We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Emilee Simmons

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications. The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource. Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications. The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource. Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Topics Covered

  • The options available to raise capital for new ventures
  • Financial support in your locality
  • How to fund the expansion of a business
  • An introduction to crowdfunding
  • Pitch your business idea, product or service
  • The business plan: funding a business

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Beginner's guide to business funding

According to learners, this course serves as a largely positive introduction to business funding, especially recommended for beginners. Students found the content clear and easy to follow, appreciating the logical structure. The modules on crowdfunding and pitching were frequently highlighted as particularly helpful and practical. However, a recurring point from reviewers with existing knowledge is that the material is too basic and lacks depth for those past the absolute novice stage.
Includes local support, but needs more research.
"I found the local support information useful, though it was general and would require more specific research."
Well-structured and easy to understand.
"The structure was logical, building from one funding type to another."
"The content was digestible and well-explained."
"Good structure, explains concepts simply."
"The step-by-step approach makes understanding funding simple."
Pitching and crowdfunding sections are praised.
"The modules on crowdfunding and pitching were particularly helpful"
"The pitching module provided great tips."
"The pitching section was a highlight."
"The pitch guide alone is worth the time."
"The modules on pitching and crowdfunding were slightly more useful than the rest."
An excellent starting point for novices.
"Highly recommend for anyone starting out!"
"It covers the basics well, suitable for someone with little prior knowledge."
"Perfect for a beginner."
"Solid foundational course."
"Fantastic course for beginners!"
Content is too basic for those with prior knowledge.
"very basic. If you already have some knowledge of business finance or funding, you might not learn much new here."
"The content is too superficial. It barely scratches the surface of complex topics..."
"Lacks depth for more advanced learners"
"If you've done any prior reading or study on business funding, you'll find this repetitive and basic."
"Expected a bit more depth for 'Funding Your Business'."

