Business adviser
Business advisers give advice and support to new business start-ups and help established businesses to grow.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work at a client's business, in an office or remotely.
Career path and progression
You could be employed by a local business support organisation.
You could also get involved with community or social enterprises and charities that support business start ups, or do freelance work.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need professional indemnity insurance.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
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
More Information
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
More Information
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
Career tips
You can use online social media sites, like LinkedIn, to promote yourself, build up your network and show recommendations from colleagues and clients.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about working in business advice from GOV.UK and your local Growth Hub.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.