Starting Your Own Business Level 2

Start Date: 01/09/2026
Course is for: School Leaver
Funding Support:
What is this
Learning Support:
Find Out More

Are you a budding entrepreneur with ambitions of setting up your own business?

Then this course is ideal for you.

It’s been designed for you to take those first steps in creating a business start-up, including the marketing, legal and financial requirements, plus you’ll gain an understanding of how to write a viable business plan.

Here in the North East there’s an ambition to grow the number of start-ups to support our local economy, let us help you become one of them.

All business start-ups need to focus on four key areas to ensure their business is a success and you’ll study each of these in detail:

Initial business start-up ideas – You’ll work on the pros and cons of two different business ideas and then choose one to take forward, considering the type of ownership and the skills and resources you will need to set up your business.
Marketing – How you communicate with your customers and how they view your brand is vital to its success. In this unit you’ll learn the importance of identifying your potential target market and market research. Plus, you’ll get creative developing a brand name, logo and promotional material for your business.
Legal and financial considerations – Understanding all things numbers and legal are vitally important to a business start-up and you’ll learn about HMRC and tax requirements including VAT, cash flow forecasts, invoices and payment receipts. You’ll also explore other legislation that may impact on your business such as employment, health and safety, data protection and digital and copyright.
Developing a business plan – If you’ve ever watched The Apprentice, you’ll understand the importance of a water-tight business plan and how every detail of it needs to be considered. In this unit, you’ll learn how to develop a robust and thorough business plan that not even Sir Alan Sugar could reject.

As part of your overall study programme, you will also be required to attend Maths and/or English if you have not achieved a grade 4 or above in these subjects.

If you are interested in playing a sport, you will also be given the opportunity to attend training sessions at our Academy for Sport and participate in match games.

Required Entry Qualifications

This course is specifically designed for people aged 16-18 with 3 GCSEs in any subjects at a grade 4 or above, or equivalent.

Assessment

There are no exams on this course other than if you are studying maths and/or English.

Assessment comprises of a portfolio of evidence gathered through the completion of assignments and practical activities related to setting up a business start-up and producing a business plan.

Next Steps

After completing the course, you may wish to progress onto our Level 3 Business Management programme, enter employment or an apprenticeship or set-up your business.

How We Can Support You

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

Learning difficulties
Physical and sensory disabilities
Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
Mental health and well being
Exam access arrangements
Money, finance and bursary advice
Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.

Work Experience & Employer Partners

You’ll also have the opportunity to interact and learn from some of the region’s inspirational entrepreneurs who will share their experiences with you.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS LEVEL 2?

Business and Financial Project Management Professionals

Knowledge

Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Median Salary
£49,772

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

Find Out More

Pathways

Accounting and Finance

People in these occupations prepare and record accounts of financial dealings within businesses and provide financial analysis, banking, credit, and investment services.

Administration and Office Work

People in these occupations administrate facilities and personnel, keep records, and provide administrative assistance and secretarial work.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.