Save up to €500 on selected Professional Academy Diplomas + 4 FREE Masterclasses worth €1,000! Ends in
Save up to €500 on selected Professional Academy Diplomas + 4 FREE Masterclasses worth €1,000! Ends in
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Secure your place by paying in full or availing of our payment plan. For Part-time, on demand and on campus courses, pay in three equal interest-free instalments. For full-time Bootcamps enrol with a 50% deposit and the rest at the course start date. T&C's apply.
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Small Business Administration Course Modules
This course equips aspiring entrepreneurs and SME leaders with the skills to excel in all key administrative functions in a small business. You’ll navigate Irish legal and data compliance, master financial management from bookkeeping to tax planning, and explore funding options.
Learn to build inclusive HR practices, implement effective digital marketing, and leverage technology, government support, and supply chain efficiencies for a competitive edge. Through strategic planning, including SWOT analysis, you’ll be prepared to start, scale, and future-proof your business.
Or browse our wide range of expert-led online courses and grow your career potential today.
1. Introduction to Business Administration
Understand how business administration drives SME success and operational excellence.
- Role of Business Admin within an SME
- Legal Compliance
- SME Financial Admin
- Business Admin Efficiency
- SME Admin Best Practice
2. Compliance and Legal Requirements
The different SME registration types, compliance requirements, and how GDPR is applied within SME operations.
- SME Business Legal Requirements
- Business Formation & Registration
- SME Permit and Business Licence
- Data Protection and GDPR
3. Financial Management
The process of SME bookkeeping, analysing financial data, managing taxes, and exploring other sources of financing options.
- Fundamentals of SME Bookkeeping
- Accounting Principles for SMEs
- Cash Flow Statements
- Overview of Payroll Taxes
- Additional SME Taxes
- SME Sources of Taxes
4. People Management
The HR processes and procedures of SME recruitment, contracts, payroll, training, and the application of inclusive, diverse practices in workplace scenarios.
- SME Recruitment Best Practice
- SME Selection Best Practices
- Components of an Employment Contract
- SME Training and Development
- Payroll Processes and Procedures
- Concept of Inclusivity and Diversity within an SME
- Intercultural Awareness within an SME
5. Marketing and Sales Strategies
How to navigate the marketing and sales funnel, create a basic marketing plan, develop detailed customer profiles, and identify the most effective digital and sales channels to grow a small business.
- Marketing and Sales Funnel
- Marketing Plan Development
- Customer Profiles
- Digital and Sales Channels
6. Government Supports and Grants
Become aware and identify the different ways to access, apply, and utilise Irish government support and grant funding for SMEs.
- Key Government Agencies and SMEs
- Local Enterprise Offices
- Funding available to SMEs
- New SME Grants and Funding 2025
7. Technology and Software Solutions
Evaluate software tools, apply cloud solutions, and implement cybersecurity practices to enhance SME efficiency and security.
- Analysis of SME Business Operations
- SME Essential Software Tools
- SME Cloud Accounting Tools
- SME Cloud Project Management Operational Tools name for this module
- Fundamentals of SME Cybersecurity
8. Business Planning and Strategy
Identify business plan components, create aligned strategies, and enhance effectiveness through focused strategic planning techniques.
- What is a Business Plan?
- The goals and objectives of an SME Business Plan
- The importance of SWOT Analysis within an SME Business Plan Process
- The effectiveness of Market Research within an SME Business Plan process
- What is an SME Business Strategy?
- The Implementation of SME Business Strategy Tactics
9. Operations and Supply Chain Management
Identify the relationship and difference between operations, supply chain principles, inventory strategies, quality control and supplier relationships.
- Fundamentals of SME Operations Management
- Overview of Supply Chain Management within an SME
- Effective SME Inventory Management Strategies
- Logistic Function within an SME
- Quality Control Methods
- Supplier Relationship Improvement
10. Customer Service and Support
Provide an overview of the importance of customer service, the application of complaint handling techniques, and the implementation of strategies to boost customer loyalty and support systems.
