Advanced
Diploma
Program
China Business Start-Up
Program
Understand the process. Assess the tax implications. Make better informed repatriation decisions.
Advanced Diploma Program
6 months
approx. 4-8 hours/ week
100% online, blended
Open Enrollment
EUR 2.499
Program Overview
The China Business Start-Up Program equips executives and working professionals with the knowledge and capabilities required to establish, develop and manage a business in China.
The program begins with an overview of China’s foreign investment landscape and the key considerations involved in selecting an appropriate market-entry strategy and business structure. It then explores the core functions essential to operating successfully in China, including Sales & Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain, Finance & Tax, Risk & Compliance, Human Resources and Organizational Development. By combining strategic perspectives with practical business knowledge, the program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for establishing and managing a business venture in the Chinese market.
The learning experience combines online learning and instruction from professors with interactive, in-person sessions led by expert contributors who bring extensive practical experience and share relevant insights and best practices. Participants also benefit from individualized coaching throughout the program, helping them connect the knowledge acquired to their professional responsibilities and China-related business objectives.
Program Structure
Five Focused Modules.
Module 1: Foreign Investment & Market Entry in China
Explore China’s foreign investment landscape, including the regulatory framework, market access requirements and available investment structures. Understand the implications of different market-entry options and the key considerations involved in establishing a business in China.
Module 2: Employment, HR & Workforce Management
Develop a practical understanding of China’s employment environment, shaped by legal requirements, cultural expectations, regional differences and workforce practices. Explore the tax and social security rules applicable to Chinese and foreign employees and learn how to address key HR considerations when establishing a business in China.
Module 3: Market Analysis, Due Diligence & Business Planning
Integrate market analysis, industry assessment, competitive positioning and customer due diligence into a strategic decision-making framework tailored to China. Learn to evaluate business opportunities by considering market potential, competitive dynamics, regulatory requirements, customer risks and the wider business environment, applying these insights to the development of a business plan for your new venture.
Module 4: Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
Explore the financial considerations involved in establishing a company in China. Learn to develop budgets and financial forecasts that incorporate investment decisions, employment costs, and sales and business development plans, translating the strategic choices made in previous modules into a coherent financial plan for your venture.
Module 5: Capstone Project Business Plan & Financial Plan
In this module you bring together the knowledge and insights gained throughout the program to develop a comprehensive business plan for establishing a venture in China. Integrate market analysis, investment decisions, employment considerations, operational requirements and sales strategies into a coherent business strategy, supported by a financial plan covering start-up costs, budgeting, revenue projections and financial forecasts. The capstone project enables participants to translate their learning into a practical roadmap for establishing and managing their business in China.
Who Is This Program For?
The China Business Start-Up Program is designed for executives, entrepreneurs and working professionals who want to establish, develop or manage a business venture in China. It is particularly relevant for individuals preparing to enter the Chinese market, and those seeking a structured understanding of the considerations involved in doing business in China.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Planning to establish a business or expand their entrepreneurial activities into China.
- CEOs and Senior Executives: Responsible for China strategy, investment decisions, market entry or business development.
- China Country Managers and General Managers: Preparing to establish or manage a local business presence and oversee its performance.
- Strategy and Market-Entry Professionals: Evaluating China's business environment, investment options and potential market-entry structures.
- Consultants and Professional Advisors: Supporting companies with China-related investment, market entry, business development or operational management.
Practical Tools Included
The China Business Start-Up Program combines strategic knowledge with practical tools designed to support the assessment, planning and implementation of a business venture in China. Participants gain access to structured frameworks, checklists and templates to help them evaluate opportunities, assess requirements and make informed business decisions.
- China Market-Entry Assessment Framework: Evaluate market opportunities, entry options and strategic considerations for entering China.
- Foreign Investment Feasibility Checklist: Assess key commercial, regulatory and operational factors before committing to an investment.
- Market and Industry Analysis Template: Structure your assessment of market conditions, industry dynamics, competitors and potential customers.
- China Company Establishment Checklist: Identify key steps and considerations involved in establishing a business presence in China.
- China Business Start-Up Planning Template: Organize start-up priorities, implementation milestones, resource requirements and responsibilities.
- China Business Risk Assessment Matrix: Identify, assess and prioritize potential commercial, operational and compliance risks.
Note: core practical tools listed only.
Earn Your Credential
Upon successful completion of the program and the required assessments, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Institute of China Studies.
Your certificate provides a formal record of your completion of the program and can be retained as part of your professional learning portfolio.
Official Recognition
Issued by the Institute for China Studies.
Digital Format
Easy to download, share and add to your profile.
Faculty & Expert Contributors
A team of faculty members and expert contributors will guide students throughout the program, combining academic knowledge with extensive practical experience in China. Through expert instruction, real-world insights and individualized coaching, they will help students translate knowledge into practical capabilities for establishing and managing a business in China.
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Advanced Diploma
Executive Education
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Counts towards
Advanced Diploma
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