Starting a New Business Program

INTAKES (Bi-weekly)

Start dates: 26 Jan 2026 | 9 Feb 2026 | 23 Feb 2026 | 9 Mar 2026 | 30 Mar 2026 | 13 Apr 2026 | 27 Apr 2026 | 11 May 2026 | 26 May 2026 | 9 Jun 2026 | 23 Jun 2026 | 7 Jul 2026 | 28 Jul 2026 | 10 Aug 2026 | 24 Aug 2026 | 7 Sep 2026 | 21 Sep 2026 | 5 Oct 2026 | 19 Oct 2026 | 2 Nov 2026 | 16 Nov 2026 | 30 Nov 2026 | 14 Dec 2026

OVERVIEW

The Starting a Business program is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to successfully launch and grow their own businesses. This dynamic, comprehensive program covers a wide range of key business areas, from foundational entrepreneurship principles to specialized topics such as retail management, international trade, and startup strategies. Students will gain a thorough understanding of business operations, finance, marketing, leadership, and global trade, while also engaging in hands-on courses that focus on the retail, service, and technology sectors.

By the end of the program, students will have developed the critical tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate the complexities of launching and scaling a business in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving marketplace. Whether they aim to build a local enterprise or expand globally, students will leave the program prepared to tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship and drive long-term success.

CAREER OCCUPATION

*Based on the NOC (National Occupation Classification) Version 2016 1.3

Unit Group 4163 – Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants

Career options* available but not limited to:

• Business / startup owner
• E-commerce Entrepreneur
• Wholesale Trade Business Owner
• International Trade Entrepreneur
• Franchise Owner / Operator
• Technology-enabled Retail Entrepreneur
• Small Business Owner

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Create and implement a comprehensive business plan by applying foundational entrepreneurship principles, including opportunity identification, business model development, and strategic growth planning.
• Analyze and apply business law concepts, including both global and Canadian legal frameworks, to ensure legal compliance in operations, contracts, intellectual property, and tax obligations for entrepreneurs.
• Effectively manage human resources, including recruitment, employee development, compensation, and performance management, ensuring a productive and legally compliant workforce.
• Utilize financial management principles, including budgeting, financial statements, and cash flow management, while also applying taxation knowledge to optimize business finances in the Canadian context.
• Apply research methods to gather, analyze, and interpret market data, providing actionable insights that inform decision-making, marketing strategies, and overall business growth.
• Create and execute integrated sales and marketing campaigns, leveraging both digital and traditional marketing channels, to attract and retain customers while building a strong brand presence.
• Demonstrate leadership abilities in the context of entrepreneurship, including team management, conflict resolution, and motivating employees to achieve business objectives and foster a positive work culture.
• Apply the principles of retail management and operations to streamline processes, improve customer experiences, and enhance operational efficiency, while incorporating e-commerce and CRM strategies for a competitive edge.
• Assess the feasibility of international trade, develop market entry strategies, and manage global supply chains, enabling successful expansion into international markets and optimizing cross-border operations.
• Effectively validate startup ideas through customer feedback, market testing, and innovation strategies, then develop a clear pathway to scale the business from ideation to a viable, profitable venture ready for investment or exit.
• Integrate and apply entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in the Capstone Project by designing and presenting a comprehensive business concept that addresses real-world challenges.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Basic Admission Requirements

• High School Completion: Applicants must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• Age Requirement: Minimum 19 years of age.
• Mature Student Status*: Applicants who have not completed high school and are at least 19 years of age, may apply as a mature student.

*Mature student status may be granted to applicants who are over 19 years old and have not completed high school or equivalent. Applicants will be considered based on skills and experience acquired since leaving school. They must provide transcripts or proof of academic accomplishments, a resume, and two professional letters of recommendation. An interview may be conducted by the Registrar’s or Academic office to assess suitability for admission.

2. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Minimum scores from accepted English tests (e.g., IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 46, Duolingo 95, etc.).
• Recent English proficiency test (within 2 years).
• Proof of English-language education:
• 2–3 years of secondary or post-secondary education completed in English in eligible countries.
• International credentials must be recognized by WES, ICES, or IQAS.

Please see the Admission Requirements Guide for more information.

TUITION FEE