makes things more difficult (can't "run a business" from it under my contract). I then considered some sort of mobile business such as a burger van/ice cream van to sell my goods, but this may still involve using my kitchen at home which I don't think I can do.

Really need some help where to start with it!

colino

Investigate all of your local business groups, chambers of commerce, Enterprise network, etc. and get direct info. on what is available to you for your specific business idea.
Anyone seeking a business qualification thinking it will lead to a successful business might end up with a qualification, but more likely, no business.

kingslayer

It's funny because all the people I know who have set up businesses have never studied business. They have usually been successful without a formal education. I am not saying you should do that, especially as you're not entirely sure what kind of business you want to run. It's always a good idea to get some knowledge behind you first, instead of blindly going in; unless of course you know 100% what products you want to sell.

WantToBeSE

Bunnie, I see you live in the south west, so do I. You need to look at Outset. They run free workshops in the south west that are for people wanting to start up a business.
I got so much valuable info fro their sessions. Google them