The module explores the role of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation within biodiversity conservation, introducing students to the processes and skills required to develop and establish conservation-focused enterprises, projects and initiatives.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced insight into the application of creativity and innovation, and its function within biodiversity conservation.
• Develop and practically experience what it means to behave entrepreneurially, including discussing the structures and processes necessary for creating and running a business enterprise.

Careers / Further study

This module supports students interested in developing:

• Conservation enterprise
• Environmental consultancies
• Social enterprises
• Charities
• Community-led conservation initiatives

Skills in business planning, fundraising, project development, marketing and innovation are increasingly sought after by employers across the conservation sector.

The module is particularly valuable for students aspiring to leadership, management or entrepreneurial roles, and provides a foundation for further study in:

• Environmental management
• Sustainability leadership
• Business
• Social enterprise
• Innovation

Content

The module syllabus typically covers:

The need for money / innovation

• What is entrepreneurship?
• Who are entrepreneurs?
• The role of creativity and innovation within biodiversity conservation.

Business structures

• Types of business, including sole trader, partnership, public and private limited companies, charities, CIOs and social enterprises.
• Governance structures and legal requirements.
• The structures and processes required to establish and operate a business enterprise.

Identifying and developing opportunities

• Factors that contribute to a feasible business idea.
• Identifying and evaluating important business opportunities.
• Developing creative and innovative ideas within a conservation context.

Business planning

• Creating a business or delivery plan.
• Raising finance through private, charitable and public funding mechanisms.
• Angel investment versus venture capital.
• Crowdsourcing funds and skills.
• Developing projects and enterprises with conservation objectives.

Marketing

• The importance of a strong brand identity.
• Developing clear and effective messages.
• Audience characterisation.
• Market segmentation.
• Market research.
• The role of technology in marketing.
• Marketing planning.
• Social responsibility and marketing.

Learning and Teaching

• Scheduled learning includes four online 60-minute sessions and one four-day teaching block.
• Independent learning includes preparation, development of business ideas and planning, alongside work towards the module assessment.

Study time

The module consists of 12 online 60-minute sessions and 1 four-day teaching block, complemented by independent learning.

Assessment

Summative Assessment

Business plan: A business plan (100% of the module mark) for a conservation-minded product, service or project.

The assessment enables students to apply the principles of entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation, business planning, fundraising and marketing to the development of a conservation-focused enterprise or initiative.