Ever asked yourself if you might want to start your own business? Many adult learners across the NWT are asking themselves that question after taking part in a new Aurora College course.
Start Your Own Small Business¸ Part 1 of the new six-week course, was developed by the NWT Literacy Council and pilot-tested in Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik and Tsiigehtchic this spring to rave reviews. It’s now being tested more extensively in 13 additional communities, with support from local economic development officers and staff from the NWT Business Development Investment Corporation.
Part 1 lets learners explore the concept of entrepreneurship, and helps them decide if they have the characteristics, and desire, to start a business. In the final module, Grizzly Den, learners develop and present their business ideas. One learner impressed an economic development officer so much that they are now working together to get him start-up funding.
Part 2 of the course, Small Business: Funding and Marketing takes a closer look at business issues, from having the right idea, to branding your business, to marketing your business in today’s world of social media. Part 2 is being pilot tested in Fort Providence and Fort Simpson.
Last week, Pat Salt, developer of the course, and I made a presentation at the Economic Development Practitioners’ Conference in Yellowknife. There was widespread interest in the courses, including by a university professor from Australia who teaches a similar course.
Soon, you’ll be able to see what the buzz is about. Film crews are making a video about these business courses, along with two other short courses, for Aurora College, and these will be posted on their website. Those other courses are Introduction to Early Learning and Child Care and Introduction to Office Skills.
These short courses are important. They are often the needed first step that encourages people to explore further learning. They help learners experience success quickly, thus building up their confidence. Many of the adults who took part in the pilot testing of these short courses have gained full- or part-time employment, gone back to school on a full-time basis, or moved forward on starting their own business.
-- Helen Balanoff
