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Nigel Lockett

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.

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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 entrepreneurial learning cycle
  • The opportunity business model: the importance of sharing your vision
  • Vision and opportunity in successful businesses
  • Writing a core value proposition
  • Introduction to writing a robust business plan.

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Reviews summary

Foundational insights for aspiring entrepreneurs

According to learners, this course provides a positive and accessible introduction to starting a business, focusing on the crucial early stages of developing a vision and identifying opportunities. Students appreciate the course's clear explanations of fundamental concepts like value proposition and the entrepreneurial cycle. While many find it helpful as a first step, some more experienced learners note that the course offers a high-level overview and may lack the depth needed for detailed implementation or more advanced topics. Overall, it's seen as a solid starting point for beginners exploring the world of entrepreneurship.
Strong focus on the foundational vision stage.
"The focus on the 'vision' aspect was a key takeaway for me; it's often overlooked in other resources."
"This course excels at highlighting the importance of a clear vision before diving into planning."
"Understanding how to frame the business vision was the most valuable part of the course for me."
"I learned the critical steps in identifying and validating a business opportunity."
Concepts like vision and opportunity are clearly explained.
"The explanations of vision, opportunity, and value proposition were very clear and easy to understand."
"I really appreciated how the course broke down complex ideas into simple, digestible parts."
"The module on identifying opportunities was particularly insightful and well-presented."
"The course content is clear and logically structured, making it easy to follow the progression of ideas."
Offers a solid first step into business basics.
"This course is a good introduction to starting a business. It covers the basics of vision and opportunity effectively."
"I found this course helpful as a complete beginner; it gave me a clear overview of the initial steps."
"Provides a great starting point for anyone thinking about entrepreneurship but doesn't know where to begin."
"It’s an excellent introductory course for understanding the entrepreneurial mindset and process."
May be too basic for those with prior knowledge.
"While a good intro, I felt it didn't go deep enough into practical application or detailed strategies."
"If you already have some business background, this course might be too much of an overview."
"Could use more advanced content or case studies for a richer learning experience."
"It provides the 'what' and 'why' but less of the 'how' for actual business execution."

Career center

Learners who complete Starting a Business 1: Vision and Opportunity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 1: Vision and Opportunity.
Provides a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan. It covers all the essential elements, from market research to financial projections, and it includes helpful examples and templates.
Practical guide to writing a business plan, designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It covers all the basics, from market research to financial projections, and it includes helpful tips and advice.
Provides a guide to getting customers for your startup. It covers a wide range of topics, from marketing to sales, and it includes case studies of successful startups that have used traction to grow their businesses.
Introduces the business model canvas, which tool for visualizing and clarifying business models. It valuable tool for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to understand their business model and identify areas for improvement.
Provides a guide to using data to improve your business. It covers a wide range of topics, from data collection to data analysis, and it includes case studies of successful startups that have used data to drive growth.
Provides a toolkit for developing and implementing growth strategies. It covers a wide range of topics, from market research to financial planning, and it includes case studies of successful growth strategies.
Provides a unique approach to business planning. It argues that traditional business planning is often ineffective, and it offers a more effective alternative.

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