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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Start up a small business 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243803  Start up a small business 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Retail and Wholesale 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for individuals who wish to start their own businesses within the Wholesale and Retail field.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able choose a business idea, based on basic market research and taking cognisance of the issues that impact on a new business, they will also be able to explain the requirements in setting up a small business and will be able to develop a basic business plan. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the requirements in setting up a small business. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors that influence the choice of a business are explained in terms of the future viability of the business. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to competitors, potential customers, supply of goods, venue tooperate business, finance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need for the business venture to match with the short, medium and long term goals of the entrepreneur are explained with a focus on the consequences af a mismatch between them. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ways in which small businesses can be financed are identified and an explanation given of the advantages and disadvantages of each. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Assets needed to set up and operate a small business are identified for a specific business in a specific locality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The legal requirements for setting up a small business are explained with an explanation of the consequences of non-compliance. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the factors that ensure the long-term sustainability and of a new business. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of product for a new business is explained in terms of customer needs and the existence of competitors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of price for a new business is explained in terms of attracting and retaining customers and ensuring the profitability of the business. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of place for a new business is explained in terms of attracting and retaining customers and the obtaining of goods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The profit-motive for a business is explained in terms of business sustainability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of advertising, promotion for a new business is defined. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of basic market research. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The term market research is defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Components of a business idea that need to be researched in order to determine viability are defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sources and methods used to access information when researching a business idea are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Market research tools and instruments are developed and applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The viability of a business idea is tested against the market research. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Develop a basic business plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The business idea is developed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A market for the business is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Business premises are identified, taking cognisance of the advantages and disadvantages of different premises. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The capital needed for business start-up is calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The skills needed within the business are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The viability of the business idea is analysed. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Programmes leading to the award of credits from this unit standard will be accredited through the relevant ETQA. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant SETA ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The demonstrated understanding of:
  • Business goals.
  • Business principles.
  • Research methodology.
  • Market research methodology.
  • Ways to finance a business and the advantages/disadvantages.
  • Goal setting.
  • Issues that impact on the choice of a business idea.
  • Explanation of assets which are required for a micro retail outlet.
  • Legal requirements in setting up a business.
  • Putting together a business plan.
  • Identifying the skills needed for a business. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and ones activities.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Explain the requirements in setting up a small business.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic market research. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information.

    Refer to the following specific outcome:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic market research. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively.

    Refer to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Maintain the environment.

    Refer to the following specific outcome:
  • Explain the requirements in setting up a small business. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems.

    Refer to the following specific outcome:
  • Explain the factors that ensure the long-term sustainability and of a new business. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58308   National Certificate: Informal Small Business Practice  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  W&RSETA 
    Elective  63409   National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  W&RSETA 
    Elective  61669   Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Water, Health and Sanitation Facilitation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    2. ESKOM GENERATION - PALMIET PUMP STORAGE GRABOUW 
    3. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    4. POWER SYSTEMS TRAINING, CAPE TOWN 
    5. PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING (PTY) LTD 
    6. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    7. THOBOLOGO TRAINING & EDUCATION GROUP 
    8. Visual Excellence Trading 508 (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.