Red Deer Polytechnic and Campus Alberta Central Offer Building Better Businesses Certificate

Government funded program assists rural women in updating business skills.

Red Deer Polytechnic has collaborated with Campus Alberta Central to offer the Building Better Businesses Certificate to rural, central Alberta women over 16 years of age, who are looking to enhance their business skills, and to become employed in their communities.

Boost your business skills

The certificate is a tremendous opportunity for women in the region to upskill and reskill in seven core competencies that have been identified as critical hiring criteria for individuals who plan to enter, or re-enter the workforce, or begin a new career.

“Individuals who are eligible for this innovative and flexible program will be able to learn within the convenience of their home community,” says Rod Holt, Associate Vice President, Academic Entrepreneurship. “With the support of the Government of Alberta and the Women's Economic Recovery Challenge Grant, students are able to earn this certificate without the barrier of tuition fees. This program will not only have meaningful impact for individual students, but it will create opportunities for their families and communities.”

Courses within the certificate

The Building Better Businesses Certificate includes courses in:

• Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management
• Personal and Professional Development
• Computer Applications
• Bookkeeping: The Basics
• Introduction to Customer Service
• Introduction to Starting Your Own Business
• Social Media Marketing

Sixty women will benefit from the diverse blend of courses offered over the seven-week program, increasing their employability and earning potential, while establishing supportive connections with peers and instructors. Students will also learn about becoming an entrepreneur and starting their own businesses.

Certificate details

“We are excited to offer this certificate to four groups of 15 women across central Alberta, beginning October 3 to support and further our workforce,” says Kim Hogarth, Dean, Division of Extended Education. “The ability to learn remotely during scheduled class times and to choose program start dates will allow students to better balance their studies with other life commitments, which includes mothers with school-aged children.”

Learners should expect to devote 20 hours each week to attending classes online, along with additional time to complete assignments. After finishing each course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion. When all seven courses have been completed, learners will earn a Building Better Businesses Certificate.