Programme FAQs
Got a question about our Rebel Programmes?
We've got the answers...
We've got the answers...
Before You Join
How are the courses free?
Our courses are fully funded by partners who want to support people build confidence and create new income opportunities. That means you can take part without paying a penny.
Are you selling something?
No. We are not here to pressure you into buying a programme at the end. Rebel exists to help people start and grow in a practical, honest, no-nonsense way. If we ever share extra opportunities or resources, there is no obligation attached.
Why do you run these courses for free?
We believe more people should have access to education and support, especially if money is a barrier. Our funded model lets us deliver practical help without charging participants course fees.
Who are these courses for?
Our courses are for people who want to start, test, or make a change in their lives. That includes complete beginners, people with a rough idea, people already trading, and people who just want to explore whether self-employment could work for them.
Is this course for complete beginners?
Yes. Many people join with no business background at all. We keep things practical, simple, and focused on action, not unnecessary jargon.
I have not got a business idea yet. Does that matter?
Not at all. You do not need to arrive with everything figured out. If you have an idea, great. If you do not, we will help you explore options and work out what could be a good fit for you.
I already have a business. Is this just for start-ups?
No. The course is useful for people at different stages. If you already have a business, Rebel can help you sharpen your offer, get clearer on sales, test new ideas, or build momentum.
Is this only for people who want to start a big business?
No. Rebel is just as relevant if you want to start small. That could mean a side hustle, freelance service, creative project, or something you build around work, family, or other commitments.
Can I join if I am employed full-time?
Yes. Many people join while working. Rebel is designed to help you test ideas in the real world, often alongside your current job.
Can I join if I am unemployed?
Yes. The course can be a great way to explore self-employment, build confidence, and create new options for income.
Can I join if I am self-employed or freelancing already?
Yes. If you are already doing some work for yourself, the course can help you get clearer on how to sell, simplify what you offer, and grow in a way that works for you.
Do I need any qualifications or business experience?
No. You do not need qualifications, previous business experience, or a even an idea. You just need an open mind and a willingness to give things a go.
What kind of business ideas are suitable?
We support a wide range of ideas, from services and products to creative businesses, and side hustles. We’ll show you that the key is that the idea can be tested in a practical, low-risk way.
What if I am not a confident person?
You do not need to be confident to start. A lot of people join feeling nervous, unsure, or stuck. Rebel is about building confidence through action, not pretending to have it all sorted.
What if English is not my first language?
Do not let this stop you from joining. We aim to make sessions clear, practical, and welcoming. Some sessions may also offer additional language support depending on the partner or setup.
What data do you collect and why?
We collect the information we need to run the course, communicate with participants, and report back to funding partners where required. The exact information collected may vary depending on the programme.
Is there an age limit to join?
No. If you (or the person you are representing) are under the age of 18 then you will require permission from your parent, guardian or carer to attend. If the course is in-person, you may be asked to fill out an additional emergency contact form.
Do I need to live in a specific area to attend?
Many of our Rebel courses are open to anyone, while others are funded for people living in a particular borough, region, or community. Always check the course details to see whether location rules apply.
Will I be pressured to sell in a way that feels pushy?
No. Rebel teaches sales as helping, testing, and learning, not pressuring people. We want you to find a way of selling that feels honest and human.
What if I am not a typical entrepreneur?
That is exactly why Rebel exists. You do not need to fit a stereotype to start something. There is no one type of person who can build a business. It sounds like you’re a Rebel.
During the Course
What am I going to learn?
You will learn how to test a business idea in the real world without overcomplicating it. That includes things like finding a good idea, understanding your customer, getting your first sale, pricing, marketing, confidence, and building momentum.
What makes Rebel different from other business courses?
We focus on action over theory. Rebel is not about writing a huge business plan and waiting for the perfect moment. It is about testing, learning, talking to real people, and making progress with little or no money.
Is this course practical or theory-based?
It is very practical. We want you to leave with ideas and actions, not just notes. We keep things grounded in real business experience and what actually works.
How many sessions are there?
This depends on the course. Some Rebel courses are one-day, some run over several days, and some are weekly. The sign-up page for your course will explain the schedule clearly.
How long is each session?
Session length varies depending on the course, but often they are no longer than 4 hours (+ breaks). We always aim to make it clear before the course starts so you know what to expect.
Do I have to attend every session?
We strongly recommend attending as many sessions as you can, because each one builds on the last. That said, we know life happens. If you miss one, do not panic. Just come back to the next session and keep going.
What happens if I miss a session?
