Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Gain the knowledge and confidence to participate and manage effectively in small business.
About this programme
Successful small businesses are as complex and individual as a large corporate. There is no one size fits all and to be successful you need to cover off all the bases – from business planning to staff management. Gain an insight and expertise into effectively managing small business success and contributing to the growth of this sector.
Who is this for?
If you are currently working in a small business or looking for an opportunity to establish and grow your own small business, then this certificate will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to participate and manage effectively in this sector.
What you will learn
Understand the environment
Operating or managing a small business means complying with regulatory requirements. You need to know what the legislative rules are and what you need to do to conform. This certificate qualification will ensure you have knowledge of the full spectrum of requirements and how to meet your business obligations.
Drive a winner!
Technical knowledge and skill will ensure you enhance the viability, survival and growth of your small business. You need to understand about business planning, managing finances effectively, selecting technology options and managing staff. If you need to upskill in these areas then completion of this qualification will give you that knowledge to help drive a winner.
People skills
The people within a small business can make or break it. Ensure that your people “make” your business by understanding customer service techniques and maintaining excellent relationships with all your stakeholders. If you need some guidance and direction to better understand how to manage this area of the business more effectively, then this certificate course will help cement your skills.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must have:
- NCEA (Level 2), or
- NZ Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3), or
- NZ Certificate in Retail (Level 3), or
- NZ Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3), or
- NZ Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 2), or
- A qualification at Level 2 or above, with evidence of literacy and numeracy abilities equivalent to NCEA (Level 1), or
- Evidence of relevant knowledge and experience, including literacy and numeracy abilities equivalent to NCEA (Level 2).
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; NZCEL Level 3; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
