Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
Business adviser
Alternative titles for this job include Business consultant, enterprise adviser, business coach
Business advisers give advice and support to help new businesses to start up and established businesses to grow.
Average salary (a year)
£20,000 Starter
to£35,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 39 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends attending events or appointments
How to become a Business adviser
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
University
It may help if you have a business-related degree or professional qualification, but this isn't essential.
Direct application
To apply directly for vacancies in this job you'll need proven experience, like running your own company and a good track record in business management.
Other routes
Business support and mentoring qualifications are awarded by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI).
Qualifications include:
- Level 3 Certificate in Enterprise Coaching
- Level 3/4 Award/Certificate in Enterprise Mentoring
More information
Career tips
To help build your professional reputation you can put together a portfolio of the projects you have worked on or references from past clients. You can use online social media, such as the networking website LinkedIn, to promote yourself, build your network and display recommendations from colleagues and clients.Further information
You can find out more about business advice from Business is Great.What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- business management skills
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- knowledge of English language
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- this job requires a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications.
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll need professional indemnity insurance.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to day duties may include:
- looking at clients’ business ideas to see if they have potential
- helping clients to develop business plans
- advising on sources of finance and grants
- helping existing small businesses with problems, like finding ways to reduce costs or improve marketing
- referring clients to other specialists if necessary
- networking with the business community and enterprise organisations
- monitoring clients’ progress
- running advice workshops and seminars
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
Career path and progression
You could join the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs, be employed by a local business support organisation or by a national organisation like the Great Business support line.You could also get involved with community or social enterprises and charities that support business start ups, or do freelance work.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Business Analyst Apprentice - 17076
- Wage : £16,000.00 Annually
- Location: London W6 9DL
Higher Business Apprenticeship - Global Supply Chain and Logistics
- Wage : £335.22 Weekly
- Location: Peterborough PE1 5FQ
Courses In England
Pearson EDEXCEL Level 3 Advanced GCE in Business Studies
- Provider: Christ The King College
- Start date: 03 September 2019
- Location: Newport
GCE AS Level in Business Studies
- Provider: Congleton High School
- Start date: 01 September 2019
- Location: Congleton