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NZ Certificate in Business Level 3, Small Business

About the course

Build your small business the right way and achieve your NZ Certificate in Business (Small Business – Level 4), nationally recognised across Aotearoa.

Study business in New Zealand and learn how to identify opportunities, manage operations, and assess feasibility while developing practical business management skills that apply to real-world enterprise settings.

No prior experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a drive to succeed. Study online anywhere in NZ with flexible learning options that fit your lifestyle, and we’ll even provide Office 365 for your studies.

*All of our programmes are available fees free to New Zealand Residents, New Zealand citizens and Australian Citizens residing in New Zealand for the duration of their studies.

Duration: 40 Weeks Part-Time (15 hours weekly) or 20 Weeks Full-Time (35 hours weekly)

Fees: Zero fees, no hidden costs or textbooks

Upcoming Intake Date: January 19th 2026 PT only
February 16th 2026 PT & FT

online course information

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Programme Content

This NZQA recognised programme is worth 60 NZQA credits.

The four courses below completed during this programme are each worth 15 credits.

 

Courses covered:

IDENTIFYING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

  • Small Business in New Zealand
  • Matching Skills, Interests, and Personal Goals to the Small Business Opportunity
  • Determining a Small Business Feasibility
  • Deciding on the Best Small Business Opportunity
  • Determining the Viability of the chosen Small Business Opportunity

DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN I FOUNDATIONS AND STAKEHOLDERS

  • Foundations for the Small Business Plane
  • Small Business Objectives
  • Legal Requirements
  • Small Business Resources
  • Small Business Stakeholders

DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN II FINANCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • Start-up Costs
  • Finances 2
  • Technology 1- Operations
  • Technology 2- Administration
  • Choosing the Correct Technology
  • Implementing Technology

DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN III MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

  • Marketing Proposal
  • Marketing Tools- Promotion
  • Professional and Ethical Marketing
  • Communication Plans
  • Socially and Culturally Appropriate Communications
  • Personal and Interpersonal Communication Skills

Download our brochure here to view detailed course content

Further Information

All studies are completed online in your own environment. Studies are conducted using the Canvas eLearning platform along with regular virtual tutor support. Students require a computer and internet access. All of the necessary materials required to successfully complete assessments will be available through the learning platform.

Students must be 16 years of age and residing in New Zealand for the duration of their studies. This programme is only available to New Zealand & Australian Citizens and Residents.

Students will be required to have NCEA Level 2 or the equivalent, this includes a minimum of 10 numeracy and 10 literacy credits at Level one or higher on the Directory of Assessment Standards; and 60 credits at Level two or above with at least 12 credits in each of three subjects including a minimum of 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori;

Provisional Entry

Students who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements for a programme will be eligible to be enrolled as a student where their previous educational, work or life experience indicates they have a reasonable likelihood of success.

Students who have not attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the required minimum entry requirements for a programme may also be eligible to enrol in exceptional circumstances. Such decisions will be made by the School of Business Manager.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

Technical knowledge and skills

  • Identify relevant business opportunities.
  • Assess the feasibility and viability of a small business.
  • Produce an establishment plan for a small business.
  • Evaluate technology options to effectively operate a small business

People skills

  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders.
  • Understand the importance of business relationships with stakeholders for a successful business.
  • Apply interpersonal skills to contribute to the business’s effectiveness.

Cognitive skills

  • Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making for small business purposes.

Affective skills

  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour, in a socially and culturally appropriate manner.-Manage self effectively to contribute to performance of a small business.

Business environment

  • Identify legislation and other external requirements for a small business

Education Pathway

Graduates of this qualification may progress to:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4).
  • New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4).
  • New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4).
  • New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 4).

Employment Pathway

Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge that can be applied to identifying business opportunities and planning for a small business

Where transfer of credit for previous study is being applied for, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Form must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the Intake start date.

See the Recognition of Prior Learning section for full RPL criteria and details on how to undertake an application.

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Have a question? Call us on 0508 626 243