An enhanced new on-line business support service has been launched by the Welsh Government to ensure access to Business Wales support is available to all entrepreneurs and businesses at any time and any place.
The free to use Business Online Support Service (BOSS) is designed to transform on-line support and complement face-to-face learning.
BOSS is based on Moodle, an open-source software learning management system, with bilingual content that is easy to access, understand and suitable for those taking their first steps into business through to those looking to drive business growth.
There are sixteen BOSS courses currently available covering Business Start Up, Business Planning, Finance, Marketing, Business Ideas and Innovation.
The ‘Taking the Plunge’ course introduces the concept of being your own boss, what it takes, who you need to contact and how to avoid any pitfalls.
Those looking to push their business to the next level can try the ‘Driving Business Growth’ course to learn about maximising sales opportunities, increasing profitability and collaborating for success. Participants can consider a variety of options for achieving business growth.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “Through Business Wales, the Welsh Government is helping people start businesses and supporting existing businesses to grow, with the overall aim of creating and safeguarding jobs and boosting the economy.
“Business Wales provides support to individuals, both online and face-to-face and BOSS has been created to transform and enhance our online support service which is now instantly accessible by individuals where ever they are and available 24/7.”
The courses available via BOSS use a wide range of features including video tutorials, downloadable exercises and interactive tasks to aid learning.
It also offers the opportunity for live chats with virtual tutors to help with any questions while on-line forums offer networking opportunities to connect with like-minded people across Wales.
The Business Online Support Service (BOSS) is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.