An online qualification for budding entrepreneurs has been launched by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
The postgraduate certificate in global entrepreneurship is being run by Create, the university’s Centre for Enterprise and Innovation, based at Inverness College UHI.
It aims to develop sole traders and small business leaders’ practical entrepreneurial skills and leadership practices, and help them identify growth potential and respond to changing domestic and global markets. They will also be introduced to a network of business people to share and discuss ideas.
The course follows on from Create’s Catalyst programme, developed in partnership with Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Highlands and Islands Social Enterprise Zone and ecological construction company Makar.
Carol Langston, head of Create and programme leader for the new qualification, said: “Small businesses are important to the economy but also our communities, particularly in the Highlands and islands, where business leaders are forced to manage a range of diverse challenges and opportunities in a dynamic and fast-changing global market.
“Many small businesses spend a great deal of time being busy and reactive, and, while it’s essential to continue delivering existing products and services and maintaining your customer service, it’s also important to be proactive and to think about the future.”
The one-year course, due to be launched in January, will be taught completely online. As well as theory, those taking part will work on live case studies and assessments based on their own organisation and business interests, with the support of the programme team and a mentor.
Ms Langston added: “All our courses are designed with industry in mind and, as part of a university, we work hard to ensure all learning is relevant and useful. This exciting new programme in global entrepreneurship is both these things.
“Starting in January, it will allow small business participants to study on a part-time basis, whilst continuing in their business role or starting-up a new venture.
“All learning is applied and, as such, ensures that the course is highly practical and moves beyond theory to meet the needs of learners and their businesses.”