New rural entrepreneurship course offered
The Open University is to offer a new free course called Rural Entrepreneurship in Scotland to help entrepreneurs across the region.
The Open University is to offer a new free course called Rural Entrepreneurship in Scotland to help entrepreneurs across the region.
The course, which will provide learners with an introduction to running a business in a rural area, is part of the University’s OpenLearn programme – a large and growing set of free open learning resources and expert opinion on topical issues. Rural Entrepreneurship in Scotland is a 30 hour introductory level course. There are hundreds of other free OU courses on the OpenLearn platform.
The course covers the important issues to consider when starting up or running a small business in a rural environment. It also introduces some concepts and models that will help entrepreneurs work out what they want to do with their business idea, and to consider the impact living in a rural location may have on their approach.
Business Gateway Highland and Moray, which is locally delivered by Highland Opportunity – the Enterprise Trust for the Highlands, will be helping to promote the course to local entrepreneurs and supporting learners to start and develop their own rural enterprises.
Jeremy Roebuck, Course Convener at The Open University said: “The Rural Entrepreneurship in Scotland course is principally designed for entrepreneurs developing their own enterprises and also as a resource for people supporting enterprises in rural areas of Scotland. The resources can be drawn upon when needed – something to support entrepreneurs on their journey to running their own business. We are therefore delighted to have Business Gateway Highland and Moray on board as the unit complements their existing support for new enterprises in remote and rural areas.”
After studying this unit, entrepreneurs will be able to: ● understand the importance of how living rurally influences business or social enterprise objectives ● explore the feasibility of a business idea ● plan a strategy for the development of a business ● state the likely resources and capabilities required ● understand where the gaps are likely to occur.
Danny Gallagher, Business Gateway Highland and Moray Service Manager, added: “There’s no doubt that there are differences in how businesses operate depending on their location. We want to see more businesses start sustainable and successful businesses in our area and one of the best ways for this to happen is for entrepreneurs to understand from the outset the unique challenges and opportunities associated with starting a business in Highland and Moray.
“We feel that the Open University course will equip entrepreneurs with this knowledge, and we will therefore be signposting relevant contacts and clients to this resource. Entrepreneurs with greater understanding of rural enterprise will also be better placed to make best use of ongoing support, such as from Business Gateway, as they will be able to identify and anticipate their needs and seek relevant guidance.”