You can make a small business hum!
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. If you want to understand this sector better, work in this space or perhaps create your own small business, then you need to understand what drives it and how to contribute effectively. Download qualification guide.
Who is this for?
If you are currently working in a small business or perhaps looking for an opportunity to become involved in this sector, then this certificate will provide you with the knowledge you need to operate effectively in this specialised sector of the commercial world.
Qualification details
- Level: 3
- Credit: 60
- Qualification fee: $685.76 (domestic students). Includes GST.
- Duration: Part time: 40 weeks | Full time: 20 weeks
- Indicative hours per week: Part time: 15 | Full time: 30
Courses
To complete the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3) you are required to complete the following courses:
- Small Business Operations
- Small Business and Stakeholders
- Small Business Planning
- Small Business Opportunities
If an individual course is of interest – it is possible to complete a course and not a full qualification. To find out the best study pathway for you, speak with one of our Sales and Learner Service Coordinators today – call 0800 328 269 or complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Benefits to you
Get to grips with drivers of small business success
Understanding how a small business drives and measures success is essential if you work in or own a small business. It’s not the same as a large corporate, it occupies its own space, so being able to assess and identify opportunities for growth and development is essential. Make sure that you have the skills to be effective.
Pick the right options!
Technology options are quite unique in the small business sector. Selecting and implementing the right options can spell the difference between success and mediocrity. Learn how to make sure you make the right choices to meet your business operations.
Learn about relationships
A small business can succeed or fail on its relationships. How you manage client and customer expectations and communicate with them is vitally important. If you need some guidance and direction to better understand this space and operate effectively, then this certificate course will help cement your skills.
Understand the legislative requirements
The rules might be different but they still apply! Just because it’s a small business doesn’t mean you can ignore the rules. You need to know the legislation that applies and the external commercial requirements and what they mean for your business.
How will I learn?
You can fit your study around your work, family, and lifestyle. All study is completely online – with supportive facilitators and advisors to help you along the way.
How long will it take?
This qualification is made up of four courses. Each course is delivered over 10 weeks. NZQA guidelines suggest up to 150 hours of total study time for a 15 credit course. So to complete one of the courses successfully in the 10 weeks you must be prepared to devote approximately 15 hours per week to your study. Depending on your previous academic online experience and course level this may vary to a certain degree.
If you want to study as a full-time student you can enrol on more than one course at a time. Please speak to one of our Sales and Learner Service Coordinators for more information on 0800 328 269 or refer to https://www.studylink.govt.nz/about-studylink/glossary/full-time-definition.html
Career and study pathways
On completion of this course you will have the skills to move on to study in other areas that complete your business knowledge and expertise or to identify and pursue opportunities as a small business owner or operator.
If you wish to undertake further study towards other business qualifications, download our business qualification pathways flowchart, to find your next step.
Entry requirements
- NCEA Level 1, or
- NZ Certificate in Retail (Level 2), or
- A NZ Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 1), or
- A qualification at Level 1 or above on the NZQF, 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 1).
Student loans and allowances
If you want to study as a full-time student you must enrol in more than one course in a qualification at a time. Please refer to Studylink definition of a full-time student – https://www.studylink.govt.nz/about-studylink/glossary/full-time-definition.html
Annual Review
eCampus NZ has been very busy growing as one of the leading online learning platforms in New Zealand. Read our CEO’s take on 2019, in our annual review.
Testimonials

“I really enjoy having the ability to study when I have the time and wherever I might be. I also like the online videos and course reading and have found the course facilitators are always available when I need them,”
Course Providers
eCampus NZ is offered by seven of New Zealand’s major tertiary providers including:
All qualifications will be awarded by one of these providers. Courses completed through eCampus NZ are industry recognised and accepted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Graduates may attend the graduation ceremony of the relevant tertiary partner and will receive a parchment from the institute at which they enrolled.