A partnership between Leeds City Council and Leeds Thomas Danby College, the 'Steps to Success' business courses are designed to take students through models of business planning with a view to all students having a completed business plan at the end of the course in order to apply for business funding.
The ten week business courses are made up of a series of seminars focusing on business issues such as health and safety, financial accounting, marketing and legal requirements. Students will then present their plan to a panel of leading entrepreneurs from the local business community who will offer feedback and advice for how to make a stronger case. The course will also feature key speakers from private sector industries such as banks and accountants.
Every year there are two ten week courses, this year's courses are sponsored by Natwest Bank who attend the seminars and offer practical advice and feedback throughout the course.
They are held at Leeds Thomas Danby College off Roundhay Road in Leeds, and the new term is expected to start in September 2007. As part of the course students are expected to sit an accredited numeracy examination and will also receive and attendance certificate, both of which will be presented at a final graduation event in April the following year.
The ten week business courses are day time courses that are free to attend and refreshments and parking are both provided.