ICS Starting Your Own Business

ICS Starting Your Own Business

For many, starting a business is just a dream, but you can make it a reality with our Starting Your Own Business course. You already have the commitment, you're prepared for the hard work, but starting a business requires a thorough knowledge of hard fact and business principles. Our business course will supply that knowledge and tell you not just how to start your own business but also how to run your own business, making your chances of success as an entrepreneur so much stronger.

Our Starting Your Own Business course will set you on the road to success by introducing you to the fundamentals of successful business practice and giving you sound business advice.

You will receive practical and straightforward advice on entrepreneurship and starting a business, based on well-tested business development and management strategies. You will learn about the inevitable problems that all small businesses face and how to deal with them.

The Starting Your Own Business course will also teach you the knowledge to allow you to hone your original business idea and develop a business plan. You'll also learn about the role of effective trading and financial management in running your own business.

The elements of marketing, personnel management, e-commerce, finding premises and copyright protection will all be covered. And this online business course will also explain about the tools that can help you in negotiating the legal and regulatory framework that relates to starting a business.

Entry Requirements

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our Start Your Own Business course. That's because we believe in making home study - and a rewarding future - as accessible as possible.

Where will I go from here?

The knowledge of business principles you will gain from the Start Your Own Business course can give you a head start in a career operating your own business. It can also help you in finding employment in any area of business, should you decide to gain some practical experience in an existing business before setting out on your own.

What will I gain?

On completion, you'll receive the ICS Starting Your Own Business Diploma.

Assessment

Assessments are a great way of checking your progress. During your Start Your Own Business course, you'll be asked to complete four assessments consisting of short answers plus you'll complete a plan for your business enterprise.

Generally, assessments can be sent to us online via the ICS Student Community: it's the fastest way to receive your results.

What will I get?

Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and offers all the support you need along the way.

You'll receive study materials that have been specially designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field.

As a Start Your Own Business student, you'll receive the complimentary textbook: The Entrepreneur's Book of Checklists, by Robert Ashton.

You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and motivation.

You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library materials and your account information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new friends.

Study Period

6 months

Hours of study

120 hours

That's the equivalent of about 4 ½ hours of study a week over the six-month support period.

Support period

6 months

Course code

N38

Course cost

£499.00

Additional fees

There are no examination or registration fees for our Starting Your Own Business course.

See your course content

Key Topics

Setting Up Your Own Business

  • Learn what makes a successful entrepreneur and what makes a successful business idea. Consider what external advisors you may need for your business. Explore the different legal structures that a British business may have and decide which is best for you. Examine business names.

Money and Credit Control

  • Explore the differences between banks and the different services they can offer you. Learn the basics of bookkeeping and business accounts. Examine taxation and the expenses that can be set against taxable profits. Discover how to minimise the possibilities for misunderstandings on your invoices and how to chase debts.

Marketing

  • Explore market research, branding and pricing. Examine different opportunities for advertising and learn how to write an effective press release. Study websites, email newsletters and directl mail campaigns.

Being an Employer

  • Study the different ways of taking on people to work for you. Learn how to choose the people who best meet your needs. Examine the various legal requirements relating to employment as well as payment options and tax implications.

Places and Equipment

  • Consider the pros and cons of running a business from home. Examine the various considerations in selecting business premises. Explore office furniture and equipment.

The Online Business

  • Examine the processes involved in the creation of an effective website for your business. Explore the different options for accepting credit and debit card payments on the web.

Insurance and Protection

  • Explore the different types of insurance available to businesses. Examine the Data Protection Act. Learn how to protect your ideas, designs, trademarks, trade names and domain names.

Planning Your Business

  • Consider the importance of a business plan and learn how to produce a plan for your business.

Common Mistakes - and How to Avoid Them

  • Explore mistakes commonly made by new businesses and learn how to avoid them.

You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Course fee: £499 (excluding discounts)

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.