Get your business off to a solid start with professional skills and knowledge across strategic planning, financial management, and digital marketing.

Why study this course?

  • This dual qualification will provide you with a strong set of business skills that you can use to build your new business or venture. 

  • You’ll start by learning how to effectively run your business, including building relationships, financial management, and strategic and business planning. 

  • You’ll then build on the foundations of business by learning how to effectively communicate, develop a detailed understanding of consumer behaviour, and learn how to market your business to customers and build your customer base. 

  • You will be able to understand customers, and how to conduct market research to gain more insight into people and their habits. 

  • It will also help you to analyse consumer data and apply market profiling to campaigns. 

  • The practical design of this course means that you don’t have to wait until you graduate to start using what you learn, you can apply your learning to your business immediately. 

  • When you complete your first module, can make application for a free 12-month membership with Flying Solo, which will give you access to a range of benefits, such as access to newsletters, webinars, events, discussion forums, flying solo book and Flying Solo directory. There are also promotional spots for the student’s small business on the Flying Solo website.

Course number E1392
Qualification name BSB40320 Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business and BSB40820 Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication
Course duration Maximum 30 months
Recommended hours per week 16.0
Qualification level Certificate IV
Delivery method Online
Recognition Nationally Recognised Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Multiple choice Quiz, Projects, Role plays, Video, Written assessments
Awarded by Open Colleges Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90796)

About the course

The industry

Small businesses are booming in Australia, with over 2.4 million in operation across the country. These numbers are steadily increasing as more people are choosing to tread their own path and work for themselves. 

Source: Australian Government Job Outlook (https://joboutlook.gov.au/) 

Who this course is for

If you’re thinking about starting up your own small business, launching a new venture, or improving your existing endeavour, then this course is the right fit for you. You’ll learn the fundamentals of small business management and will graduate with a strong set of skills that will help you understand what it takes to manage a successful business, and how to maximise its potential through the marketing and communication skills you’ll learn.  Equipped with these core skills and knowledge, you’ll have the confidence to forge ahead and make your business dreams a reality. 

This course has been developed to target the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the services and distribution services sectors; however, the key concepts addressed throughout the course have a broad application, and can also be used in other sectors. 

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

Potential career outcomes

  • Advertising Account Coordinator
  • Analyst
  • Assistant Account Manager (Advertising)
  • Assistant Advertising Account Planner
  • Community Relations Team Leader (Local Government)
  • Copywriter
  • Digital Marketing Assistant
  • Digital Marketing Coordinator
  • Direct Marketing Officer
  • Market Research Assistant
  • Marketing and Communications Coordinator
  • Marketing Officer
  • Media Assistant
  • Media Planner
  • New Business Owner or Operator
  • New Venture Manager
  • Promotions Assistant Manager
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Sales Administrator

What you'll learn

In this dual qualification, you’ll: 

  • Understand the legal and risk requirements of small business. 

  • Learn how to build and maintain business relationships, and the importance of communication. 

  • Learn critical skills for business success, including how to plan your business resources and finances, and get your cashflow in order. 

  • Master the art of small business marketing to build awareness of your product or service, drum up new business, and increase customer loyalty. 

  • Create strategies to help identify and understand your customers, analyse consumer behaviour, assess marketing opportunities, and undertake marketing activities. 

  • Develop a social media strategy. 

Learning materials

Learning materials are accessed through our online platform, OpenSpace. These learning materials include: 

  • Learning content 

  • Media 

  • Additional resources 

  • Practice activities 

  • Self-checks 

Course trainers

Catherine Tumelty

Catherine Tumelty has been working in the Digital Marketing space for over 6 years, both in her former marketing role with a National Fitness Company as well as setting up and running many small online businesses of her own. She has a wealth of experience in setting up new businesses and promoting them in a way to ensure that they are a success from day one.

Catherine’s career has spanned many industries including HR, Hospitality, Education and Business Management. Catherine loves to combine her passion for education and the digital space by sharing her knowledge and experience with her students to ensure that they enjoy the Marketing industry as much as she does.

Holly Radford

Holly is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years experience in business administration, account management, marketing and print. She has also been working within the education and training industry since 2013, in both a face-to-face and online capacity and is passionate about the power of education. Holly runs a small online business and holds a position on the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP) WA Division Committee.

