Learn with Start Up Loans
A partnership designed to help UK businesses get off the ground and stay there.
Start Up Loans has partnered with The Open University to create Learn with Start Up Loans, a range of courses designed to help entrepreneurs succeed in business.
These 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.
Alongside the business essentials, you can now find courses focusing on climate and sustainability, mental health and wellbeing, as well as trauma and grief.
Entrepreneurship – from ideas to reality
Now is a great opportunity to review those business ideas you’ve always dreamed about. Sometimes all we need is a bit of help to turn ideas into reality! This course uses real life examples in the form of case studies to take your through the decisions you’ll need to make when starting a business.
(opens in a new tab):
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.
First steps in innovation and entrepreneurship
A short introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship, clarifying some key themes and terminology.
Fundamentals of accounting
This free course, will introduce you to the essential concepts and skills of bookkeeping and accounting in four weeks.
Different types of business
This course introduces different types of business, depending on industry sector, size and type of ownership.
Marketing Communications in the digital age
This course uses theories and models and provides examples of how to effectively manage the process.
Work and mental
health
This course looks at some of the ways in which employment affects mental health and what can be done to support people in finding and keeping work.
Working in diverse teams
This course will help you consider your experience of working in teams and the different roles you play in them.
Commercial awareness
This course encourages you to look across your organisation, at your place within it and the value you create.
Introduction to the context
of accounting
This free introductory course will help you understand the very basics of accounting.
Supply chain sustainability
To survive in today’s competitive environment, organisations need to have an efficient and effective supply chain for the context in which they operate.
Business Communication: writing a SWOT analysis
This course is designed to develop your writing skills for business. You will be taken step by step through the process of writing a SWOT analysis.
Marketing in the 21st century
This course offers a managerial perspective on how to deliver more effective marketing in an organisation.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.