RBC donation will help college prepare entrepreneurs
The Royal Bank of Canada Foundation has given $75,000 to Medicine Hat College to enhance programs that provide mentorship and experiential learning to students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“One of the many things we were able to do with RBC’s support this year was to pivot our existing programming to online delivery, which improved learning flexibility and reduced the barriers for students to access the content and materials,” said Christie Wilson, MHC’s entrepreneur outreach co-ordinator.
MHC’s “Venture Start Up” program is offered in multiple local high schools and involves eight weeks of entrepreneurial mentorship from industry professionals as well as practical coursework, said Wilson.
Another online program this year is “Start Up Essentials” an eight-week program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their idea into a viable business venture.
Small business owners and student entrepreneurs will learn how to identify and validate new product lines, develop a growth funding strategy, and devote time to renewing their business model through six-weeks of course material, mentorship and coaching.
“We are very grateful for RBC’s continued support and commitment to building a better future of work, which enables MHC to offer these types of entrepreneurial focused educational opportunities to our community,” said Wilson.
Registration is now open for both Start Up Essentials and Scale Up Essentials, with programming to run through April and May.
Business online
Medicine Hat College has announced a new business online program option.
Business programming is now making available more options and flexibility with the launch of a new post-diploma certificate in accounting this fall. This program will make it possible to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce and the Certified Public Accountant designation through MHC.
The first year of the business diploma will be accessible online in the future.
“We will still offer our programming in person, but we are always looking at ways to reduce barriers for our learners. Going online is one way in which we are doing that,” said Rick Robinson, interim dean school of business and continuing studies at MHC.
“... this program will allow our students to work toward improved employment opportunities in the accounting field. What’s really exciting is that our students will also be provided a work placement — which is great experience and a foot in the door.”
Career outcomes for graduates range from industry and public accountant to accounting technician and bookkeeper.
Robinson said professionals in the community wanted to see students remain in the region to support industry well beyond the accounting profession.