What’s it about?

In this micro-course, you will prepare a financial report identifying and outlining the financial aspects of a business startup which indicates the likelihood of a successful venture, including interpretation of financial statements, and the effects of cashflow. 

What will I learn?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Review principles of economics and how they relate to small businesses
• Explain why start-ups require finance
• Identify financing options for new venture start-ups in their own country and describe the differences between them
• Construct basic financial statements (projected) for start-up business
• Examine the effects and significance of cash flow for a business start-up
• Recommend strategies to maximise future investment potential of a business start-up 

What’s involved?

There are four learning pathways, each containing numerous resources and activities. The learning pathways are:

• Principles of economics for small businesses
• Financing a new start-up
• Understanding financial statements
• Valuing a new start-up

This micro-course forms part of the larger Introduction to Entrepreneurship course of study coupled with IENT101 and IENT102. On completion of the three associated micro-courses, if learners wish, they can be assessed for academic credit.  

Prerequisites?

Anyone is free to participate in this course. An internet connection and basic web-browsing skills are recommended, with the ability to create a blog and use online communications tools (instructions and self-study tutorials provided.) You are requested to keep a personal learning journal, as reflection has been shown to markedly increase learning.

The course and assessments are conducted in English. This is a university level course and you should be able to communicate fluently and accurately in spoken and written English.

Image credit: Time and investment, by Tumisu, dedicated to the public domain.