Join this short course to learn what capabilities you will need as an entrepreneur to help take your ideas to the next level.

Free

Sampler

Online

Business (neutral UI)

Leadership (neutral UI)

The Mind Lab - hidden

Entrepreneurship

What you’ll learn - Course overview - Sampler

Develop your entrepreneurial mindsetGain insights into the key traits of successful entrepreneurs, learning how to think creatively, take calculated risks, and adapt to challenges with confidence.

Refine your business strategyUnderstand the fundamentals of business planning, from identifying market needs to setting achievable goals that align with your vision.

Validate your ideas effectivelyLearn how to test your concepts through market research, customer feedback, and prototyping to ensure your idea has real-world potential.

What you’ll learn - List - ENT Sampler overview

<ul><li>Aspiring entrepreneurs who have an idea but aren’t sure how to take the first steps toward launching it.</li><li>Professionals looking to enhance their strategic thinking and innovation skills for career growth.</li><li>Individuals interested in turning a passion project, side-hustle, or community initiative into a structured plan.</li><li>Anyone who wants to explore the essentials of entrepreneurship before committing to a full-length business program.</li></ul>

Available course start dates:<ul><li>Start any time, learn at your own pace</li></ul>This course does not have any certification or scheduled classes, so you can learn online whenever it suits you! If you are looking to do a more in-depth, accredited version of this course, we recommend the <a href="/courses/entrepreneurship-micro-credential">Entrepreneurship Micro-credential</a>.

Our Sampler courses are punchy introductions to emerging areas of expertise. Delivered entirely online through articles, videos and case studies, you learn at your own pace. Completely free, you can start at any time but you need to complete the course within 3 weeks from the time you begin. There is approximately 2-3 hours of content for you to explore per week.

What is a Sampler short course?

Sampler short courses are free to enrol in. We’re excited to encourage more people to explore key topics that are of critical relevance today and into the future.

What are the fees for a Sampler short course?

No, credits are not awarded for completion of the academyEX Sampler and Advancer courses as these are not accredited by NZQA. The Sampler and Advancer courses provide introductions, and you can build on your knowledge and skills through further study in our accredited programmes.

Can I gain credits by completing the Sampler and/or Advancer courses?

Our Sampler and Advancer short courses were developed in collaboration with industry experts. You will find interviews with industry experts in amongst the content for all the Sampler and Advancer courses as well as content from a range of sources.

How were the Sampler and Advancer courses developed?

What you need to know -  Sampler overview

Starts 17 September. This bootcamp-style program connects you with entrepreneurs who&#039;ve actually built successful ventures. Learn the practical steps to turn concepts into revenue, with real guidance from people who&#039;ve been where you want to go.

Starts 30 October. Built for professionals who want to lead innovation explore emerging technologies and shape the future of work and industries. It&#039;s about creating real-world impacvt by applying foresight, systems thinking, and disruptive tech to today&#039;s complex challenges.

Master of Technological Futures

Starts March 2026. Disruptive Technologies: The AI One micro-credential provides hands-on, real-world learning in AI and emerging tech. Gain critical skills to lead through innovation and solve complex industry challenges.

Disruptive Technologies

Tech Futures Lab

Many people have aspirations to turn their  idea into a business, a community initiative or a side-hustle. Wherever you are on your journey to entrepreneurship, this short course offers an introduction to some essential knowledge that you will need to kick-start your project. Dip your toes into learning with academyEX, through this free two week sampler course and discover what&#039;s required to put your entrepreneurial ideas into action. Gain insight from seasoned entrepreneurs who share learnings from their success and their failures as they take their ideas to New Zealand and the world. Through the course you will be able to identify and analyse your capability gaps, and seek strategies to continue learning and building capability for future success.<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://link.academyex.com/2025-prospectus">Download 2025 Prospectus</a></li></ul>

This is a free sampler of our accredited <a href="/browse/courses?course-type=microcredential">Micro-credential</a>

2 weeks (or less if you’re keen!)

2-3 hours per week <a href="https://app.academyex.com/enrol/sampler-ent">Start today!</a>

100% online, learn at your own pace

Sampler: Entrepreneurship#1 (Rolling)

Join this free short course to learn what capabilities you will need as an entrepreneur to help take your ideas to the next level.

SAMPLER

Entrepreneurship

FREE!

Course duration

Time commitment

Flexible study

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

This course is ideal for:

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