This unit will prepare students to launch a business with less risk and pitfalls. The unit gives students a practical understanding of what is required to successfully launch a new venture. It gives students an opportunity to plan the launch of a specific new venture idea. They will learn about and work through the stages of planning to

launch the venture. This will include an explanation of the idea and how it will attract customers and have competitive advantage. Students will also learn about the need for resourcefulness when starting a new venture, and about identifying and using personal networks, which can offer a valuable source of knowledge, resources, advice and opportunities.

Students will develop a promotional plan to launch a new venture and prepare a budget and a cash flow forecast for the launch and the first 12–18 months of operation for the chosen venture.

Successful completion of this unit can count towards recognition of Prior Learning to progress on to the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business. Students could also use knowledge and skills gained from the unit to take forward into a chosen career pathway or running their own business.

All programmes are open to Londoners who meet the following criteria:

• UK resident and living in London
• Aged 18+
• Do not hold a level 4 (post-college/sixth form) qualification
• Either employed (and earning less than London Living Wage) or unemployed/economically inactive

1. English GCSE level 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent
2. Demonstrate capability to learn and be assessed at the relevant level in English)
3. Maths GCSE level 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent