Program Overview

This one-year post-graduate Business Management - Entrepreneurship program is specifically designed to help you bring a business idea to life. This entrepreneurship program will teach you how to start a small business in Canada and will provide you with tools, skills and hands-on learning experiences to graduate with confidence that you can start your business and become a successful entrepreneur.

Program Details

Program Code
EPM2
Credential:
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
30 Weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed

Your Learning Experience

 This one-year Business Management – Entrepreneurship graduate certificate will provide students from any discipline or background with the knowledge and skills to start up and maintain a small business in Canada. Students will come to the program with their own business idea and upon graduation, will be prepared to put their idea into motion.

 

Course instruction will rely heavily on case-based learning, allowing students to engage in real-world discussions and scenarios so that they learn to identify, process and solve a wide range of business-related problems. In addition, students will gain hands-on experience using research applications and software. Students will also learn from attending networking events and from guest speakers who are entrepreneurs and community partners of Fanshawe’s Lawrence Kinlin School of Business.

 

As part of the program experience, each student will create a unique business plan, based on real-time market research. The plan will include a comprehensive marketing plan and emphasize key aspects of starting and operating a small business. In addition, students will develop core financial skills while also gaining an understanding of internal control systems.

 

 Students will be encouraged to participate and utilize the services offered by Leap Junction which include pitch competitions, challenges and additional free courses. By the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to present their final business plan to potential investors. 

 

If you don’t meet the educational requirements for admission to this entrepreneurship program, but you’re a mature learner with a valid business idea, your application might still be considered. For consideration please contact the program coordinator with your CV and business idea.

Laptop and technical requirements

Please note, this program requires a laptop. It is recommended that students use a PC laptop vs. a Mac laptop, as Windows is required to be able to load program-specific software. For more information on specific requirements, visit the Laptop Requirements page on the Fanshawe CONNECTED website.

Note: This program supports the Apple M1 Architecture, however, requires a MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro (or Max CPU).

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop a comprehensive business plan for a new business enterprise to test the viability of a startup venture.
  2. Create and deliver pitch presentations to a variety of audiences to validate and enhance ideas that support the business plan.
  3. Set up and operate a basic electronic bookkeeping and accounting system for a new enterprise that will enable effective financial management and reporting.
  4. Devise marketing plans encompassing development, implementation, performance monitoring and adjustment using traditional and electronic tools, techniques and applications.
  5. Develop a business implementation plan that demonstrates compliance with legal and regulatory bodies.
  6. Apply various selling structures, methods and techniques to generate revenue and effectively manage client relationships
  7. Develop and implement effective human resource management practices to support new ventures and ongoing business operations
  8. Employ appropriate communication, networking, teamwork and leadership techniques to build and manage relationships
  9. Use evidence-based analysis and decision-making in all functional business areas to produce new insights about the possibilities of a business idea.
  10. Conduct and interpret research to identify and select high-growth start-up opportunities and/or validate ideas within the business plan

Program Coordinator

Dr. Derek Noon, PhD, MA

Admission Requirements

A Two- or Three-Year College Diploma, or a degree (Note: minimum 'C+' average or cumulative 2.5 GPA)

OR

Acceptable combination of related work experience and post-secondary education as judged by the College*

OR

Five years of work experience as judged by the College to be equivalent*

*Applicants may be required to submit a resume and cover letter that includes details of work experience.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
Recommended Academic Preparation

Recommended Academic Preparation

It is highly recommended that students be proficient in the following areas before entry into the program:

- Mathematics

- Business Communication

- Computer applications, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Applicant Selection Criteria

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:

1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario

2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)

3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements

Courses

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BUSI-6016Business Plan Creation3
In this course, students begin to draft a preliminary business plan for their future business. The plan will be supported by market research and include an executive summary, vision and mission statement, analysis of legal issues and operational considerations. Through this, students gain a basic understanding of the activities and demands associated with running a small business. The business plans are presented in a series of in class presentations.
MKTG-6041Small Business Marketing3
In this course, students are introduced to the field of marketing with a focus on the small business entrepreneur. Based on the business idea, students research and analyze market selective information that is then utilized to make business decisions. Students learn the fundamentals of producing, sustaining and increasing demand for their business. Upon completion of the course, the students have a complete marketing plan specific to their business.
COMM-6019Advanced Professional Communication3
This course focuses on refining and advancing students workplace communication abilities. The advanced communication documents and strategies covered include presentation skills, research skills, business document writing, meeting and management team strategies, business etiquette, and advanced employment communications. Additionally, students learn about interpersonal and intercultural communication (high/low and monochromic/polychromic context) concepts and strategies.
COMP-6063Small Business Applications3
This course introduces students to computer applications for the small business owner. Themes include using computers and printers, file management, and utilizing the Internet for research. Specific applications taught include Microsoft OneNote, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The course also discusses the proper integration of applications to manage various business activities.
FINA-6033Financial Management3
This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of accounting and financial management concepts to prepare them to assume the role of a new entrepreneur. Students gain an understanding of current cash flow, employing tools such as Cash Flow, Income Statement, Statement of Owners Equity and Balance Sheets.
MKTG-6042Primary & Secondary Market Research3
This course focuses on the collection, analysis and reporting of research data for planning, evaluating and improving marketing programs. Market research gives the small business owner an understanding of the size and segmentation of markets, competitor strategies, media effectiveness and changing customer needs. The course concludes with the students completing a comprehensive research project.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs
$5,452.50
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$17,655.12
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions