New Venture Creation Skills Programme

This programme is ideal for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start a business
• Youth looking to create self-employment opportunities
• Existing micro and small business owners wishing to improve business performance
• Informal traders seeking to formalise their operations
• Community-based entrepreneurs
• Individuals interested in developing entrepreneurial and business management skills
• Organisations supporting enterprise development and small business growth

Upon successful completion of this programme, learners will be able to:

• Identify and evaluate viable business opportunities
• Conduct basic market and industry research
• Develop customer-focused products and services
• Apply innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
• Manage business finances and cash flow
• Price products and services effectively
• Develop practical marketing strategies
• Set achievable business goals and objectives
• Plan and organise business operations
• Manage financial, human, and infrastructure resources
• Create a practical business plan for a new or existing venture
• Establish strategies for sustainable business growth

The programme covers the following core topics:

• Being an Entrepreneur
• Knowing Yourself as a Business Owner
• Understanding Your Industry
• Identifying Market Opportunities
• Business Innovation
• Customer Service Excellence
• Financial and Cash Flow Management
• Basic Business Financial Statements
• Pricing of Goods and Services
• Marketing Fundamentals
• SMART Goal Setting
• Business Planning

Learners will apply their knowledge through practical activities including:

• Business Calculations and Pricing
• Basic Bookkeeping
• Marketing Project Development
• Customer Service Application Exercises
• Business Planning and Venture Development

To enrol for this programme, learners should possess:

• A minimum qualification of Grade 9 or equivalent
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills
• An interest in entrepreneurship, business ownership, or self-employment

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available in accordance with QCTO policies.

Assessment is conducted through a combination of:

Learners complete integrated assessments throughout the programme to demonstrate understanding of each module before progressing to the next.

Learners are required to develop and submit a comprehensive business project plan that demonstrates the practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired during training. This project may serve as a business plan for a new enterprise or the expansion of an existing business.

Learners who successfully complete all learning and assessment requirements will receive a Statement of Results and certification for the New Venture Creation Skills Programme in accordance with QCTO requirements.

Develop real-world entrepreneurial skills that can be applied immediately in your own business.

Gain the knowledge and confidence required to start and manage a successful enterprise.

Learn how to manage finances, attract customers, and make informed business decisions.

Receive training aligned to a nationally recognised QCTO-accredited skills programme.

Develop skills that support self-employment, job creation, business growth, and economic participation.

Earn credits that may contribute towards achieving the full National Certificate: New Venture Creation (SMME), NQF Level 2.