The Digital Economy: Finance for Business Growth (FutureLearn)

The Digital Economy: Finance for Business Growth (FutureLearn)

Learn how to develop a funding strategy for your business; explore different types of finance and learn when, and how, to use them. Every business needs cash to grow and develop. Some businesses are able to find enough cash from their own operations to take advantage of growth opportunities. Others might need to use external sources of finance, like a bank loan. How does a business make robust decisions about borrowing?

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Whether you are in a micro business, a small to medium-sized organisation, or a large firm, this online course will guide you through finance options.
You will consider traditional and alternative finance options; evaluate what type of funding is suitable for your business; and develop a financial statement and funding strategy, to make the right decision.

What topics will you cover?

  • Assess the role of cash management in business and the relationship between cash management and business performance
  • Consider the benefits and drawbacks of different sources of finance
  • Understand the relevance of liquidity and solvency when managing a business
  • Evaluate the role of cash flow forecasting and assess future cash requirements
  • Understand the risks, benefits and drawbacks of different types of funding
  • Decide on a suitable type of funding and assess risk-return issues
  • Assess how and why alternative finance activities, such as crowdfunding, have evolved
  • Assess the benefits and risks of alternative finance for business borrowers
  • Evaluate the use of equity funding, both private and public equity issues
  • Assess the role of private equity, and the benefits offered by different types of private equity for funding business growth
  • Explore behavioural finance issues in investment decision-making

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Assess borrowing requirements and develop a strategy for your business finance needs
  • Assess the risks, benefits and drawbacks of different types of debt
  • Assess and critique finance available to your business, both traditional and newer sources, such as crowd funding
  • Evaluate funding opportunities for business growth and development
  • Apply and consider the role of traditional sources of finance, i.e. debt and equity, as well as alternative finance options, such as crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending
  • Record and learn to use financial statements to assess the financial health of a business
  • Collect and learn to use a cash flow forecast to help you make decisions about managing business cash

Investigate and find out how you can develop a funding strategy and make the right decision about the type of borrowing for your business

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