Certificate in Small Business Management

Build the Skills to Run Your Own Small Business

A practical, self-paced certificate covering everything from business planning to finance, marketing, and compliance. Study online in around 140 hours.

100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
6 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
Flexible
Start Date
Certificate in Small Business Management

Build the Skills to Run Your Own Small Business

A practical, self-paced certificate covering everything from business planning to finance, marketing, and compliance. Study online in around 140 hours.

100% OnlineFrom $29/Week
6 Mths
Duration
Online
Delivery
Flexible
Start Date
Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

ICOES And CPD Standards Office Accredited Certificate

140 Hours Of Practical, Exam-Free Coursework

Three NZ CCH EBooks Included Plus Xero And MYOB Training

Skills & Applications

Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

35k+
Employed in business & management (NZ)
↑ 9%
Projected job growth (NZ)
Small Business Advisor (Junior)Supports small business owners with day-to-day planning, operations, and problem-solving.
Business Development CoordinatorIdentifies growth opportunities and helps coordinate sales, partnerships, and outreach activities.
Operations Manager (Small Business)Oversees daily business functions including staffing, scheduling, and process management.
Business Planning AssistantAssists in drafting business plans, forecasts, and strategic documents for small enterprises.
Compliance Support OfficerHelps businesses meet regulatory requirements, including employment law and financial compliance obligations.
Marketing Support AssistantSupports the development and delivery of marketing campaigns, social media, and promotional materials.
Finance Officer (SME)Manages invoicing, payroll, and basic financial reporting for small and medium-sized businesses.
Client Relations CoordinatorHandles customer communication, account management, and relationship-building activities.

Indicative market figures from publicly available New Zealand data (Stats NZ · careers.govt.nz). Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.

What You’ll Learn

What You’ll Learn

Accounting and Bookkeeping Fundamentals

Financial Statements

Understanding GST

Fundamentals of Income Tax

Understanding Key New Zealand Business Legislation

Employment Law & Introduction to Payroll

Marketing and Social Media

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cashflow Management

Financial Statement Analysis

Accounting with Xero

Accounting with MYOB Business Essentials

Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

No previous business ownership experience required

No prior Xero or MYOB knowledge required

No accounting confidence required on day one

Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.

What’s Included

Everything That Comes With Your Enrolment

Industry-Accredited Certificate

Upon completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, recognised internationally.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours throughout the course.

100% Online, Study Anytime

Fully online course with no fixed class times. Study whenever suits you, fitting around work, family, and daily life.

Career Centre Access

Instant access to Career Centre upon enrolment, including latest job opportunities, CV templates, free personalised CV review, job tips, and interview preparation support.

Career Success Bundle (Upgrade)

Optional upgrade offering expert career coaching, personalised career plan, LinkedIn profile review, and proven job search strategies.

Free Student ID Card

Virtual Student ID card providing access to over 150,000 discounts in New Zealand and around the world on food, entertainment, and travel.

SEEK Pass Verified Credential

Upon completion, verify your qualification with SEEK Pass and share it on SEEK to stand out to employers as a qualified, job-ready candidate.

No Exams

No exams, ever. Assessment is practical and coursework-based.

Free bonus courses included

AML/CFT in New Zealand – A Handbook for Lawyers and Accountants (eBook)

Covers AML/CFT law and practice including risk assessment, compliance programmes, customer…

Labour and Employment Law Manual – 3rd Edition (eBook)

Strategic resource for employment law practitioners, HR specialists, and people managers…

Essential New Zealand Employment Legislation – 6th Edition (eBook)

Brings together key employment legislation for HR practitioners, employment lawyers, and…

CAN
Your Provider

The Career Academy NZ

The Career Academy offers an online Career Centre providing career coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Students have access to a Career Success Hub, Business Hub, and Self Service Resource Hub. The centre includes one-to-one coaching from dedicated career support staff and is available to all students during and after their studies.

Fees & Funding

Flexible Ways To Pay

From $29/Week
on an interest-free payment plan
EASY WAYS TO PAY
Pay upfrontWeekly payment plan
Enquire to confirm the exact fees and payment options for your situation. We don’t list a set price here because it varies by your circumstances.
Getting Started

Your Path To Enrolment

A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.

1
Click Enrol Now
2
Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)
3
Complete enrolment form
4
Gain instant access to course and Career Centre
Why Students Choose The

What Students Say

★★★★★

Hiromi found the perfect work-life balance after enrolling at The Career Academy. As a busy mum, the flexibility of online study allowed her to pursue her dream career while caring for her family. Upon completing her course, she secured a role with The Back Office Company and began her journey in a new profession.

HHiromi
★★★★★

Cameron transformed his passion for dogs into a successful mobile dog grooming service. The Career Academy equipped him with the skills and confidence to launch his business.

CYCameron Young
★★★★★

Despite facing health challenges, Christine pursued a career in medical reception through The Career Academy. The course provided her with the skills and confidence to work in a medical practice and increase her workload.

CChristine
★★★★★

Hannah wasn't sure what career path to take, but after enrolling at The Career Academy, she discovered her passion. Now working as a Sales Administrator, she's continuing her educational journey with a Bachelor of Business.

HHannah
★★★★★

Ashley transitioned from hospitality to the medical field after completing a Career Academy course. Her newfound passion is leading her to pursue further studies in midwifery, all thanks to the flexibility of online learning.

AAshley
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no formal entry requirements listed for this course. It is designed to be accessible to people at various stages of their business or career. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current prerequisites before enrolling.
A weekly payment plan may be available for this course. Full pricing details are not published here. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.
Students have six months of access to complete the course. The estimated study load is around 140 hours in total. Because it is self-paced, students can progress faster or slower depending on their schedule.
The course is 100% online and self-paced with no fixed class times. There are no exams; all assessment is practical and coursework-based. Tutor support is available by phone and email during business hours throughout the course.
No work placement is required for this course. All learning and assessment takes place online. The Career Centre, included from enrolment, provides CV support and job-search resources to help students connect theory with real-world opportunities.
Graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, both of which are internationally recognised professional development bodies. Completion also unlocks a SEEK Pass verified credential, which can be shared directly on SEEK with prospective employers. This course is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
As a professional development course, any credit toward formal qualifications is arranged through the provider's RPL or credit recognition process. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm what this certificate may count toward and which pathways are available.
The Career Academy NZ offers two natural next steps: the Advanced Certificate in Management and Team Leadership, and the Certificate in Project Management. Both build on the business foundations covered in this course. Submit a Get Course enquiry for details on enrolment and sequencing.
About This Course

Certificate in Small Business Management

This certificate covers the core skills needed to start and manage a small business. Students work through business planning, operations, marketing, finance, employment law, and compliance. Three NZ CCH eBooks are included: the AML/CFT Handbook, Labour and Employment Law Manual, and Essential NZ Employment Legislation.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course is entirely online and self-paced with six months of access. There are no exams; assessment is practical and coursework-based. Tutor support is available by phone and email during business hours throughout enrolment.

The course suits aspiring business owners, people currently running a small business, and those moving into business support roles. Students also gain access to a Career Centre with CV templates, personalised CV review, and interview preparation resources from day one.

Ready When You Are

Take The Next Step Into Business & Management

Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.

Helping students across New Zealand find the right course since 2013 · 1M+ enquiries

100% OnlineFrom $29/Week

Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.

Last updated: July 2026