Get Started - Entrepreneur

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.

In-Person Meeting

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Virtual Meeting

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Online Startup Training

Create a Strong Business Model

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking for guidance on your business idea? At the BCIT Student Association, we can help you transform your idea into a validated business model and position you for success. We will provide you with the tools and support you need to create a strong blueprint for your business, ensuring that you feel prepared when you launch. Our digital tools allow for in-depth learning that fits with your schedule.

About the Lean Canvas

The lean canvas is a business-planning tool used by entrepreneurs around the world. Think of it as a blueprint that lays out all the key components of your business. Creating a lean canvas will help you think through these critical elements, understanding what it will take to make your business a success, and making sure that your idea is tested and validated.

We have designed an easy-to-use template for you to create your own lean canvas, enabling you to map out and validate your business model. We’ll also give you access to an accompanying digital tool that will help you visualize the financial side of your business.

Benefits

Self-paced e-learning allows you to work on your own time—when it works for you.
Get access to a proven business-planning tool used by entrepreneurs around the world.
Learn and apply Lean Startup methodology to feel confident about your business model.
Access 1-on-1 support from our team to get feedback on your ideas and ensure that you stay on track.

How to Access this Service

To request access to the BCITSA’s Lean Canvas business-planning tools, please complete the short registration form below. For personalized guidance, tips on completing the Lean Canvas, or to receive feedback on your business model, book a 1-on-1 meeting with our Entrepreneurship team.

Registration Form

Book A Meeting

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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.