Learn business skills online
Have a great idea for a business? Ready to turn your idea into reality? Starting a business takes a special set of skills. It’s a lot for anyone to learn, and if you have a learning disability or are differently abled, you need additional supports.
The Co-operative Entrepreneur Training program (CETP) gives you the support you need to learn the essentials of running your own business. CETP supports people with diverse abilities to achieve their business dreams through business planning, securing funding, mentorship and building community support.
Who can take part in CETP?
This program is for anyone over the age of 17 with a learning or physical challenge or other barrier to employment. To enter the program, you do not need a documented disability. You can self-identify. If you have a documented disability, you may be eligible for grants to cover program costs.
You should have an idea of what business you want to start before you enter the program.
The program is delivered online, so it’s open to anyone in Canada.
What you learn in CETP
In CETP courses you learn:
- entrepreneurial thinking
- business strategy
- financial literacy
- digital and traditional marketing
You also get to practice skills like
- creating and presenting a business pitch
- writing a business plan
- business management through mentorship and connecting to community
Work with a mentor
In the program you’re paired with a mentor who runs a business similar to the business you want to run. They’ll give you advice on how to make your business a success.
Get help paying for this program
Our advisors can help you access funding for this course after you have applied.
Program Details
For details on program fees, dates and courses, see the program calendar page.
“Every time I stepped into the unknown, I found the program put the support in place to help me along my way. Amy has an uncanny ability to take big ideas and break them down into practical steps, as well as make small ideas bigger than you thought possible.”
– Benjamin Quinn, My Hubby’s Bagels
Questions? Connect with us
Admissions Assistant
Name: Helene Viau
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2040
Email: Helene.Viau@viu.ca
Coordinator Contact
Name: Amy Woermke
Phone: 403.988.5599
Email: Amy.Woermke@viu.ca
How to Apply
Apply to be a student at VIU.
In your application select:
- Category: Trades & Applied technology Programs
- Subject Area: Academic and Career Preparation
- Program: Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Certificate Program
“The program helped me understand what’s involved with being an entrepreneur. They show you all the doors, but you take every single step yourself and it’s up to you to make sure you’ve ticked all the boxes.”
– Whirly Bird, Stray Coastal Moat Farm Market