Got a business or start-up idea? Already working on your next side hustle?

Gain the practical, hands-on skills to think like an entrepreneur, not just an employee, with the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320).

Discover how to think creatively and identify business opportunities, conduct market research, find a good product-market fit, and develop strategic business plans.

You’ll also cover a range of core business skills in:

  • marketing
  • small business management
  • financial and legal compliance.

UQ Skills delivers this training in partnership with UQ Ventures, supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Note: This program includes BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures, a unit which meets the managerial qualification requirements for anyone seeking a licence through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.

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How you'll learn

This program is delivered over 11 months (4 school terms), through a combination of weekly virtual classes and 2 in-person workshops at UQ’s St Lucia campus each term.

A version of this program is also available for students who have graduated high school.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams and reports, oral assessments and practical demonstrations.

Start date

28 January 2025

  • Term 1: 28 January — 4 April
  • Term 2: 22 April — 27 June
  • Term 3: 14 July — 19 September
  • Term 4: 7 October — 12 December

There are no formal entry requirements for this program.

You can apply for this program if you are in Years 11 or 12 at an approved high school and have the approval of your parent/guardian and school. 

All UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) testing

You’re required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process. This helps us identify and plan for any learning or support needs you may have before you start your training.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have recent work experience you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Create your USI

You must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before we can accept your enrolment.

Resources

2025 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 2.5 MB) (includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal and other policy information).

Full fee: $2,900

To achieve this qualification you must complete 11 units of competency. You will complete these units over 11 months.

Study period 1
CourseCourse code
Apply critical thinking to work practicesBSBCRT411
Collaborate in creative processesBSBCRT413
Originate and develop conceptsBSBCRT512
Implement continuous improvementBSBSTR402
Study period 2
CourseCourse code
Investigate business opportunitiesBSBESB301
Research and develop business plansBSBESB401
Market new business venturesBSBESB404
Study period 3
CourseCourse code
Plan finances for new business venturesBSBESB403
Manage compliance for small businessesBSBESB405
Manage finances for new business venturesBSBESB407
Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business venturesBSBESB402

Careers

You may find employment in the following roles:

  • business consultant
  • small business owner
  • marketing manager
  • sales manager
  • small business manager.

Entrepreneurship student Finn talks about starting a small business (YouTube 1m:46s).