MCRO 200V - Become a Small Business Owner Micro-Credential

Course Description

Ever thought about being your own boss? Whether you plan to sell your own jewelry, accept consulting work, or take on private clients as a counsellor or personal trainer, this Micro-Credential will help you understand the needs, opportunities, and responsibilities of running a small business. You will learn how to set up a new small business, promote your product or service, and manage your time and finances as your work grows. Set your new venture up for success with this Micro-Credential.   

A small business is classified as having fewer than 90 employees. In British Columbia, it is estimated that over 96% of businesses, more than 188,000, are small businesses. In today's ever-changing economic environment, shaped by factors such as political trends, provincial trade policies, "made in Canada" initiatives, and global economic conditions, small businesses face both challenging and exciting opportunities. 

This part-time evening Micro-Credential provides a practical and comprehensive exploration of how to set up and operate your business successfully, including: 

• The tools to start and manage a business with a well-tested and clear plan in place. 

• Ongoing skills development to help a business grow and succeed. 

• Strategies for staying competitive in today's changing marketplace are essential for small businesses and managers. 

Specific skills include business plan development, securing funding, choosing the right business structure, understanding tax and legal responsibilities, sales and marketing techniques, daily operations, an overview of financial management, managing human resources, customer service, communicating effectively, and more. 

Course Outline

Turn opportunities into viable business ventures. Develop your own approaches, guidelines, and skills for entrepreneurship. 

Starting a Business

Topics include business idea generation, market research, marketing and sales strategies, writing plans and proposals, financing options, human resources, successfully operating your business after launch, as well as the top 5 factors that contribute to the failure of a business. You will develop and complete a business plan. In addition, you will practice the basics of effective presentations and how to communicate with employees, investors, customers, and suppliers. 

Operating a Business 

Examine the Revenue Cycle and the role of key supporting business functions for the operation of a business. Explore managing business operations and measuring performance, as well as understanding the drivers of customer satisfaction.   

Managing Financials 

Examine accounting concepts, tools, and methods in concise and understandable terms. You will apply basic skills such as reading financial statements, analyzing financial reports, developing and modifying revenue and expense forecasts, and identifying and monitoring critical measures of business performance. This is finance for non-financial managers. 

Managing Human Resources 

Explore the theory and practice of managing human resources as you learn about the fundamental functions and competencies HR practitioners and managers need today. Discover the employee life cycle, from job design, recruitment, and orientation to training and career development, disciplinary processes, and employee satisfaction. 

Communicating Effectively and Summary 

Combine all the learnings and communicate compelling business messages to employees, investors, suppliers, and customers. You will practice developing messages and presentations throughout the Micro-Credential. The Micro-Credential will end with an in-person presentation. 

Learner Outcomes

By the end of this Micro-Credential, you will be able to: 

• Identify and define the steps to starting a successful business. 

• Cultivate the abilities needed to operate a business effectively. 

• Describe the process of managing business financials. 

• Develop key skills in managing human resources. 

• Communicate effectively with investors, customers, and suppliers. 

Notes

Technology requirements: 

• A Laptop or Desktop Computer, you need to be able to watch videos during class, open PDF files, and chat with other learners. 

• Access to the Internet.  

• A webcam and a headset, microphone, or speakers for your computer will be required. 

Interactive Zoom Sessions 

This Micro-Credential includes 22 instructor-led classes (online on Zoom). You will be expected to complete approximately 3 hours of individual readings and assignments per week.  

Classes happen live in a virtual setting. Using Zoom, you and the instructor meet at scheduled times for real-time lessons and discussions, just like in a traditional classroom. You can join from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to learn from the comfort of your own space while still benefiting from live interaction and immediate feedback. 

NOTE: Training is delivered primarily online, with an in-person presentation on the final day. You are expected to attend all of the online interactive Zoom classes. 

Instructor Bio

Jerry Garcia is an entrepreneur and hands-on senior executive with over 40 years of experience in start-ups, project management, management consulting, and business systems integration, as well as experience in executive management and in navigating change in complex environments. He has worked in every stage of the life cycle of a large number of businesses:  from the conception of new ideas, through to the start-up process, maintaining businesses through times of change, and ultimately to the successful sale or wind-down of the business.   
 
Jerry's broad experience in successful businesses will help you to identify their personal strengths and strategize accordingly, while his knowledge of the reasons why businesses can fail to thrive gives weight to his advice in helping you avoid common pitfalls. Jerry is passionate about the benefits BC's 188,000 small businesses bring to our community and about helping leaners who are stepping into the business world to achieve their goals.