- Introduction to Customer Service within an SME
- The importance of customer service within a business
- Customer Complaint Handling
- Customer Service Feedback Process
- Strategies that build Customer Loyalty and Support systems
11. Risk Management and Business Continuity
Identify business risks, develop mitigation strategies, and outline continuity steps, including legal and insurance requirements.
- SME Business Risks
- Business Risk Assessment Process
- Impact of Business Risk on SME Business
- SME Business Contingency Plan
12. Growth and Expansion Strategies
Explore growth strategies, assess expansion risks and benefits, and evaluate suitable succession or exit plans for SMEs.
- SME Business Scaling
- SME entering New Markets
- Merger, Acquisition and Market Expansion
- Succession Planning Strategies for Different SME Business Types
- Exit Strategies for Different SME Business Types
Access to thousands of journals, articles and papers. Free of charge.
Students taking part in this course will now have access to the EBSCO Online Library, free of charge, for the full duration of the course. Here you can browse thousands of relevant journals, articles and other reliable academic and commercial texts like the Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg Businessweek and Forbes Magazine, to supplement your learning and assignments.
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Whether you’re interested in making your training budget work harder with volume discounts across our standard portfolio, or have bespoke training needs to be addressed, we’ll help you level up. Our team of upskilling experts are ready to take the pain out of meeting your training targets.
Talk to our expertsFrequently Asked Questions
Is this course right for me?
This course is ideal for individuals looking to effectively manage and grow small to medium enterprises (SMEs) by developing crucial administrative knowledge and practical skills
You may be:
An owner or co-owner of a small or medium enterprise (SME)
Looking to start, grow, or manage a small business operation from an administrative perspective
An existing business owner or administrator aiming to enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making skills
A third-party professional who supports small businesses from an administrative perspective, such as a consultant or financial advisor, seeking to deepen your understanding of SME administrative dynamics
How will this course help with my career?
This course provides a solid foundation to confidently start, manage, or scale your own small business or a side venture. You will learn how to explore key concepts of daily business administration requirements within a small business environment and understand the importance, challenges, and benefits of implementing best practice administrative policies and procedures. It equips learners with the necessary knowledge and administrative skills to confidently take on supervisory or managerial responsibilities within small businesses.
What is the online learning experience like?
Our online experience is designed to be just as interactive, supportive, and inspiring as the UCD Professional Academy campus experience.
Online courses can be accessed from any computer or laptop with an internet connection.
Live lectures are delivered using Zoom. During these lectures, your teachers will use technology interactively to ensure an engaging learning experience. When appropriate, students will be encouraged to activate their microphones so that they can ask questions and communicate with other students.
How is this course assessed?
This course is assessed through a weekly action learning log (worth 40% of your assessment) and a written assignment at the end of the course (worth 60% of your assessment). The weekly log will require you to reflect on the content of each session. Each log is expected to be around 125 words long. The written assignment is part discussion and part self-reflection and is expected to be around 3,000 words long.
What is the student experience like?
Student care is a high priority at UCD Professional Academy, which is why our Student Services team is on hand to support you throughout your time with us. They will respond to any queries you have, help you with any technical issues, and facilitate your learning experience at every point. All students are given access to our Student Portal, where you can see your timetable, access all your study materials, and manage your account.
What are the benefits of a Professional Academy Diploma?
UCD Professional Academy Diplomas and Certificates are designed to give your career an advantage. Developed in conjunction with industry thought leaders our courses teach practical, applied skills to support you to achieve your career and business goals. Professional Academy Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects rather than their academic credentials.
The Professional Academy is an independent wholly owned part of UCD designed to address the need for skills development in the workforce. Courses tend to be short, designed and delivered by industry practitioners, and are not part of nor do they lead to a traditional University award such as a degree or a masters. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study by their organisation.
For full details of UCD Professional Academy’s Certifications & Governance please visit https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/governance/
How do I get my Professional Academy Diploma?
Your UCD Professional Academy Diploma will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You can also add this certificate to your LinkedIn profile.
What payment options are available?
You can secure your spot on most of our Live Online, On-Campus, or On-Demand courses with a low 30% deposit. The remaining balance can be paid in two equal instalments (30 and 60 days later).
For full-time Bootcamp courses, you can secure your spot with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due prior to the start of your course.
Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/