Hunter business owners and aspiring business owners can now complete a new virtual course in Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and Small Business offered through TAFE NSW.

It comes at a time when the Australian Bureau of Statistics is reporting a 15.8 per cent increase in new businesses entering the market in 2020-21, which the State’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, said is set to grow even higher this year.

Business NSW Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy, David Harding said the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and Small Business would help equip new business owners with the skills they need to succeed.

“We’ve seen incredible growth in business over the past few years after COVID-19 took its initial toll on our economy,” David said.

“People are increasingly looking for more sustainable careers with work-life balance and are turning to launch their own businesses to find that.”

TAFE NSW Accounting and Business Teacher, Antonia Wood said graduates develop real-world skills in building business relationships, addressing compliance requirements and maintaining financial records.

“We’ve seen small businesses undergo a rapid transformation in the last two years to meet increased customer demand for digital services and a shift to flexible working as a result of COVID-19,” Antonia said.

“With entrepreneurs playing a major role in the economic growth of regional NSW by bringing new ideas and innovation to the market, the course provides training for people who are interested in starting a business or those hoping to expand their skills in their existing business.”

“Offering the course via virtual delivery opens access to regional NSW and enables students to develop strong business skills, including the ability to work collaboratively virtually.”

IMAGE | Hunter residents can now complete a new virtual course – Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and Small Business – offered through TAFE NSW.