Ignite Your Business

Starting a business can feel overwhelming. We’re here to say you’re not alone. Ignite Your Business was created to walk you through the early stages of entrepreneurship in a clear, supportive, and empowering way.

Through a series of modules, you'll learn how to:

• Describe your business ideas to others.
• Discover the different legal structures of a business.
• Determine who your potential customers might be.
• Learn how to break your idea down into a business plan so you can move forward.
• Access to local support: Connect with your local Community Futures office to explore mentorship and one-on-one advice after you complete the course.

Your Business, Your Plan

A solid business plan is more than just a document; it’s your roadmap to success. It helps you clarify your goals, understand your customers, plan your finances, and make smarter decisions. It also gives lenders, investors, and partners confidence in your vision.

Through a series of modules, you'll learn how to:

• Define your business vision, mission, and objectives
• Identify your ideal customer and market opportunity
• Analyze competitors and differentiate your offering
• Forecast revenue and understand your costs
• Develop a basic operations and marketing strategy
• Write and format a polished business plan that changes with your business
• You'll also receive downloadable templates and worksheets to make the concepts unique to your business.

Talent and Teams

As your business grows, you can’t do it all alone. Whether you’re hiring your very first employee or expanding your team, Talent and Teams is an online course designed to help Alberta entrepreneurs confidently attract, hire, and manage the right people to move their business forward.

Talent and Teams will help you:

• Know when it’s time to hire
• Write clear job descriptions and postings
• Navigate interviews and reference checks
• Understand Alberta’s basic employment standards
• Set up onboarding and training for new hires
• Retain employees with a positive, productive workplace culture

Money and Finance

Managing money is one of the most important (and most intimidating) aspects of running a small business. This practical, easy-to-follow course is built for real-world small business owners who want more confidence in making financial decisions. You don’t need an accounting background to take control of your business finances - you just need the right tools and guidance.

Why Take This Course?

Through a series of modules, you'll learn how to:

• Read and interpret financial statements
• Budgeting and cash flow analysis
• Understanding profit margins and pricing strategies
• Managing debt and credit effectively
• Planning for growth and accessing financing

You Found Us! Marketing for Small Business

You’ve worked hard to create a small business. Now it’s time to make sure people know about it! Marketing is more than just advertising; it’s about connecting with your ideal customers, building your brand, and growing your business in a strategic and sustainable way. Whether you’re just getting started or have been in business for years, this course will help you sharpen your marketing strategy and make the most of your time, energy, and budget.

Why Take This Course?

In this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Define your ideal customer and target market
• Create unique branding and why it matters
• Draft a simple, effective marketing plan
• Use social media and digital marketing essentials
• Find low-cost and no-cost marketing strategies that work
• Measure your marketing success