South Africa's small, medium, and micro enterprise sector is the engine of the country's employment creation and economic transformation agenda — and the professionals who support and develop these businesses play a critical role in that agenda. The Small Business Consultant occupational qualification at NQF Level 5 equips learners with the business development, advisory, and entrepreneurial support competencies needed to fulfil this important role effectively, whether in a government enterprise development programme, a commercial business support organisation, a development finance institution, or as an independent small business advisor.
The curriculum covers the full scope of small business consulting practice: conducting business needs assessments and diagnostic reviews, providing strategic and operational advice on business planning, financial management, marketing, HR, and operations, facilitating access to finance and government support programmes, supporting the development of business plans and funding applications, providing mentoring and coaching to business owners, monitoring business performance and adjusting advisory support, and operating ethically and professionally in a consulting relationship.
