Overview
Follow your entrepreneurial aspirations and gain skills to become a successful entrepreneur working for yourself or in businesses with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Boost your problem solving, leadership and creativity as you gain an understanding of core business functions and apply that knowledge to various disciplines. Led by instructors with real business experience, this program can prepare you to start your journey as an entrepreneur or enhance your skills to optimize and expand operations for an existing small business in any industry.
You can choose four electives from an extensive list, including technology and communications courses, to tailor the program to your specific needs and interests. Depending on your electives, you’ll gain business and financial acumen encompassing end-to-end and peripheral business processes, including project management, accounting, human resources, marketing, digital literacy, supply chain and more.
You will finish the program with a capstone course that enables you to apply your abilities in a work-integrated learning project, further developing critical thinking, communication, collaboration and organizational capabilities. You’ll have up to five years to complete this certificate.
When you finish this program, you have the opportunity to ladder into higher credentials at SAIT. Up to 27 credits from this certificate can be applied to our Business Administration diploma or Bachelor of Business Administration programs (varies by major). Both programs have additional admission requirements and your timeline to complete a diploma or degree begins when you start the first certificate course.
Is this the right program for me?
To achieve success in this program, students should:
- be proactive, independent, and resourceful
- have strong written and oral communication skills
- be prepared to work in teams
- be proficient in the use of a Windows-based computer and Microsoft Office software
- spend nine-12 hours per week on each course, including in-class hours
- actively participate in all classes and activities
- become familiar and adhere to SAIT’s policies and procedures
- be ready for a challenge and committed to keeping yourself on schedule
Also, students who are engaged and take advantage of SAIT services and resources usually experience more success in SAIT’s programs.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Business and Entrepreneurship certificate.
Get important updates about our business and tech programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- small business owner/operator
- human resources assistant
- operations manager
- junior project or product manager
- project coordinator
- business development or sales specialist
- entrepreneur
Related careers include:
- customer relations manager
- customer service manager
- office manager
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $7,139
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $19,676.90
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for Spring 2022 opened on June 14, 2021.
- Applications for Fall 2022 opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date |
|---|---|
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 |
CEOWORLD names SAIT to two global lists of the top hospitality management and top business schools for 2022
Via SAIT media release
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Spring 2022 start: applications open June 14, 2021.
- Fall 2022 start: applications open Oct. 6, 2021.
- Winter 2023 start: applications open March 30, 2022.
Program requirements
Students (including those educated in Canada) must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Business and Entrepreneurship and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Program outline
This program consists of 30 credits (10 courses).
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Required courses
It is recommended that you complete the courses in the order that they are listed below.
MNGT 257, Business Certificate Capstone, should be taken only after all other required courses and four elective courses have been completed.
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MNGT-200 | Introduction to Business | 3.0 |
| MKTG-260 | Marketing Essentials | 3.0 |
| ACCT-215 | Introductory Financial Accounting I | 3.0 |
| MNGT-255 | Introduction to Management | 3.0 |
| ENTR-350 | Entrepreneurship | 3.0 |
| MNGT-257 | Business Certificate Capstone | 3.0 |
Communications course (choose one)
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-300 | Intercultural Communications | 3.0 |
| COMN-220 | Communication and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
Technical course (choose one)
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BCMP-225 | Business Productivity Tools and Technology | 3.0 |
| MNGT-321 | Project Management | 3.0 |
| MNGT-322 | Information Systems | 3.0 |
Elective courses (choose two)
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BFIN-225 | Personal Financial Planning | 3.0 |
| BFIN-301 | Finance for Managers | 3.0 |
| BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
| BMAT-230 | Business Mathematics | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| HRMT-320 | Human Resource Management | 3.0 |
| LDSH-360 | Business Leadership | 3.0 |
| MKTG-336 | Marketing Action | 3.0 |
| MNGT-250 | Organizational Behaviour | 3.0 |
| SCMT-255 | Introduction to Supply Chain Management | 3.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Costs
Domestic cost per course*
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $262.56 |
| 3.0 | $525.12 |
International cost per course*
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $886.05 |
| 3.0 | $1,772.10 |
SAIT fees*
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): N/A
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
- SAIT Students' Association (Saitsa) fee: $287.77
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $189
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,670 | $916 | $553 | $7,139 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $283.50 |
| 3.0 | $567 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $606.93
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,207.90 | $916 | $553 | $19,676.90 |
International cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $910.40 |
| 3.0 | $1,820.79 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
The above fees are based on a course load of nine (9) or more credits per semester. Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for the UPass. Other fees will be adjusted based on reduced credit load.
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Spring 2022
Orientation
dYour program orientation will take place online on Friday, May 6 from 9 - 11 am. Watch your inbox for further details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an open registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, two short courses are available to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Part-time students may register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
For any questions, or to set up a virtual advising appointment, please contact our School of Business Advising Centre
Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Grace McKenna, Academic Chair
Email: grace.mckenna@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
