Program details: Cert IV Entrepreneurship New Business - high schools
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.
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.
| Course | Course code |
|---|---|
| Apply critical thinking to work practices | BSBCRT411 |
| Collaborate in creative processes | BSBCRT413 |
| Originate and develop concepts | BSBCRT512 |
| Implement continuous improvement | BSBSTR402 |
| Course | Course code |
|---|---|
| Investigate business opportunities | BSBESB301 |
| Research and develop business plans | BSBESB401 |
| Market new business ventures | BSBESB404 |
| Course | Course code |
|---|---|
| Plan finances for new business ventures | BSBESB403 |
| Manage compliance for small businesses | BSBESB405 |
| Manage finances for new business ventures | BSBESB407 |
| Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | BSBESB402 |
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).