Find your perfect fit in the world of business.

With a strong focus on developing the skills needed for today`s business environment, this one-year Ontario College Certificate program prepares you to carry out a variety of business functions within an organization. You develop practical understanding of key principles and practices necessary to pursue future studies in the field of business or for an entry-level position in business. This program may also appeal to those who have existing careers or credentials who wish to enhance their fundamental business knowledge and skills.

In this program, you combine theory and hands-on learning to gain practical business knowledge in the areas of:

• business management
• marketing
• human resources management
• document production
• accounting/financial reporting
• professional communications
• business application software

Participate in simulations dealing with realistic business problems and solutions. Gain practical skills through applied activities supported by opportunities to examine current industry issues and find solutions based on an integrated approach. Develop skills in the use of technology and foundational business practices with an emphasis on the practical demands of a job, including:

• preparing professional documents
• interacting with the workforce
• meeting timelines
• prioritizing activities
• working under pressure
• accepting responsibility
• demonstrating initiative

Graduates may apply their newly developed skills and knowledge to improve their existing organization, gain an entry-level position in business, or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Graduates may find entry-level employment in a variety of business-related industries such as:

• educational institutions
• government ministries and agencies
• healthcare facilities
• large and small businesses and corporations
• not-for-profit organizations
• regional offices within government
• retail
• hospitality and service sector
• insurance
• financial institutions

With advanced standing through shared core courses, graduates may choose to continue their business education in diplomas such as: Business-General, Accounting, Human Resources Management, Finance, Business Marketing, Business Management and Entrepreneurship or Business Administration.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are well-organized and can work effectively under tight time constraints.
• Are team-oriented and enjoy working with others.
• Like using computer and technology applications.
• Have strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
• Have a collaborative style and good communication skills.
• Like to solve problems using analytical and critical thinking skills.

Careers

Graduates may find employment opportunities in a variety of entry-level business and administrative positions such as: customer service, sales, service industry, insurance or financial institution trainees or associates.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify factors that have an impact on an organization`s business opportunities.
2. Explain the impact of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics on an organization`s business initiatives.
3. Use current technologies to support an organization`s business initiatives.
4. Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
5. Perform basic accounting procedures and financial calculations to support the operations of an organization.
6. Describe marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
7. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
8. Outline the functional areas of a business and their interrelationships.
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS
Program Code 1457X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

Laddering Opportunities:
This general, foundational business certificate program prepares students wanting to further their business studies to ladder into a variety of college business diploma/certificate programs including Ontario College Certificates in Bookkeeping and Accounting Practices or Office Administration General; Ontario College Diplomas in Business, Business Accounting, Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Business-Marketing or Office Administration; and Ontario College Advanced Diplomas in Business Administration-Accounting, Finance, General Business, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing or Supply Chain and Operations Management.

While building foundational knowledge and skills in a wide range of common core business courses, students have the opportunity to discover which areas of business they would like to continue to develop and apply transfer credits. Students who complete their business diploma can then access existing laddering opportunities with university business programs, subject to admission criteria.