Occupational Certificate: Entrepreneur – QCTO Accredited

Duration: 10 contact days, typically completed in 12 months
Curriculum: Knowledge 21 credits · Practical Skills 24 credits · Work Experience 18 credits
SAQA I.D. 124485
NQF Level 03
Credits: 63 Part-Qualification

Introduction

This qualification equips learners to start and run their own enterprise. It covers identifying and testing an opportunity, building a workable business model, setting up and running operations, managing money, finding and keeping customers, and meeting the legal and compliance basics of trading in South Africa. BOTI’s accreditation for this qualification runs to 30 June 2031 — the longest runway in the portfolio.

Qualification Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:

• Identify, test and select a viable business opportunity
• Develop a business model and business plan for a new venture
• Set up and run the day-to-day operations of a small enterprise
• Manage the finances, pricing and cash flow of a small business
• Market the business and build a customer base
• Meet the registration, tax and compliance requirements of trading

Qualification Outline

Module 1: Opportunity and Idea

• Identifying business opportunities
• Testing an idea against a real market
• The entrepreneurial profile and mindset
• Assessing risk and viability

Module 2: Planning the Venture

• Business models and value propositions
• Writing a practical business plan
• Determining start-up requirements and funding
• Sources of finance and support in South Africa

Module 3: Running the Business

• Setting up operations, suppliers and premises
• Basic systems, records and administration
• Managing stock, service delivery and quality
• Working with staff and contractors

Module 4: Money

• Costing, pricing and margin
• Cash flow and working capital
• Basic bookkeeping and financial records
• Reading simple financial statements

Module 5: Customers and Compliance

• Marketing and selling for a small business
• Customer service and retention
• Business registration, tax and statutory basics
• Contracts, invoicing and getting paid

Assessment

Assessment is based on a combination of the following methods:

• Assignments and projects
• Practical assessments and workplace simulations
• Written examinations
• Portfolios of evidence

The qualification concludes with an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), conducted under QCTO rules, which integrates the knowledge, practical and workplace components.

Who Should Attend

Aspiring and existing small business owners, self-employed people formalising a business, and organisations running enterprise or supplier development programmes.

Enquire

Contact BOTI on 011 882 8853 or [email protected] to discuss intake dates, learnership options and group pricing.