SETTING UP A NEW BUSINESS - LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE (SEPT 2025 START)
Duration: 10 weeks
Level: Level 2
This Level 2 qualification has been designed and developed for those with an interest in business, already holding some ideas as to what their own business may look like in the future.
Studied one evening per week (Wednesday) 6pm-9pm for 10 weeks, the course covers four mandatory modules and allows those who successfully complete it to leave with a completed business plan, ready to take to a bank, to ask for investment.
Please note: This course starts in September 2025. You may apply now; however, applications will not be processed until enrolments open in April 2025. A course advisor will reach out once we can proceed with your application.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Studied on a part-time, evening basis for one evening per week, you will study four mandatory modules, namely:
Initial Business Set Up
This module will allow you to explore the different types of business ownership, resources, including human, physical and technical and the costs typically associated with those resources.
Marketing
As part of the marketing module you will undertake a SWOT analysis before looking at key targets markets and how those are segmented. You will also explore branding and digital advertising and undertake market research.
Law and Finance
This module explores key financial aspects of business including VAT, self-assessment reports, employment and data protection legislation alongside copyright laws and cash flow forecasting.
Business Planning
This final unit uses knowledge gained across the course to put a working business plan together. Upon successful completion of this module and the wider course, you will be able to produce a business plan that is ‘bank ready’, allowing you to approach lenders in support of setting up and operating your own business.
HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?
You will be taught in a classroom setting here at Preston College.
You will study in small groups, surrounded by like-minded individuals, all with their own business ideas across a host of industry sectors.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You will be assessed via the submission of four assignments and portfolio work.
All modules must be successfully passed for the full Level 2 qualification to be achieved.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Alongside this course, you may choose to study the Level 1 Bookkeeping for the Self-Employed qualification, to give you a more rounded understanding of business operations.
Successful completion of the course will provide both the tools and the confidence to go out and set up your own business, operating from a fully functioning business plan model.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must hold a Level 1 English qualification as a minimum and must have a genuine interest in both business and setting up their own business.
