Over 7 sessions you will develop an understanding of the cooperative model and the benefits it can bring to enterprise and developing a business. Working in a small group with experienced tutors, you will explore your business ideas, develop an understanding of the role of marketing, and be introduced to finance planning. You will be supported to develop a business plan and identify your next steps. The course will develop your confidence and presentation skills to enable you to take the next steps for your business and personal development.
Additional information about this course
The course is for Yorkshire and Humber residents only. For further information about the course contact Luke Smith lsmith@wea.org.uk to discuss the course and get the PIN to enrol if suitable.
Course aim
To introduce the Cooperative Enterprise model and enable participants to develop business ideas underpinned by cooperative ethics and values.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Learn skills that will enhance your CV including marketing, finance, business planning and presenting.
- Explore the opportunities of setting up your own “co-operative” taking action to tackle any problems you collectively identify in your local community
- Develop a peer support network
- Develop a basic business plan
- Boost your confidence through the fun, interactive sessions
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
- You will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will be able to keep a record of your progress and achievement using photos, audio, text or documents uploaded into the WEA’s digital learning platform, WEA Canvas.
- You will be able to keep a digital portfolio of your work on WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas.
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- This course could lead to a range of job opportunities. Follow link to National Careers Service for more details https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
Download full course information sheet