Career center

Learners who complete Starting a Business 6: Funding Your Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Starting a Business 6: Funding Your Business.
Provides a foundational understanding of business models using the Business Model Canvas, a widely adopted visual tool. It is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of the components that inform a business plan and is often used as a key reference in entrepreneurship programs. It's valuable for both students and professionals seeking a structured approach to defining their business.
A comprehensive guide based on the Customer Development methodology, which complements the Lean Startup approach. provides detailed steps for validating your business model and customer segments, offering a deep dive into the foundational work that precedes and informs a robust business plan. It's a valuable resource for serious entrepreneurs.
Provides a step-by-step framework for developing and delivering an effective pitch that resonates with investors and customers. It emphasizes the importance of iteration and feedback in refining your pitch and focuses on how to clearly articulate your value proposition and business model.
This classic book on investing provides a framework for making sound investment decisions. Graham emphasizes the importance of value investing and avoiding speculation.
A companion to 'Business Model Generation,' this book focuses specifically on the Value Proposition section of the Business Model Canvas, a critical element of any business plan. It provides tools and techniques for understanding customer needs and designing compelling value propositions. It's essential for deepening the understanding of a key business plan component.
A contemporary take on validating business ideas before committing to a full business plan. offers practical experiments and techniques to reduce risk and uncertainty, aligning well with the Lean Startup approach. It's valuable for refining the assumptions within a business plan based on real-world feedback.
This guide offers a practical and concise approach to writing a business plan. It's a useful reference tool for anyone who needs to quickly grasp the essential elements of a business plan and how to structure it effectively. It is particularly helpful for students and professionals who need a clear, actionable framework.
Offers practical advice and insights for starting a business, including developing a business plan. It's written in an accessible style and provides a broad overview of the entrepreneurial journey, making it suitable for those new to business planning. It offers valuable context and practical tips beyond just the document itself.
This workbook provides a hands-on approach to developing a business plan with exercises and templates. It's an excellent resource for actively working through the process of creating a plan and solidifying understanding through practical application. It's well-suited for students and individuals who learn by doing.
Provides a step-by-step guide to financing a business, from writing a business plan to securing a loan.
Provides a practical guide to private equity investing, from deal sourcing and due diligence to portfolio management and exits.
Offers a traditional, detailed approach to constructing a business plan, breaking down each section with clear explanations. It's a solid reference tool for ensuring all necessary components are included and well-developed. It is particularly useful for those who prefer a structured, comprehensive guide.
Offers a unique and unconventional approach to pitching, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection, storytelling, and understanding your audience's psychology. It provides practical techniques and strategies for capturing attention, building rapport, and closing deals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business expansion, covering topics such as market research, financial planning, and risk management. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders who are planning to expand their businesses.
While not solely about writing a business plan, this book provides a crucial strategic framework for identifying and creating new market spaces. Understanding 'Blue Ocean Strategy' can significantly inform the market analysis and strategy sections of a business plan, adding depth and a contemporary perspective. It is highly relevant for those looking to differentiate their business.
Focuses on creating business plans that are designed to attract funding and support. It provides practical advice on tailoring your plan to different audiences, such as investors or lenders. It's a valuable resource for those whose business plan has a primary goal of securing external financing.
Argues that the traditional approach to financial planning is flawed and that businesses should instead focus on creating a balanced scorecard that measures their performance across a variety of financial and non-financial metrics.
Provides a straightforward guide to building wealth through investing. Collins emphasizes the importance of low-cost index funds and a long-term investment horizon.
This comprehensive guide to crowdfunding with a step by step plan and case studies of successful crowdfunding campaigns. It is appropriate for those just beginning with crowdfunding.
Provides a practical guide to global business expansion, helping businesses to enter new markets successfully. It covers topics such as market research, cultural considerations, and legal compliance. It valuable resource for businesses of all sizes who are looking to expand their global reach.
Provides a legal guide to business expansion, helping businesses to understand the legal aspects of expanding their operations. It covers topics such as intellectual property, corporate governance, and tax law.
Provides a step-by-step guide to global business expansion. It covers topics such as market research, cultural considerations, and legal compliance. It valuable resource for businesses of all sizes who are looking to expand their global reach.
Delves into the critical early decisions founders face, many of which directly impact the business plan and the future of the company. It provides a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential pitfalls in building a startup, offering valuable insights for refining the business plan's assumptions and strategies. It is particularly useful for those serious about the long-term viability of their venture.
Is essential for understanding the challenges of bringing innovative products to a wider market. The concepts presented are highly relevant for the market analysis and strategy sections of a business plan for ventures with disruptive technologies or business models. It provides a framework for anticipating market adoption challenges.
This guide comprehensive introduction to the world of crowdfunding and its different facets. It is written for anyone who wants an overview of how crowdfunding works.
This guidebook is appropriate for students who plan to use crowdfunding to address social issues and change the world through innovation.
Provides a practical guide to retiring early on a limited budget. Fisker shares his strategies for saving money, investing, and maximizing income.
Offers a straightforward approach to strategic planning, a key component that informs the business plan. It's a good resource for gaining a broad understanding of how strategic thinking translates into a business plan. The 'For Dummies' format makes it accessible to a wide audience.
Practical guide to business expansion for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It covers topics such as market research, financial planning, and risk management. It valuable resource for people who are new to business expansion.
Provides a set of fundamental principles for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. While it doesn't specifically focus on pitching, the principles it presents can be applied to creating persuasive and effective pitches that resonate with your target audience.
Applying the Business Model Canvas to individual career development, this book helps in understanding the components of value creation from a personal perspective. While not for a business venture plan, it can be a helpful precursor for individuals looking to understand business model principles before applying them to a company.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Starting a Business 6: Funding Your Business.
Finance for Managers
Most relevant
Planning your Client's Wealth over a 5-year Horizon
Most relevant
Building Your Career in Music: Developing A Brand and...
Most relevant
Valuation for Startups Using Multiple Approach
Most relevant
Entrepreneurship 1: Developing the Opportunity
Most relevant
Business English: Capstone Project
Most relevant
Capstone - Launch Your Own Business!
Most relevant
New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs
Most relevant
Finance for Non-Financial Professionals
Most relevant

Futurelearn Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

UK & International University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Access on Short Courses

Free access option on most short courses for the duration of the course plus 14 days; free trial available on select subscriptions and tracks.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Cooling-Off Refund Window

14-day statutory cooling-off refund window from the date of purchase for course upgrades, Unlimited subscriptions, and ExpertTracks, provided no tests have been attempted and no certificates have been downloaded. Renewals are non-refundable.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university microcredentials and certificates from top institutions (British Council, leading UK and global universities), with secure payment safeguards.

Key Purchase Protections
Free access track on many short courses
14-day cooling-off refund window on initial purchases
Refund eligible if no tests completed and no certificate issued
Accredited certifications from top UK & global universities
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser