Request Access by Booking a Meeting
1-on-1 Appointments
1-on-1 Starting Point
You’ve got work, school, extracurriculars, and you’re interested in being an entrepreneur. We get it–managing all your obligations and starting a business can be overwhelming! Our 1-on-1 meetings are the first touchpoint for students or alumni interested in exploring entrepreneurship. Sign up for a quick 30-minute appointment and get guided through the appropriate programs and services available through SA Entrepreneurship, BCIT, and the community.
What happens in a 1-on-1 meeting?
Our 1-on-1 meetings are tailored to your needs. Let us know what your questions are and what you’re seeking help with, and we will do our best to present you with resources, help you make connections, and point you in the right direction.
Online Startup Training
ESP Platform
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking for guidance for launching a business? At the BCIT Student Association, we can help you transform an idea into a validated business model by giving you access to a state-of-the-art online training and reporting platform for startup incubation: Empowered Startups Platform (ESP). ESP is used by universities, startup organizations, and research and development facilities around the world. ESP is an intuitive digital platform that delivers 100% road-mapped and comprehensive training, seamlessly paired with optimized, easy-to-use tools and mentor touchpoints, to transform an idea into a validated business model.Watch our informational video »
Benefits
E-learning allows you to work on your own time–when it works for your schedule.
Organize your efforts through a clear path of learning.
Linear and interactive learning modules will walk you step-by-step through understanding and actioning every detail of the Lean Startup methodology.
Get support when you need it as you work through the modules.
About Empowered Startups Ltd.
Empowered Startups is a Canadian government-designated startup incubator. With incubators in Canada, France, and Portugal, they have mentored, accelerated, and incubated a notable portfolio of international and domestic business ideas across the globe. The training tools and mentorship are used and recognized by leading global university labs, startup incubators, and innovation hubs.Learn More »
Program requirements & How to apply
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
For you to gain access to the platform, you must be a BCIT student (full-time or part-time) or BCIT alumnus.
HOW TO APPLY
Our 1-on-1 meetings are the first touchpoint for students or alumni interested in exploring entrepreneurship. Sign up for a quick 30-minute appointment by clicking the button below, and filling out the booking form.
Helpful Tip
Curious about how this online startup training can support you? You’ll learn more if you attend the Startup Foundations Workshop.
Business Plan Review
A free service
Program Overview
If you’re starting a business, an important part of this process for many entrepreneurs is developing a strong business model and articulating your ideas in a business plan. Business plans can be useful in a variety of ways, including:
- Guiding the direction of the company,
- Setting milestones for the business to achieve,
- Aligning your financial projections with your business strategy, and
- Helping the company access funding from lenders and investors.
The purpose of this service is to provide you with step-by-step information, resources, and templates and that you can use to prepare your business plan.
A Self-Paced Program
This self-paced program will give you access to resources and support covering the following areas:
Module 1: Your Business Model
Module 2: Define Your Business
Module 3: Understand Your Market
Module 4: How You Will Sell Your Product or Service
Module 5: Define Your Business Operations
Module 6: How You Will Manage Your Business
Module 7: Plan Your Finances
Module 8: Summarize Your Plan
Module 9: How to Use Your Business Plan
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Preparing a professional business plan gives you a proven road map for your company and increases your chances of success with financing.
After completing all the elements of this program, you will be able to:
- List the seven required sections of a business plan
- Define your new business with a concept statement
- Assess whether your business venture has sufficient potential market demand
- Develop financial forecasts for your business
- Prepare a business plan that carefully explains every aspect of your company
- Discuss options on how to use your completed business plan
Program Structure
This is a self-paced program that consists of online modules for you to work through sequentially. Each module contains resources such as articles and videos that relate to a specific section of the business plan. As you work through each module, you will also receive individualized guidance through Feedback Touchpoints with a member of our team.
How to Get Started
Please click the ‘Business Plan Review: Intake Form’ button below and fill out the form.
A member of our team will contact you once we receive your form, and we will set up an initial meeting to assess your needs before enrolling you in our program.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at Entrepreneurship@bcitsa.ca and we would be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to complete my business plan?
You can work through the program content at your own pace. You will have access to the materials for as long as you need.
How do I know if I need a business plan?
While business plans are often useful, you might not be at the stage where you require one. If you are unsure, book a meeting with our team and we can help to guide you through this process and understand what best suits your need: Book a 1-on-1 Meeting with BCITSA Entrepreneurship.
Will you help me edit my business plan?
Our team will provide guidance throughout the process and will challenge you to think about your business strategy and goals. However, we are not able to provide copy-editing support. If you need help editing your business plan or understanding English language usage and grammar, we encourage you to contact the Writing Centre through the BCIT Library.
More Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am stuck or unsure about how to progress with my business plan?
There are regular Feedback Touchpoints built into this program. As you move through the modules, each focusing on a different section of your business plan, you will be meeting regularly with our team. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You are also welcome to schedule additional check-ins as needed—we are here to support you!
Can I earn course credits for completing this program?
No, this is an extracurricular support program offered by the BCITSA for BCIT students and graduates. This is not a BCIT course, and you will not receive a credential for completing this program. Please note that the BCITSA is unable to help students with school assignments.
What does the program cost?
The program is free for BCIT students and graduates.