You are welcome to still continue with the course. We will always encourage you to attend as much as possible, and where available we can share resources or guidance to help you catch up.
Can I join late if the course has already started?
You can, though usually we encourage people to join from the beginning, because it helps the content make more sense.
Are the sessions recorded?
Some online sessions are recorded, though some are not. This depends on the course. If recordings are available, we will let you know. If not, we still recommend attending live where possible because that is where you get the most value.
Do I need to turn my camera on?
No. We know people join in different ways and from different environments. We may encourage the group to engage, but you are welcome to take part in the way that feels manageable for you, while still engaging as much as you can.
Do I need to speak in front of the group?
No one is forced to pitch or speak before they are ready. We do encourage participation, but this is not about putting people on the spot. You can build up at your own pace.
Can I ask questions about my own business or idea?
Yes. That is a big part of the value. We want you to connect what you are learning to your own real-life situation.
Is there any homework between sessions?
Sometimes there are simple actions or exercises to help you move forward between sessions. These are designed to be practical and useful, not overwhelming.
Do I need a laptop, or can I join on my phone?
A laptop can make things easier for the best online course experience, but you can often still take part on a phone or tablet if needed. Check the joining instructions for your course.
How do I prepare for the course?
You do not need to do loads of prep. Just come with an open mind, something to take notes on, and a willingness to test ideas.
Will I need to register a business during the course?
No. We do not push people to register a business until they are ready. In fact, one of the key Rebel principles is to test first, then formalise later when it makes sense.
Do I need to spend money during the course?
No. We teach people how to test business ideas for little or no money. You do not need a big budget to take part.
Will I leave with a business plan?
Not in the traditional sense of a long formal document. What you are more likely to leave with is something more useful: a clearer idea, practical next steps, and a better sense of how to move forward.
Will you show me how to make my first sale?
Yes, that is a core part of what Rebel is about. A third of attendees make a sale before the course is even finished. We focus on helping you move towards real sales rather than just staying in planning mode.
Will I get templates, worksheets, or resources?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the course, we may share tools, worksheets, prompts, or resources to help you take action during and after the course.
Will I get 1:1 support?
Some courses include extra support, follow-on sessions, or access to a wider support offer. The programme details will explain what is included.
Will I meet other people on the course?
Yes. One of the best parts of Rebel is being around other local people who are figuring things out too. Many people find the community, encouragement, and shared energy hugely valuable.
Who delivers the sessions?
Your sessions will be delivered by our team of experienced Rebel facilitators. Whoever leads the session, the teaching is rooted in the Rebel approach: practical, accessible, and action-focused.
Are the trainers real business owners?
Yes. Rebel sessions are delivered by people with real business experience. We teach from lived experience, not just theory and qualifications.
Can I still join if I am claiming benefits?
Yes, many people on benefits attend Rebel courses. The course can help you explore options and understand what self-employment could look like, but you should always get official advice about how any future income may affect your claim.
Will starting a business affect my government benefits?
It can, depending on your circumstances, the type of benefit you receive, and whether you start earning. We cannot give individual benefits advice, so it is important to speak directly to your work coach or adviser before making decisions.
Do I need to quit my job to start a business?
No. In fact, many people test business ideas alongside employment. Rebel encourages people to reduce risk, not create more of it.
Is starting a business risky?
Any business has some level of risk, which is exactly why we teach people to test ideas in small, practical ways before investing lots of time or money.
Will you tell me to take out loans or invest loads of money?
No. In fact, we’ll do the opposite! Rebel is built around testing things cheaply and simply.
Will my idea be kept confidential?
We treat participants with respect and expect everyone on the course to do the same. That said, business ideas are usually less about secrecy and more about action. There is plenty of business out there for everyone. Rebel encourages testing and doing, rather than protecting an idea so tightly that nothing happens.
After the Course
What happens after the course?
Depending on where you’re based, we’ll share further support, extra Rebel masterclasses, follow-on opportunities, or resources to help you keep moving.
Can I stay connected with the Rebel community?
We understand that community matters. We will provide routes so you can stay connected with other participants and the wider Rebel network.
What if I still do not feel ready by the end?
That is okay. Progress does not always look dramatic. For some people, the biggest win is clarity. For others, it is confidence, or a first small step. You do not need to have everything solved by the final session.
Can I do another Rebel course in the future?
Yes! Many people come back for more support, a different format, or another step in their journey. We encourage you to come back, learn more and keep us updated on your journey.
Do I get a certificate at the end?
Yes. Our multi-session courses often have physical or digital certificate of attendance if you have attended a significant amount of the course. If that matters to you, check the details during your specific course.