CHAT WITH AN EXPERT 
Learn with Start Up Loans
A partnership designed to help UK businesses get off the ground and stay there
The courses provide a rich source of vital information for anyone who’s new to being their own boss, as well as would-be business owners who are considering taking the plunge. Covering digital skills to bookkeeping and accounting, the courses are designed to help business owners understand more about the key aspects of running a business – from the day-to-day to growing a venture.
The courses provide a rich source of vital information for anyone who’s new to being their own boss, as well as would-be business owners who are considering taking the plunge.
Covering digital skills to bookkeeping and accounting, the courses are designed to help business owners understand more about the key aspects of running a business – from the day-to-day to growing a venture.
Introduction to the context of accounting
This free introductory course will help you to understand the very basics of accounting
Money Saving Expert’s Academy of Money
Advice from Money Saving Expert to give you the skills and knowledge to master your finances
Entrepreneurship – from ideas to reality
Using case studies, this course will take you through the decisions you will need to make when building a business
Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting
Learn about the essential numerical skills that are required for accounting and bookkeeping
Financial accounting and reporting
Using case studies, this course will take you through the decisions you will need to make when building a business
Entrepreneurial behaviour
Learn about the personal aspects involved in transforming an innovative idea into an entrepreneurial product
Entrepreneurial impressions – reflection
This course encourages you to unpack your own perceptions about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship
Marketing in the 21st Century
This course offers a managerial perspective on how to deliver more effective marketing in an organisation
What is strategy?
The course provides definitions of the concept of strategy and strategy-related vocabulary and examines Mintzberg’s five Ps framework
Making decisions
Do you hate making decisions? This free course will help you understand some of the processes involved in decision making
Rural entrepreneurship in Wales
Understand the importance of how living rurally influences your business or social enterprise objectives
First steps in innovation and entrepreneurship
A short introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship, clarifying some key themes and terminology
Frequently asked questions
What is OpenLearn?
OpenLearn is a free learning platform, delivered by The Open University as part of its Royal Charter commitment to support the wellbeing of the community. We’re proud to say that it reaches over 13.5m learners a year.
You will find almost 1,000 free courses, topical and interactive content, videos and online games on OpenLearn.
What is the minimum age for using OpenLearn?
There is no minimum age for general use of the site, including access to free courses, articles and other content. However, in order to create an account you must be aged 13 years or over. This is due to Data Protection law which requires parental consent for those under 13, which we are unable to record and process.
What are free OpenLearn courses?
There are nearly 1000 courses on OpenLearn, all of which are currently free to study.
OpenLearn courses cover a wide range of subjects taught across the OU curriculum. Many are based on Open University course materials while others are written specifically for OpenLearn.
All courses enable you to earn a Statement of participation and some also allow you to earn a free digital badge. You can use your badge or statement of participation to share your achievement with others although they do not carry any formal credit towards a qualification.
Does OpenLearn share the information it receives?
OpenLearn do not release this information to third parties. If you prefer not to share anonymous information on your use of the site, you can disable cookies from your browser and delete all cookies currently stored on your computer. You do not need to have cookies turned on to use or navigate through many parts of the OpenLearn website.
What information does OpenLearn collect from visitors to their website?
OpenLearn log general activity on the site such as the time each visitor spends on the site and whether they have also used some other sites; by tracking the use of content for learning; and by asking visitors whether they are willing to be involved in research. You can read about how OpenLearn handle your personal data in their Privacy Statement.
Who are Start Up Loans?
Start Up Loans was established in September 2012, with a mission to help new and early stage UK businesses access affordable finance and mentoring support to start and grow. We’re a subsidiary of the British Business Bank and deliver the Government’s Start Up Loans programme providing finance and support for businesses who struggle to access other forms of finance.
For more information, visit Start Up Loans Frequently Asked Questions.