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

NZ2454

This programme is delivered fully online. Watch our video to see what online study with Open Polytechnic is like.

This programme will give you the skills and knowledge to explore and assess opportunities and understand requirements for establishing a small business. You will have the skills to do this in a multi-cultural environment.

Qualification Update

(Updated 20 July 2023)

 This programme is being redeveloped and will be offered in the future as a new unified Te Pūkenga programme.

 Current learners

Learners who enrolled up to, and including 23 May 2023, can continue to re-enrol to complete the Open Polytechnic version of the programme. 

Please note, you must successfully complete all four courses that make up the programme within 2 years of your first enrolment to be awarded the Open Polytechnic version of the qualification.

New learners

New learners can apply to enrol in the programme until further notice. 

 Please note, if you have not studied this programme before you can apply for a maximum of two courses per enrolment, and must successfully complete all four courses that make up the programme within 2 years of your first enrolment to be awarded this version of the qualification

If you have any questions, or need assistance with a study plan, please contact us.

When you achieve this qualification, you will know how to

  • Identify and evaluate a business opportunity that is relevant in terms of own abilities, interests, and preferences.
  • Develop an establishment plan that assesses the feasibility and viability of a small business opportunity.
  • Identify technology needs to effectively operate a small business.
  • Assess the importance of business relationships with stakeholders for a small business.
  • Behave professionally and ethically and in a socially and culturally responsible manner, and apply personal and interpersonal skills to contribute to the assessment of small business opportunities.

Career opportunities

This qualification will enable you to explore and assess what it takes to start your own small business.

 

Is this the right Small Business programme for your needs?

We also offer a  Level 4 version of the NZ Certificate in Business - please read the differences below to ensure you enrol into the best programme for your needs:

Level 3 programme (NZ2454):

  • You will be able to assess small business opportunities and understand the requirements for establishing the business.
  • You will develop a creative and cohesive ‘’toolbox’’ that allows you to think thoroughly about the needs for opening a new business.
  • The focus will be about learning how to transform a business idea to become a business plan.

Level 4 programme (NZ2457):

  • You will have improved capability to establish, operate, grow, and sustain a small business.
  • You will be able to apply a deeper level of the skills and knowledge required to successfully achieve this.