Blog Post

Starting a Small Business After Your Certificate

High-angle view of a South African woman entrepreneur at a small business counter, typing on a laptop beside handmade pr
Many of our students start earning on the side before they finish studying. A certificate gives you skills and proof of them, which helps when a new client wants to know who they are hiring. Begin small. Write down your service, your price and the type of customer you want. Use WhatsApp and a simple Facebook page to share your work.
Your first client usually comes from someone who already knows you. Ayesha Patel, Marketing Lecturer
Keep a record of every rand coming in and going out, and register your business once the income becomes regular.
Smiling young Black South African working adult studying online at home in Midrand, holding a smartphone and an open not
Close-up of an adult distance learner's desk with printed course workbooks, a ring-bound study guide, highlighters, a sm

Start with one service

Choose one thing you can do well, such as building simple websites or running social media pages for local shops. Ask three people you know to be your first clients and charge a fair price from the start.

Keep learning as you grow

Add skills as clients ask for them. Short courses in digital marketing or data analysis with Excel can help you quote better, track your money and keep customers coming back.

4 Comments

  1. Useful advice for students. The tips on planning study time are really practical and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing!

  2. Clear and honest article. It explains the options well and helped me decide which course to take next. I would like to read more posts.

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