You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• business management
• business enterprise
• marketing
• project management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You can start by doing a junior management consultant higher apprenticeship.

This typically takes 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You can apply directly to employers if you've got proven experience like running your own company, or working in management, finance or human resources.

You'll need to show a wide range of skills, including:

• marketing
• finance
• business planning
• project management
• professional networking

You could develop your knowledge and skills by doing business support and mentoring qualifications, like those offered by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative.

Qualifications include:

• Level 3 Certificate in Coaching
• Level 3 Award in Enterprise Mentoring
• Level 5 Certificate in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services

You'll need:

• business management skills
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of training and the ability to design courses
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need professional indemnity insurance.

In your day-to day duties you could:

• assess clients' business ideas to see if they have potential
• help clients to develop business plans
• advise on finance and grants
• do research on behalf of a business
• give business improvement advice, like how to reduce costs or increase sales
• network with the business community and enterprise organisations
• run advice workshops and seminars
• offer personalised business coaching sessions

You could work at a client's business, in an office or remotely.