Essentials

• Start Date: Monday 13 April 2026 6.00pm – 8.00pm
• Date & Time: Mondays 6.00pm – 8.00pm
• Venue: Impington Village College, New Road, CB24 9LX
• Tutor: Dr Shadi Alansari
• Course Level: Beginner
• Weeks: 4
• Terms: 1
• Fee per term: £71
• Additional Course Costs: none

Tutor Details

Dr Shadi Alansari is an academic and consultant specialising in business management, leadership, and human resources.

Originally from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he moved to the United Kingdom in 2004 to study at Anglia Ruskin University. He completed a BA in Computer Technology, followed by a Master’s degree in Business Management and a PhD in Human Resource Management. His doctoral research explored the impact of leadership styles on employee motivation within multicultural working environments. Dr Alansari has taught Business Management at Anglia Ruskin University, where he supported postgraduate students studying Management and Strategy modules. In addition to his academic work, he has worked as an education consultant with World Study Solutions in Cambridge, advising students from around the world on education pathways and career development. With experience in teaching, mentoring, and consultancy, Dr Alansari brings a practical and supportive approach to helping learners build confidence in their professional skills and career progression.

Course Description

The aim of this course is to introduce learners to the fundamentals of starting a small business or side hustle in a clear and accessible way.

By the end of the course learners will be able to:

• Identify a simple business or side hustle idea
• Understand the basics of customers and target markets
• Set realistic prices for products or services
• Explore simple ways to promote a business or service
• Understand common early challenges when starting a small business

Course Breakdown

• Week 1 – Finding a Business Idea Learners will explore how small businesses and side hustles start, identify potential business ideas, and consider their skills, interests, and opportunities.
• Week 2 – Understanding Customers This session focuses on identifying potential customers, understanding their needs, and shaping a product or service that solves a problem or provides value.
• Week 3 – Pricing and Promotion Learners will explore simple pricing strategies and basic ways to promote their business or service, including word of mouth, social media, and local opportunities.
• Week 4 – Getting Started and Avoiding Common Mistakes The final session focuses on practical steps to start small, testing ideas, managing early challenges, and creating a simple action plan for moving forward.

Progression – what next?

After completing this course, learners may choose to begin developing their own small business or side hustle idea further. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to test their ideas, identify potential customers, and promote their products or services. Learners may go on to explore further business training, start a small venture alongside employment, or continue developing their business idea independently.

How progress and success will be recorded

Progress will be recorded through practical discussions, activities, and tutor feedback during the course. Learners will be encouraged to develop a simple business or side hustle idea, explore their potential customers, and outline basic steps for getting started. Success will be measured through participation in activities and the development of a simple business concept by the end of the course.

Materials / Equipment required for First Class

• Laptop (recommended)
• Pen and paper for notes