The importance of entrepreneurship credentials for new Canadians

MaRS has co-created a Certificate in Entrepreneurship program with the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies for people interested in starting or growing their own business. Read more and register for the program.

Ontario was reported to have a population of 13.6 million people as of July 2014. According to the 2011 Census, over 28% of these people are born outside of Canada, originating from 200 countries and speaking as many as 130 languages.

I am one of those people who immigrated to Canada in the early 1990s. Like many immigrants who are new to Canada, my spouse and I lacked Canadian work experience. Determined to work in the industries of our choice, we lived and worked in many different parts of the country in order to gain the right experience. I know my story is not unique, as I meet many who are in the same plight as I was many years ago.

Although the current unemployment rate in Ontario is at 7.3%, the projected population increase of 31.3% over the next 28 years will likely place pressure on the job market. Many Ontarians are already working in positions that do not match their skill sets and are doing so merely out of necessity.

Many Canadians understand the importance of sharpening one’s skills in order to be more agile in a given work environment or to bring forth new ideas. Others may be eager to start their own ventures and hope to become independently employed. Whatever your goal, gaining exposure to experienced mentors and earning a certification as proof of your hard work can help put you on the right path.

If you are at a time in your life where you want to challenge yourself or if you have been toiling with a business idea for years, now is the time for you to try to gain the skills that can help you to propel your career further.

MaRS has co-created a Certificate in Entrepreneurship with the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. In the six-module course, which is taught by some amazing teachers—full disclosure, I’m one of them!—you will learn how to:

• use the lean startup methodology to understand your target customer;
• validate and build a sustainable business model;
• develop a marketing plan that reaches your target customers;
• build and manage a strong, competent team; and
• manage your finances using key financial statements and tools.

What are you waiting for? Apply to the Certificate in Entrepreneurship program this fall and start your journey into something amazing. I look forward to seeing you in my class!