Holly holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Business Administration, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Marketing Communication, Diploma of Social Media Marketing, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and a Certificate III in Printing & Graphic Arts.

 

Michelle Badato

Michelle is a Social Media Marketing Guru with over 10 years’ experience in Social Media Management, Digital Marketing and Online Communications. She also has a strong background in digital engagement, content creation and creative design. Michelle currently works across a range of industries including sports fitness, not-for-profit, travel, professional services, industrial, construction, agriculture and chemistry.

Michelle completed a Diploma of Social Media Marketing, a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) and holds a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.

Tanya Galey

Tanya has many years of experience working in the Airline Industry through her role at World Aviation Systems who represent various airlines here in Sydney (Air Tahiti Nui and Hawaiian Airlines to name a few).  She has extensive knowledge of Sales, marketing, reservations and the general business operations of an Airline. Through her role at World Aviation she travelled extensively and gained knowledge on various destinations first hand. Tanya has been teaching Certificate III and Diploma of Tourism for the past 10 years to pass on her passion/knowledge for the Tourism Industry to her students. Recently Tanya has received her Certificate IV in Business Administration to supplement her current role as Operations Manager of a financial planning firm. While still consulting with the travel industry she has been in the financial Industry for the past 5 years developing relevant policies/procedures and complying with regulatory practices.

Tanya’s qualifications are Diploma of Tourism, Certificate IV in Tourism, Certificate III in Tourism , Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and Certificate IV in Business Administration.

Academic information

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Module 1

  • Establish business relationships
  • Maintain business relationships
  • Build and improve business relationships

Module 2

  • Identify legal and risk management requirements relating to business
  • Implement procedures and processes to comply with legislative and regulatory requirements
  • Negotiate and arrange contracts
  • Mitigate business risks

Module 3

  • Select and prepare resources
  • Design document
  • Produce document
  • Finalise document

Module 4

  • Prepare to develop business plan
  • Draft business plan
  • Create a business plan
  • Finalise business planning and plan for risk

Module 5

  • Develop marketing strategy for business venture
  • Establish marketing mix for the business venture
  • Implement marketing strategy
  • Evaluate marketing performance

Module 6

  • Use digital workplace information
  • Integrate digital solutions into work processes
  • Comply with intellectual property rights

Module 7

  • Advise on customer service needs
  • Support implementation of customer service strategies
  • Evaluate and report on customer service

Module 8

  • Prepare to plan finances
  • Develop a financial plan
  • Plan to acquire finance

Module 9

  • Implement financial strategy
  • Monitor financial performance
  • Review financial performance

Module 10

(Students can exit at this point and attain BSB40820 Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business if all units have been successfully completed)

  • Review operational strategies and procedures for business or new business venture
  • Implement developed operational strategies and procedures
  • Evaluate business performance
  • Review business operations

Module 11

  • Research and analyse communications information 
  • Develop communications deliverables 
  • Finalise communications deliverables 

Module 12

  • Plan complex document 
  • Draft complex document 
  • Finalise complex document 

Module 13

  • Establish framework for communication 
  • Develop ideas for communication 
  • Debate and discuss ideas 

Module 14

  • Prepare presentation 
  • Deliver presentation 
  • Review presentation 

Module 15

  • Evaluate drivers of consumer behaviour 
  • Evaluate reasons for existing levels of consumer interest 
  • Recommend marketing focus 

Module 16

  •  Identify marketing opportunities 
  •  Analyse marketing opportunities 
  •  Evaluate marketing opportunities 

Module 17

  • Prepare to undertake marketing activity 
  • Co-ordinate marketing activities 
  • Review marketing activities 

Module 18

  • Determine social media requirements
  • Develop social media policies and procedures
  • Develop social media strategy
  • Monitor social media use
  • Review social media performance

Assessment details

  • Multiple choice Quiz
  • Projects
  • Role plays
  • Video
  • Written assessments

Recognition of Prior Learning

We understand that you may already have many skills and areas of expertise that you have obtained in different ways and these are recognised through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Our Credit Transfer & Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, available in the Key Student Information section of our website, provides more information about our RPL process. Alternatively, you can contact an Enrolment Consultant to discuss your RPL options. 

Course duration

The duration for the course is maximum 30 months. As a self-paced online course, the time it will take you to complete is flexible and dependent on ability and time available.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

There are no mandated education entry requirements for this qualification, per the BSB Business Services Training Package.

