You can drive success in small business!
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. Download qualification brochure.
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.
Qualification details
- Level: 4
- Credit: 60
- Qualification fee: $697.40 (domestic students). Includes GST.
- Upcoming start dates: 6 Jun 2022, 4 Jul 2022, 1 Aug 2022, 5 Sep 2022
- 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 (Small Business) (Level 4) you are required to complete the following courses:
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
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.
How will I learn?
You can fit your study around your work, family and lifestyle – there is no need to be a full-time student while studying with eCampus NZ. You can work and earn. 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, which will increase the amount of study required per week. Please 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, view our business qualification pathways flowchart, to find your next step.
Entry requirements
- 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).
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.
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 eight 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.
Digital badges
In addition to the parchment awarded by your institute, learners who successfully complete this programme will be awarded a digital badge.
Digital badges are electronic versions of paper certificates. They are becoming a popular way to showcase skills and achievements online. You can share your badge to LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook; over email; embedded in a website or in your email signature. Find out more here.