Preparing for self-employment

Overview

Considering working for yourself? This practical course is ideal if you are exploring self-employment or getting ready to start your own business. Whether you are testing a side hustle or planning a full-time venture, you will get a clear, realistic understanding of what it takes to be your own boss. By the end, you will know if self-employment is right for you and feel confident about your next steps.

You will explore the benefits and challenges of self-employment, along with the legal basics and the different ways to set up a business. We will cover the key resources you will need, how to plan your income and costs, set prices, and prepare for tax. You will also learn what records to keep and simple tools to stay organised, plus practical ways to market your business. Finally, you will be introduced to business planning so you can start shaping a clear roadmap for success.

You will learn through a mix of short activities, guided worksheets, and discussion forums where you can share ideas and pick up tips from others’ experience and research. Your tutor will provide guidance and feedback as you develop your business idea and next steps. The course is delivered online via Google Classroom.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to this course. You should have an interest in self-employment and a commitment to completing the full course. You will need to have basic digital skills to access an online course and a willingness to participate on the course with your camera on.

Assessment criteria

Assessment for completion is based on attendance.

What do I need?

You will need a laptop or computer and good Wi-Fi to be able to do join this course. It is not possible to attend this course on a mobile phone.

You will find a pen/pencil or notebook useful. You may be expected to carry out some additional tasks in your own time.

What can I do next?

After successfully completing the course, you can enrol onto the Devon Business Support programme delivered by Devon County Council to continue your business journey. The programme offers 1-6 hours of bespoke, expert advice through a combination of one-to-ones, workshops, networking, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The advisors can also support with accessing business mentorship programmes and applying for start-up grant opportunities.

Funding information

We provide Tailored learning opportunities on behalf of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) who fund this learning and have to collect personal data for government monitoring of funding. You must live in Devon and have been normally resident in the UK for the past 3 years and have a legal right to receive this funding. We normally provided these courses free of charge, but if a fee is charged to you as a learner or your employer then we only receive half the funding from the DTCCA.