Self-employment, small business courses and creative careers 

Turn a passion into profit with our range of courses aimed to help you start your own business and run it successfully.  Find freedom in being your own boss and get the knowledge you need to start out on your own. 

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What you need to know as a small business owner

We offer marketing courses for small businesses, courses to help you balance the books and to get your own company started.  

Creative courses

Turn your hand to something creative by learning a skill that can lead to self-employment or work in a small business.   

We run courses in sewing, dressmaking and garment making. We also run courses in nail service, hair and beauty. Our creative crafts awards can also lead to paid work. 

Challenges and opportunities

We’ll help you understand the challenges and opportunities of freelancing or how you can apply your skills to get a job in a small business. From taster courses to full qualifications, there is something for everybody. 

Grow your interest into a business and make the most of your opportunities. 

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Start your own small business

Learn the essentials of starting a small business with our Start Your Own Small Business course. Understand the basics of business planning, finance, and marketing. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their business ideas into reality.
View details
Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Thu 10/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00019009
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
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Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 22/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Karen Duncan
Course code:
Q00021648
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
View details
Dates:
Tue 29/04/2025 -
Tue 29/04/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021668
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Professional Development: Henna for Enterprise

Henna for Enterprise is a one-stop course to turn your passion for henna into a thriving business or fund-raising enterprise. Learn beautiful, intricate henna designs while mastering the essential skills to launch and manage your own henna enterprise. We'll cover everything from marketing your artistry to managing clients, so you can confidently embark on your self-employed journey. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to transform their love for henna into a successful career, or a way to raise money for charity. To make the most of this course it is useful if you have some experience of henna but beginners are also welcome as you will be guided step by step through each project. This course is funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
View details
Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Millan Centre (Bradford)
Victor Street
Bradford
BD9 4RA
Tutor:
Atiya Mushtaq
Course code:
Q00021209
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £105.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Add to basket
Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
View details
Dates:
Tue 06/05/2025 -
Tue 06/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021669
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
View details
Dates:
Tue 13/05/2025 -
Tue 13/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021670
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
View details
Dates:
Tue 20/05/2025 -
Tue 20/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021671
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
View details
Dates:
Tue 03/06/2025 -
Tue 03/06/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021672
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
View details
Dates:
Tue 10/06/2025 -
Tue 10/06/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021673
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50

Setting up and Arts and Crafts Business

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.
View details
Dates:
Tue 10/06/2025 -
Tue 10/06/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021676
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£18.50