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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Business Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1BS0/01: Investigating small business)
Paper 1 is the Investigating Small Business component of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Business qualification (1BS0/01). It assesses students’ understanding of small-scale business operations, introducing key business concepts, decision-making processes, and the practical challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
This paper is designed to test knowledge, application, and analysis of business concepts in a small business context.
Paper 1 focuses on topics including:
Purpose and role of business
Characteristics of entrepreneurs
Business objectives and success factors
Identifying customer needs
Market research methods
Marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion)
Production methods and quality
Cash flow, profit, and financial records
Sources of finance for small businesses
Planning and starting a small business
Assessing business risks and opportunities
Using data to make informed decisions
Paper 1 includes:
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Scenario-based and data-response questions
Extended-response questions requiring analysis of business decisions
The focus is on realistic small business scenarios, encouraging students to apply knowledge to practical situations.
The combined question paper + mark scheme includes:
Correct answers for multiple-choice and short-answer questions
Model answers and marking guidance for scenario-based questions
Mark allocation for knowledge, application, and analysis
Guidance on awarding partial marks for partially correct responses
Marking emphasizes:
Accurate use of business terminology
Application of business concepts to scenarios
Logical analysis and supported evaluations
Paper 1 complements Paper 2 (1BS0/02), giving students a comprehensive understanding of both small business operations and broader business principles.
| Author | Proficient Academic Tutor |
| Published | 09 Dec 2025 |
| Included files | |