What is IGCSE Enterprise? Overview for Students

Have you ever thought about what it might be like to start and run a business? Maybe you’ve seen The Apprentice and wondered if you’ve got what it takes, or you’re just interested in developing real-world skills. Either way, IGCSE Enterprise could be the ideal subject for you.

Whether you’re unsure about taking the course or you’re preparing to start it, this article offers a clear and thorough breakdown of what it involves, how it’s assessed, and where it could take you in the future. Our specific, detailed focus on the Cambridge syllabus will show you exactly what to expect.

Key Takeaways

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) teaches the theory and practice of running a small enterprise

• The course consists of one written paper and one coursework component

• You’ll gain transferable skills with real-world application

• It’s ideal if you’re interested in business, marketing and entrepreneurship

Introduction to IGCSE Enterprise

IGCSE Enterprise is the first Cambridge IGCSE syllabus that teaches you to think and act like an entrepreneur. You’ll learn the principles behind real-world skills – including leadership, problem-solving and time management – and practise using them when planning and running your own enterprise project.

What Will You Learn in IGCSE Enterprise?

IGCSE Enterprise consists of 10 topics:

1. Introduction to enterprise

2. Setting up a new enterprise 

3. Enterprise skills 

4. Enterprise opportunities, risk, legal obligations and ethical considerations 

5. Negotiation 

6. Finance 

7. Business planning 

8. Markets and customers 

9. Help and support for enterprise 

10. Communication

These topics equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in both the written paper and the coursework component.

How is IGCSE Enterprise Assessed?

IGCSE Enterprise consists of two components. Both components test the following Assessment Objectives (AOs):

AO1: Knowledge and understanding (24% of the IGCSE)

AO2: Application (33% of the IGCSE)

AO3: Analysis and evaluation (43% of the IGCSE)

The table below summarises key details:

Component 1 requires you to demonstrate and apply your enterprise knowledge, comment on issues and solve problems. Past paper questions include ‘state two characteristics of a person who has enterprise capability’ (2 marks, 2025), or ‘define the term negotiation’ (2 marks, 2024).

Component 2 is where you get to put your knowledge into practice!

The Coursework Project: What to Expect

Your coursework (Component 2) requires you to plan and run an enterprise project, either alone or in a group of up to six. According to examiner reports (opens in a new tab), popular choices include food-related projects and craft activities, such as jewellery or printed t-shirts.

You’ll need to complete the following four tasks:

1. Choosing a suitable project (including a formal written report of approximately 1,200 words)
2. Planning the project (including potential problems or issues in the action plan/plans for finance or marketing)
3. Using enterprise skills to implement the plan (using skills from topic 3 in the topic list)
4. Evaluating the project (including a formal written report of approximately 1,500 words)

To get an idea of what’s required to achieve top marks in the coursework, take a look at this exemplar (opens in a new tab).

Key Skills Developed Through IGCSE Enterprise

Whether you plan to start your own business or not, IGCSE Enterprise equips you with a range of vital life skills. Here are just some of them, and where you might expect to use each one:

• Leadership

  • Group work

  • Negotiation

  • Taking initiative

• Financial planning

  • Assessing risks

  • Sourcing funding

  • Keeping accurate records

• Communication

  • Writing reports

  • Having formal meetings

  • Understanding body language

• Problem-solving

  • Adapting to unforeseen circumstances

  • Finding creative solutions

  • Being proactive

• Collaboration

  • Working and learning in a team

  • Team-building

  • Delegating tasks within a team

Who Should Take IGCSE Enterprise?

This course is a great fit for those interested in business, entrepreneurship, marketing, and how companies work. It’s especially ideal if you’re considering self-employment or starting your own business.

That said, it might also be the right choice if any of the following areas interest you:

• Confidence-building

• Practical, hands-on learning

• Real-world, transferable skills

Don’t worry about being a genius in maths or knowing a lot about business; the course teaches you everything you need.

Study Tips for IGCSE Enterprise

Use a variety of revision strategies

For Component 1, employ different techniques to revise the necessary material. Break down bigger topics (such as finance) using the chunking method, or test yourself on key terms (like ‘profit’ and ‘capital’). I teach my students key vocabulary using Knoword (opens in a new tab), which offers different types of quizzes to make revising important terminology more engaging.

Plan your project early

For Component 2, you’ll explore two or three project ideas before selecting the most suitable one. Begin researching as soon as possible so that you can hit the ground running with your coursework.

Use case studies

For Component 1, past paper questions often feature businesses facing real dilemmas. Study these carefully. Understand not just what happened, but why a business made certain decisions.

Remember also to draw on your experience from your own enterprise project to inform your answers in Component 1.

Where Can IGCSE Enterprise Take You?

In addition to equipping you with real-life, transferable skills, IGCSE Enterprise opens several pathways – here are just some:

• Further Study

  • A Level Business and Economics

  • BTECs in Business or Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

  • University degrees, such as Business or Business Management

• Careers

  • Business management

  • Marketing

  • Management consulting

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IGCSE Enterprise a hard subject?

Not particularly, but – like all IGCSEs – it does require effort. The written papers aren't overly difficult if you understand the key concepts. The real challenge is managing your enterprise project alongside other subjects. The key is starting early and staying organised. Most students find it rewarding and engaging rather than hard.

What's the difference between IGCSE Enterprise and Business Studies?

Cambridge offers both IGCSE Business Studies (0450) (opens in a new tab) and IGCSE Enterprise (0454). 

Business Studies is more theory-heavy, focusing on organisations, management, marketing, and finance through case studies and scenarios. 

Enterprise is more practical, as you apply what you learn in theory to a practical project. 

If you want hands-on experience, Enterprise is for you. If you prefer studying real businesses and understanding how they operate through analysis, Business Studies might be better. Some students do both, as they complement each other well.

Can I take Enterprise without other business-related subjects?

Absolutely! While it does complement other subjects – especially Business and Economics – it also works perfectly well as a standalone subject. To help you choose which path to take, factor in what you plan to study for A Level and any careers you might be interested in.

Final Thoughts

IGCSE Enterprise is a rare subject that brings the world of business into the classroom. Whether you end up running your own business, climbing the corporate ladder, or doing something completely different, the skills you’ll develop are relevant to all walks of life.

If you’re after practical, real-world knowledge, IGCSE Enterprise could be the perfect fit for you.

References

• A Level Business

• A Level Economics

• Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies (0450) (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) Coursework Exemplar Material (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) Examiner Report – June 2023 (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) Past Papers (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) Syllabus – 2024-2025 (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) Syllabus – 2026 (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) Syllabus – 2027 (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE Enterprise (0454) Syllabus – 2028 (opens in a new tab)

• Choosing A Level Subjects

• How to Prepare for IGCSEs: Revision Strategies that Work

• IGCSE Enterprise Topics By Exam Board: Full List (opens in a new tab)

• Knoword (opens in a new tab)

• What Is the ‘Chunking’ Revision Technique?