New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3)

*
19 Weeks
Online
Online Supported
Online
Online

*Subject to NZQA approval.

Understand what drives small business and find opportunity for growth.

About this programme

New Zealand is a nation of small business owners – they contribute hugely to the economy and drive success. Small business is special. It occupies its own space in the corporate world and it provides opportunity for growth and learning.

What you will learn

Graduates of this programme will learn:

  • To identify relevant business opportunities
  • To assess the feasibility and viability of a small business
  • To produce an establishment plan for a small business
  • To evaluate technology options to effectively operate a small business
  • Technical knowledge and 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.

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 and Kaitaia.
This programme is not open to international students.
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Whangarei hub
Online
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Whangarei hub
Online Supported
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Whangarei hub
Apprentice Restaurant, 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei
Dates:
,
January 13, 2025
December 26, 2025
Dates:
Available to start at regular intervals throughout the year.
2025-01-13, 2025-02-10, 2025-03-10, 2025-04-07, 2025-05-05, 2025-06-02, 2025-07-07
Delivery:
Full Time (Part Time Available)
Price:
Fees:
Fees Free
Zero Fees
 (2025)
Fees Free
Zero Fees
 (2024)
 | Zero Fees with Youth Guarantee*
International
International Fees:
 (2025)
International
International Fees:
 (2024)
International
International Fees:
Class full
Proudly delivered in partnership with
.
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Kaitaia hub
Online
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Kaitaia hub
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Kaitaia hub
Apprentice Restaurant, 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei
Dates:
,
January 13, 2025
December 26, 2025
Dates:
Available to start at regular intervals throughout the year.
2025-01-13, 2025-02-10, 2025-03-10, 2025-04-07, 2025-05-05, 2025-06-02, 2025-07-07
Delivery:
Full Time (Part Time Available)
Price:
Fees:
Fees Free
Zero Fees
 (2025)
Fees Free
Zero Fees
 (2024)
 | Zero Fees with Youth Guarantee*
International
International Fees:
 (2025)
International
International Fees:
 (2024)
International
International Fees:
Class full
Proudly delivered in partnership with
.
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Mid North hub
Online
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Mid North hub
Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business ) (Level 3) - Mid North hub
Apprentice Restaurant, 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei
Dates:
,
January 13, 2025
December 26, 2025
Dates:
Available to start at regular intervals throughout the year.
2025-01-13, 2025-02-10, 2025-03-10, 2025-04-07, 2025-05-05, 2025-06-02, 2025-07-07
Delivery:
Full Time (Part Time Available)
Price:
Fees:
Fees Free
Zero Fees
 (2025)
Fees Free
Zero Fees
 (2024)
 | Zero Fees with Youth Guarantee*
International
International Fees:
 (2025)
International
International Fees:
 (2024)
International
International Fees:
Class full
Proudly delivered in partnership with
.

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.

Open Polytechnic
Open Polytechnic is a business division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

All fees are approximate only, in New Zealand Dollars (including GST), and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Unless otherwise stated, the fees shown are for domestic students only. 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.

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

Retail Manager
Store Manager

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.

Key Information for students - Qualification Information from the NZ Government.
Key Information for students - Qualification Information from the NZ Government.
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