Learning Material Alignment Document for:
 
Occupational Certificate: Small Business Consultant
 
Please note that this document is designed mainly for the purpose of QCTO Desktop Evaluations and a purchase of the complete material will be necessary for the accreditation site visit and training implementation.
 
Purpose of the Qualification:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Small Business Consultant. A Small Business Consultant consults and guides in business development.

A qualified learner will be able to:
Evaluate personal capability for performing business consulting services.
Carry out due diligence and check compliance with relevant legislation.
Monitor methods of appraisal of the business owner, business performance and activities.
Provide strategic and operational consulting service
Develop and implement a change management framework
Develop project implementation approach, and
Interpret the influences of key components in the value chain on business  efficiency

Rationale:
 
Small Business Consulting is an essential service in the socio-economic and technological development of the country and requires unique skills to create an enabling environment for growth and sustainable businesses. Various professional bodies such as the Institute of Business Advisors South Africa (IBASA) and Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) have been consulted in respect to this qualification and have emphasised the need for this assistance in the industry where it will be providing an efficient and effective support service to businesses and, therefore, have an important role in job creation and drivers of growth thereby adding to the economic development and ensuring businesses receive the necessary support early on.

This qualification recognises the competence, knowledge and skills required to advise in the management and development of business ventures. The development of competence in this field can lead to better service delivery, sustainability and the promotion of job creation and security.
 
The qualification supports the objectives of the NQF in that it gives the learner access to a nationally recognised qualification that acknowledges the skills and knowledge that he/she has acquired. It will, therefore, ensure that the quality of education and training received by learners in the sector is enhanced and of a world-class standard.