First-Time Founders
Designed for people preparing to launch their first venture. It is especially useful for learners who need a structured, practical route into growth strategy rather than a purely theoretical overview.
ESH-01792 · Business Strategy
Growth Strategy Foundation for First-Time Founders — Business Strategy
A 6-hour beginner course for people preparing to launch their first venture who want to build reliable fundamentals in growth strategy. The course combines the business strategy context with practical frameworks, realistic cases, guided exercises and a final applied output. Participants finish with a structured approach they can adapt to a real venture, team or project.
Blended online6 hoursBeginnerFirst-Time FoundersExplore pathway
What you need
A business idea is useful but not required.
European Startup Hub Certificate of Completion — Growth Strategy Foundation
Knowledge checks, short exercises and a final practical reflection.
Learning outcomes
What you will be able to do.
Outcome 1
Explain the core principles of growth strategy in the context of business strategy.
Outcome 2
Diagnose a realistic growth strategy challenge using structured startup tools.
Outcome 3
Build a practical growth strategy output appropriate for first-time founders.
Outcome 4
Evaluate evidence, assumptions and trade-offs before making growth strategy decisions.
Outcome 5
Apply growth strategy methods to a venture, project or organisational scenario.
Outcome 6
Create a next-step action plan that can be used after the course.
Full syllabus
8 course modules.
Each module combines explanation, examples and an applied activity.
Module 1
Foundations of Growth Strategy
Practical study of foundations of growth strategy with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 2
The Business Strategy context
Practical study of the business strategy context with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 3
Customers, users and stakeholder needs
Practical study of customers, users and stakeholder needs with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 4
Tools and frameworks for Growth Strategy
Practical study of tools and frameworks for growth strategy with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 5
Evidence, data and assumptions
Practical study of evidence, data and assumptions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 6
Designing the approach
Practical study of designing the approach with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 7
Execution and operating decisions
Practical study of execution and operating decisions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 8
Measurement and key indicators
Practical study of measurement and key indicators with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Assessment
Knowledge checks, short exercises and a final practical reflection.
Included materials
Digital course notes · Practical worksheets · Case exercises · Action-plan template · Completion record in ESH ID
Learning support
Platform learning support; live facilitator interaction is included where the delivery format states Live online or Blended online.
Course information & disclaimer
Educational programme. Completion does not constitute professional, legal, financial or investment advice and does not guarantee funding, employment or business outcomes. Catalogue version 2026.1 · Last reviewed 2026-08-24.
Ready to begin?
Growth Strategy Foundation for First-Time Founders — Business Strategy · 6 hours · Blended online
Enrol for €105