Find the business idea that fits you and your market, and test it before you spend a dollar on it.
Most new businesses that close do so because the idea was never tested. This course takes you from "I want to start something" to one chosen idea, checked against real customers. Adapted for Zimbabwean conditions from the International Labour Organization’s Generate Your Business Idea programme.
Who it is for
- People who want to start a business and have not settled on an idea
- People with several ideas who cannot choose between them
- People in a job or studying who want to prepare properly before they start
What you will do
About 12 hours in all, roughly half on screen and half in the field. Most people finish in about two weeks, a few minutes at a time.
- Welcome (30 minutes). What the course is and how it works.
- You as an entrepreneur (1.5 hours). Check whether you are ready to run a business, and which fields and types of business suit you.
- What makes a business idea (1.5 hours). The five things every good business idea must answer.
- Build your idea list (4.5 hours, 3 of them in the field). Interview business owners, survey your area, brainstorm, and list at least 10 ideas.
- Choose your best idea (3 hours, 2 of them in the field). Screen your list, plan a field study, and run a SWOT analysis on your top ideas.
- Your business idea (1 hour). Write your Business Idea Summary and Action Plan, and send them to your consultant.
What you leave with
- A Business Idea Summary: one tested idea, who will buy it and why you chose it
- An Action Plan with dated next steps
- A Certificate of Completion once your consultant approves your summary
Two ways to take it
Self-paced online Available now
Start today. Included in the Potential Start-up membership (US$50, with Start Your Business).
On its own: US$40 / US$50
Live class Live classes
With a certified trainer, at our training room or on Zoom. Runs when a class of 10 to 20 fills.
US$50 / US$60
Where two prices are shown, the first is for paid-up Small Enterprise, Medium Enterprise and Affiliate members, and the second is for everyone else, including Standard members, Start-up members and non-members.
How the self-paced course works
- Work on your phone or computer, in short sessions. Your answers are saved as you go.
- Every exercise is about your own business, not a textbook case.
- An AI coach comments on your key answers and asks the questions a consultant would ask.
- A SMEAZ consultant reviews your finished work and replies with comments.
- Your certificate carries a number and a QR code that anyone can check on our website.
Start the course Join as a Potential Start-up member Join the live class group
You will be asked to log in to your SMEAZ website account first. No account yet? Registering is free and takes two minutes.
What comes next
Start Your Business turns your chosen idea into a business plan. Your Business Idea Summary carries across, so you do not start from scratch.