There are no mandatory Open Colleges entry requirements. It is also recommended that students

  • Are 18 years old (note: students under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian to enrol)
  • Have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to read and comprehend technical terms and communicate effectively through email. These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully complete Year 12 or ACSF Level 3.
  • Have completed a qualification at Certificate III level or higher · Have access to a modern computer with video / audio playback capabilities and high-speed internet
  • Have access to Microsoft Office or equivalent
  • Have basic computing skills, including ability to make a short video
  • Have access to a digital video recording device to save and upload video/image files to OpenSpace, e.g., mobile phone/smartphone.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

Physical requirements

You’ll be required to operate office equipment and resources including telephone, photocopier, scanner and printer in a safe environment that includes an ergonomically sound computer workstation.

Equipment and tools

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays.  These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you. 

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Payment options

Pay in Full

You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo

You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan.  When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Payment Plan

You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.

BPAY®

With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more. 

BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.

Studying online with Open Colleges

Flexibility - study at your own pace

When you study online with Open Colleges you’re in control.

You can choose to complete your course quickly, or keep to a steady pace. Learning is fully flexible so you can fit your everyday commitments around your studies.

Everything you need to study is online so you can study wherever you like – but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

OpenSpace is our online learning platform. It’s where you’ll go to access your learning materials, contact your expert trainers and assessors and upload your assessments.

OpenSpace

Your online community

What is OpenSpace?

Open Colleges offers you a custom-designed online-learning platform called OpenSpace.

Your learning platform is the heart of your study experience. This is where you'll navigate through your course materials, contact your trainers and assessors, and connect with other online students.

 

 

What can you do in OpenSpace?

OpenSpace provides you with a secure, interactive learning environment that allows you to access a wealth of learning resources. In OpenSpace you can:

  • Access all your course materials, including videos and other digital resources
  • Complete the learning activities related to your course
  • Get the latest news about Open Colleges and your course
  • Connect with your Trainers and Assessors
  • Access extensive online libraries for research
  • Upload your assessments, view feedback, and access your grades 
  • Get to know your fellow students by posting in the course forums, and find a 'Study Buddy'

It’s just like a real campus – but it’s available anywhere and anytime.

How to get support

Learning Support

The Learning Support team will be with you every step of the way, from enrolment to graduation. They are here to help you get the most out of your online course. They can assist by providing non-academic support - like helping you craft an achievable study plan so that you can graduate in a realistic timeframe. If you’re finding it tough to stay motivated throughout your course, they’ll be there to help keep you on track.

Academic support

Your experienced trainers are available in OpenSpace to answer any questions you may have regarding the learning materials or assessments.

Your training operations manager can also provide you with advice and support regarding the overall course. 

Student support

The student support team is your one-stop service centre for all student administrative issues – including enrolment, change of contact details, OpenSpace support, assessment results and certification.

You can access the student support team in OpenSpace or by email or phone

Work Placement Support

If your course contains work placement, the work placement support team can provide you with support, advice and resources if you encounter difficulties in securing a workplace for your work placement.

You can access the work placement support team via your trainer and assessor or the student support team.

About Open Colleges

Our history and heritage

Open Colleges has been delivering quality education for over 125 years. During this time, we have honed our unique learning model to become one of Australia’s leaders in online learning.

We’ve achieved this by continuously evolving our approach to meet the needs of our learners by offering flexible, accessible, affordable and supportive courses.

We have helped over 450,000 people in the last decade alone gain the skills to launch, change or take the next step in their careers.

All of us at Open Colleges put the student at the centre of everything we do, whether that’s helping you find the right course, designing a new course, making improvements to our online campus or giving the support you need to reach your goals.

Commitment to quality

With Open Colleges you can:

  • Study nationally recognised qualifications
  • Choose from a wide variety online courses
  • Fit study around your family or work commitments
  • Enrol 365 days of the year
  • Find a payment option that works for you
  • Get academic and student support – online or over the phone
  • Join a community of thousands of like-minded students

Get in touch

Still got a question?

Call an Education Advisor on 1300 161 345 for more details about this course and the enrolment process.

It’s our priority to ensure you enrol in the right course so an Education Advisor will be in touch shortly to discuss your specific goals and what you want to achieve through studying online. They’ll clearly explain the course options that would suit you best and why they would work for you and talk you through how online learning with Open Colleges works.