Top 5 Short Courses for South African Small Business Owners

Running a small business in South Africa is both rewarding and challenging - where no day is the same. The dynamic nature of the market demands that business owners continuously upgrade their skills to stay competitive. One effective way to do this is through short courses that offer practical knowledge without the time and financial commitment of a full degree. Here are the top five short courses that every South African small business owner should consider, along with their costs, educational requirements, and benefits.

1. Fundamentals in Accounting - Unisa

Cost: Around R5000
Duration: One academic year
Education Level: South African National Senior Certificate (with or without university exemption) or an equivalent NQF level 4 matriculation qualification.

Course Overview: The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a comprehensive Fundamentals in Accounting short course, ideal for small business owners who want to grasp the basics of bookkeeping and financial reporting. This course is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in bookkeeping or basic financial reporting, as well as those who plan to further their studies towards a degree in Accounting at Unisa.

Why It’s Worth It: For small business owners, understanding accounting fundamentals is crucial for effective financial management. This course provides the knowledge needed to maintain accurate financial records, understand financial statements, and manage your business’s finances more effectively. Whether you're handling your business’s finances yourself or overseeing an accountant, this course will give you the foundational skills you need to make informed financial decisions.

If you need help choosing the right accounting software for your small business we've rounded up the best tools in our guide.

2. Foundations of Business Management - GetSmarter

Cost: Around R14 000
Duration: 10 weeks
Education Level: No formal qualification required, but a basic understanding of business concepts is helpful.

Course Overview: GetSmarter, in partnership with the University of Cape Town (UCT), offers an online short course on the Foundations of Business Management. This course is designed to equip business owners with essential management skills, covering topics such as strategic business tools, financial management, customer focus, competitive advantage, marketing, business innovation, and quality assurance.

Why It’s Worth It: This course provides a well-rounded foundation in business management, enabling you to leverage competitive advantages, interpret financial statements, and develop effective business strategies. The curriculum also covers creative problem-solving and sustainability planning, which are crucial for long-term business success. The practical tools and techniques taught in this course can be immediately applied to improve your business’s performance.

3. Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers - Udemy

Cost: Approximately R150 to R800 (depending on promotions)
Duration: 3 to 4 hours of on-demand video
Education Level: No formal qualification required

Course Overview: Udemy offers a popular short course on Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers. This course is designed for business owners who don’t have a background in finance but need to understand financial statements, budgeting, and cash flow management. It breaks down complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, using practical examples that are directly relevant to small businesses.

Why It’s Worth It: Understanding your business's finances is critical to its success. This course empowers you to make better financial decisions, improve cash flow management, and avoid common financial pitfalls that many small businesses face. It’s an affordable option that offers immediate, practical value.

4. Digital Marketing Essentials - Udemy

Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour
Education Level: No formal qualification required, basic computer literacy recommended.

Course Overview:Udemy offers a Digital Marketing Essentials course that provides an in-depth understanding of digital marketing strategies, making it ideal for small business owners looking to expand their online presence. The course covers various aspects of digital marketing, including Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and the basics of Social Media Marketing through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It also touches on advanced concepts like Remarketing, Email Marketing, and Online Reputation Management (ORM).

Why It’s Worth It:In today’s digital-first world, mastering digital marketing is crucial for any business. This course offers practical insights into running effective PPC campaigns, optimizing your website for search engines, and leveraging social media to engage with your audience. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to promote your business effectively online and attract more customers.

5. Foundations of Project Management - Coursera

Cost: Free to R600 (depending on certificate option)
Duration: 4 to 6 weeks
Education Level: No formal qualification required, but some experience in managing projects is beneficial.

Course Overview: Coursera, in partnership with various universities, offers a Project Management Foundations course that provides a solid introduction to the principles and practices of project management. The course covers project planning, execution, and closing, along with risk management and stakeholder communication. It’s a versatile course that’s applicable across various industries and business types.

Why It’s Worth It: Effective project management can significantly impact your business’s success. This course helps you manage projects more efficiently, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget. Whether you’re managing a small team or multiple projects, the skills learned here are invaluable.

Investing in your education as a small business owner can have a profound impact on your business’s success. These short courses offer practical, actionable knowledge that can be applied directly to your business. Whether you’re looking to improve your financial literacy, enhance your digital marketing efforts, or simply gain a better understanding of business management, there’s a course out there to meet your needs.

Each of these courses is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing you to balance your studies with running your business. The costs vary, but each offers significant value for the price, making them a worthwhile investment in your future success. As the South African business landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve through continuous learning is not just an option - it’s a necessity.