Higher Occupational Certificate:

Small Business Consultant

Help small businesses grow, adapt and operate sustainably.

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Develop the occupational knowledge, practical capability and workplace experience required to assess small-business needs, conduct due diligence, evaluate performance, provide strategic and operational guidance, support change and strengthen business sustainability.

SAQA Qual ID:

118741

Qualification Title:

Higher Occupational Certificate: Small Business Consultant

NQF Sub-Framework:

OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework

Originator:

Development Quality Partner - SERVICES SETA

Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary:

SERVICES SETA

Minimum Credits

244

NQF Level

NQF Level 05

Supporting Small Business Success.

  • Small Business Consultants assess business performance, identify improvement opportunities and guide entrepreneurs in strengthening operations, managing change and achieving sustainable growth.
  • ASSESS BUSINESS NEEDS
  • PROVIDE STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL ADVICE
  • SUPPORT COMPLIANCE AND DUE DILIGENCE
  • GUIDE CHANGE AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
  • PROMOTE ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICE

What You Will Learn?

  • Evaluate your readiness to provide professional consulting services
  • Conduct due diligence and check business compliance
  • Assess business owners, business performance and activities
  • Provide strategic and operational business advice
  • Apply marketing, finance, costing and risk principles
  • Support business change and improvement
  • Plan and coordinate consulting projects
  • Improve efficiency across the business value chain
  • Communicate and coach ethically
  • Apply your learning through structured workplace experience

Career Possibilities

  • Build capability for roles such as:
  • Small Business Consultant
  • Small Business Advisor
  • Business Development Practitioner
  • Entrepreneurship Coach
  • Business Consulting Assistant
  • Business Support Officer
  • Enterprise Development Practitioner
  • Project Coordinator
  • Career opportunities are indicative and subject to individual capability and employer requirements.

Why Choose This Qualification?

PRACTICAL CONSULTING SKILLS

Develop skills to assess businesses and recommend improvements.

HANDS ON LEARNING

Learn through business scenarios, consulting projects and workplace tasks.

INDUSTRY RELEVANCE

Prepare to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across sectors.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH

Help businesses strengthen operations, manage risks and adapt to change.

PATHWAY TO GROWTH

Build a foundation for further study, professional development and career advancement.

What You Will Study?

The Programme Consists of 34 Compulsory Modules (244 Credits).

How You Will Learn.

Study through AIFT’s structured delivery arrangements, subject to confirmation of the approved mode and availability.


  • Contact learning: scheduled campus classes, facilitated activities and practical sessions
  • Blended learning: a combination of campus sessions and structured online learning
  • Distance learning: digital learning materials, online lectures and tutorials, recordings and lecturer support
  • Case studies, business scenarios and consulting projects
  • Online quizzes, assignments and practical assessments
  • Collaboration, independent study and tutor support
  • Structured workplace experience supported by records of completed tasks


All modes require completion of the prescribed knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience components. An External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is required for the award of the qualification. Access to the EISA requires evidence of completed knowledge and practical modules and the required workplace experience.

Admission Requirements.

You may apply with one of the following:


  • An NQF Level 4 qualification, including a National Senior Certificate or recognised equivalent
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), assessed against the qualification’s access requirements
  • Admission is subject to AIFT’s admissions requirements, supporting documentation and available capacity.

Minimum Requirements.

  • Laptop or desktop computer
  • Reliable internet access
  • Email address
  • Webcam and headset where required
  • Basic digital literacy
  • Microsoft Office or compatible software

Further Study Options.

You may pursue further study in business management, entrepreneurship, business consulting, business analysis or related fields, including relevant certificate, diploma and degree programmes.

Articulation is subject to programme availability, institutional rules and the admission requirements of the receiving institution. Credit transfer or advanced standing is assessed individually.

How to Apply.

  1. Check admission requirements
  2. Prepare your documents
  3. Apply through an official AIFT channel
  4. Complete registration

Application in 4 Easy Steps.

  1. Check admission requirements
  2. Prepare your documents
  3. Apply through an official AIFT channel
  4. Complete registration and orientation