Business Certificate Series
The Business Certificate Series is designed for the non-traditional or non-business student interested in learning about the language of business to help them improve their career outcomes and opportunities. Developed by Westminster’s Center for Financial Wellness and the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business, this series includes courses in accounting, finance, investment, marketing, QuickBooks, entrepreneurship, business plan preparation, and using spreadsheets and financial calculators.
This series is taught in both live, hybrid course settings through area community learning centers and as self-paced, asynchronous, remote learning courses. The courses are offered free of charge and are non-credit bearing, but are included on students’ higher education transcripts.
Each course is engaging, application-based, and will give you a fundamental understanding of the subject without having to become a financial professional or earn a higher education degree. Students will learn through a series of short, self-paced videos and earn a certificate of completion from Westminster’s respected business school.
For some students, the courses provide excellent preparation for a more rigorous education in business. For others, they serve as refreshers to aid in remembering previously learned business methods, metrics, or structures.
Business Certificate Series Courses Offered
Monday Course (English)
- January 27–March 17, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
Wednesday Course (Spanish)
- October 29–November 19, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
Introduction to Accounting course provides a generalized overview of the basics of financial accounting and introduces the language of business and accounting, specifically designed for those with little or no prior accounting knowledge. It focuses on understanding and preparing the four basic financial statements: the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Statement of Stakeholder Equity. The course emphasizes understanding the structure of these financial statements and how to read and discuss them.
The course offers a broad overview of accounting tools, terms, and methods, explaining what these financial statements represent and how managers and investors may use them and interpret their outcomes. This course is a valuable resource for those seeking a foundational understanding of financial accounting, needing a refresher on previous accounting courses, looking to better manage a business unit, or preparing to interact with executives, bankers, or investors.
Monday Course
- April 7–May 19, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
Designed for individuals with little or no knowledge of finance, this course helps students understand financial statements and the basics of financial analysis and managerial finance. It covers the use of financial tools in business management, the importance of various financial ratios, how to calculate and interpret them, and their relevance to managers and investors.
The course includes a broad overview of key concepts such as break-even analysis, the firm's capital structure, differentiating cash flow from profit, comparative metrics, financial ratios, and the time value of money. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these financial tools, terms, and methods, explaining their inputs, outcomes, and practical applications. Students will learn the language of finance and how it can be useful for those who own or manage businesses or business units.
A basic understanding of the three most commonly used financial statements—the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement—is required. Students who have not taken the Introduction to Accounting course (insert link) must demonstrate their understanding of financial statements or complete a short, free refresher course before the second week of the class. This course is highly valuable for those willing to invest time and effort to gain a foundational understanding of finance.
Monday Course
- June 23–August 4, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
Introduction to Investing course offers a general overview of the basics of investing, helping students understand investment markets, types of investments, investors and accounts, risk management, and select investment strategies. It introduces the terminology, structure, and methods used in investing and includes discussions on various types of investments and investors. The course is designed for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of investing who want to learn the language of investing and understand investment statements, reports, and quotes.
It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a foundational understanding of financial accounting, needing a refresher on previously taken accounting courses, aiming to better manage a business unit, or preparing to interact with executives, bankers, or investors.
Wednesday Course
- July 23–September 3, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship course equips students with an overview of the basics of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs, and the start-up ecosystem. It introduces students to the language, terms, structure, and methods commonly used in entrepreneurship and small business ownership and management.
Designed for those with little or no knowledge of entrepreneurship, the course covers the founding principles of entrepreneurship and small business formation, highlighting their critical importance in today's market and society. It is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to understand entrepreneurship and small business, needing a refresher on previously taken courses, looking to start a small business or venture into entrepreneurial endeavors, or preparing to interact with executives, bankers, or investors. The course aims to help students grasp concepts useful to individuals, households, and those who own or manage businesses or business units.
Wednesday Course
- March 19–April 30, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
Preparing a Business Plan and Cash Flow Projection course provides a general overview of the basics of business plans and cash flow projections, introducing students to their structure, components, and importance for a business's survival and success. It is designed for individuals with little or no knowledge of preparing a complete business plan, offering foundational insights into how management, marketing, accounting, finance, and economics come together to form a business's blueprint and founding document.
The course helps students understand the key elements of business plans, the process of creating cash flow projections, and their significance in today's market and society. It is ideal for those needing to prepare a business plan or cash flow projection for a new or existing business, applying for loans, grants, or other investment capital, or preparing to interact with executives, bankers, or investors. Additionally, it introduces the language of business and demonstrates the utility of business plans and projections to individuals, households, and business managers.
Monday Course
- September 8–October 20, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
The Business Technology course is designed to provide an essential overview of spreadsheet and financial calculator fundamentals, specifically focusing on Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and the HP10bII+ calculator.
Intended for individuals with little or no prior knowledge in these tools, the course offers a comprehensive introduction to the terminology, structure, and methods used in spreadsheets and financial calculators. It is particularly useful for non-business students who wish to understand and utilize these tools for business and financial decision-making.
The course covers basic concepts including spreadsheet structure, formatting, functions, and calculations, as well as the operation of financial calculators. While it does not aim to turn students into experts, it equips them with a foundational understanding of these tools' utility in various contexts—whether for managing business units, preparing to interact with executives, bankers, or investors, or simply enhancing personal financial management.
Wednesday Course
- January 22–February 26, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
The Introduction to QuickBooks course is designed to provide an essential overview of QuickBooks fundamentals, specifically focusing on its features and functionalities for managing finances.
Intended for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of accounting software, the course offers a comprehensive introduction to the terminology, structure, and methods used in QuickBooks. It is particularly useful for non-business students and professionals who wish to understand and utilize this tool for effective financial management.
The course covers basic concepts including setting up accounts, tracking expenses, generating invoices, and reporting, as well as the overall navigation of the QuickBooks interface. While it does not aim to turn students into experts, it equips them with a foundational understanding of the software's utility in various contexts—whether for managing personal finances, preparing to interact with clients, or enhancing organizational financial practices.
Wednesday Course
- May 21–July 2, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
The Marketing Basics course is designed to provide an essential overview of fundamental marketing concepts, specifically focusing on key strategies and tactics for effectively promoting products and services.
Intended for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of marketing principles, the course offers a comprehensive introduction to the terminology, frameworks, and best practices used in the marketing field. It is particularly useful for non-marketing students and professionals who wish to understand and apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.
The course covers basic topics including market research, branding, digital marketing, social media strategies, and consumer behavior, as well as the overall landscape of the marketing industry. While it does not aim to turn students into marketing experts, it equips them with a foundational understanding of how to create and implement marketing plans—whether for launching a new product, enhancing a personal brand, or supporting organizational growth.
Monday Course
- November 10–December 1, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
The Marketing Workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of essential marketing principles and strategies, specifically focusing on the tools and techniques necessary for effective marketing in today’s digital landscape.
Intended for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of marketing, the workshop offers a thorough introduction to key concepts, terminology, and methods used in the field. It is particularly useful for non-marketing students and professionals who wish to understand and implement effective marketing strategies.
Over the course of 4 weeks, the workshop covers fundamental topics including market research, branding, social media marketing, content creation, and analytics. Participants will learn how to develop a marketing plan, engage with target audiences, and leverage digital platforms to enhance their marketing efforts. While it does not aim to turn students into marketing experts, it equips them with a foundational understanding of marketing's utility across various contexts—whether for promoting a business, launching a product, or enhancing organizational outreach.
Wednesday Course
- September 24–October 8, 2025
- 6–8:00 p.m.
Course information will be available shortly.
Questions? Contact Us.
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Center for Financial Wellness
Center for Financial Wellness
