Phase 1: Preparing for Business

Phase 1 of the BA Program focuses on providing the resources you need to prepare for business.

This is achieved by:

• Completion of our eight online training modules.
  • Business and Self Assessment – Module 1
  • Preparing for Business – Modules 2 to 7
  • Putting your Business Plan together – Module 8
• Support from a Business Coach
• Participation in Live Web Conferencing and Networking sessions

To be eligible for Phase 1 you must:

• Not be collecting employment insurance (EI) or have not had a claim in the last three years (some exceptions can be made…please inquire)
• Have a permanent disability or chronic health problem
• Be unemployed (or working less than an average of 20 hours per week)
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Be in need of assistance to prepare for self employment
• Have a business idea
• Access to a computer and the internet on a daily basis

Eight Preparing for Business Modules:

Business and Self Assessment

• Exploring Self Employment

How to Prepare For Business:

• Developing Your Business Idea
• Identifying Your Market
• Legal Issues
• Home Based Business
• Sales & Service
• Financial Planning

Putting the Business Plan Together:

• Preparing your Business Plan and Business Plan Template

Each module will have:

• Introduction
• Content
• Learning Objectives
• Glossary of Terms
• Self Quizzes
• Resource Links
• Worksheets (that will become the foundation for your business plan)

After completing your business plan you will send it BY EMAIL to your Business Coach. This will be reviewed by the BA Mentor Team in order to provide you with suggestions and feedback.

After successfully completing Phase 1 you will gain access to the Phase 2 section of our program.

Support from a Business Coach

Business Coaching: You have the opportunity to gain resources from one to one discussions with our Business Coaches. They are available to field questions or discuss your ideas while you go through the modules and work on your business plan! You can reach your business coach via:
Instant messaging (MSN), Phone, Elluminate Sessions, Email, Conversation Cafe and Fax

Participation in Live Classroom and Networking Sessions

Live Classroom Sessions are provided using Elluminate.com web conferencing technology.

You can participate in sessions such as:

• Market Research made Simple
• Identifying Your Target Customer
• Business Regulations & Legal Issues
• Preparing Your Cashflow
• Putting Your Business Plan Together
• Networking online
• Time Management