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NZ Certificate in Business (Small Business Level 4)

About the course

Set your small business up for success with the NZ Certificate in Business (Small Business – Level 4).

Study business in New Zealand and gain a practical understanding of business structure, strategy, and planning — learning how to apply these principles to real NZ small-business environments.

Build confidence as you explore how to manage key business functions including finance, HR, marketing, and technology, while strengthening relationships with stakeholders.

Whether you’re starting your own venture or supporting someone else’s, this small business course NZ gives you the skills to grow, manage, and sustain a successful enterprise.

Study online anywhere in NZ — all you need is a computer and internet access, and we’ll provide Office 365 for your studies.

Student studying small business management online in New Zealand.

*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:

CREATING A BUSINESS PLAN FOR A SMALL BUSINESS

  • Small Business Structures
  • External Stakeholders
  • Creating a Business Plan
  • Types of Information Required for a Business Plan
  • Small Business Components
  • Impact of the Treaty of Waitangi
  • Sources of Information

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF A SMALL BUSINESS

  • Small Business Finances
  • Small Business Financial Transactions
  • Small Business Taxes
  • Small Business Financial Outcomes
  • Small Business Budgets
  • Interpreting Financial Information
  • Applying Financial Controls

TECHNOLOGY & HR MANAGEMENT FOR A SMALL BUSINESS

  • Small Business Technology Needs
  • Small Business Technology Decisions
  • Human Resources Tools
  • Human Resource Legislation
  • Small Business Employment Relationships
  • Small Business Human Resources Processes

MARKETING A SMALL BUSINESS

  • Marketing Needs
  • Target Market Assessments
  • Marketing Approach 1 – Brand Marketing
  • Marketing Approach 2 – Internet marketing
  • Marketing Approach 3 – Social Media Marketing
  • Professional and Ethical Marketing Materials
  • Socially and Culturally Acceptable Marketing

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:

  • Develop a business plan for a small business, develop and implement a system for monitoring and improving business performance, manage the finances for the business, manage the marketing activities of the business, implement technology options for the business, and manage staff and human resources for the business.
  • Select and apply customer service techniques to maximise customer satisfaction, develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour in a socially and culturally appropriate manner, maintain personal and/or professional growth for the ongoing effectiveness of the business, work independently and show initiative for achieving goals.
  • Comply with internal policies, legislation, and other external requirements for the business.

Education Pathway

This qualification may build on from:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3)[Ref: 2454].

Graduates of this qualification may progress to:

  • New Zealand Diploma in Business (with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Leadership and Management, and Project Management) (Level 5) [Ref:2459]
  • Proposed New Zealand Certificate in Business (Māori Business and Management) (Level 5)[Ref: 2458]
  • Other relevant industry qualifications.

Employment Pathway

Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to start, operate, and grow a small business in New Zealand.

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.

Have a question? Call us on 0508 626 243