Our Frequently Asked Questions

startSMART is takes you through the process of launching and running your own enterprise. We provide customized entrepreneurial management training provided by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, followed by professional support and coaching during the start-up and operation stages of your business. You will be expected to launch your company BEFORE the program is complete. On average, our alumni launch between 3 and 5 months from the onset of the program and reach break even within 9-18 months – half the average of startups.

Once you are accepted, you will work with a committed team of entrepreneurs experienced in helping others develop their business from the idea stage through to launch, operation and expansion.

growSMART is a series of 4 day programs that focus on specific topics of relevance to companies who wish to grow.  Generally delivered in smaller chunks of 2 days with “homework” in between, they are desired to create an outcome that can be readily applied to the business or organization that is attending.  For example, at the end of the Podcast Series, participants will have a completed podcast to use for their company and be able to develop others after they complete the program.

As with all our programs, practitioners take you through the learning and are right beside you as you apply the learning.  We don’t just teach how to do something– we work with you to apply the learning in real time.

startSMART

Obtain the skills to start and run a business with confidence. The investment of time and energy prior to opening your doors will more than save you time and money once you open your doors.  Research shows that the primary reason startups fail or fail to thrive, is a lack of training, experience, and knowledge on the part of the entrepreneur. startSMART provides you with the essentials you need to make informed decisions prior to opening your doors and as such, increases your chances for a sustainable future.

growSMART

This program is intended for existing companies who wish to grow their business, however they define that.  It can mean growth in culture, vision, sales, people, impact.  We don’t define that for you. 

Starting and running a business takes more than an idea and enthusiasm.  Being an entrepreneur is a career. Most people don’t wake up one morning and decide to be a doctor and open up an office the next day.  No – they take the time to learn what to do and how to do it, and then they start their practices. Entrepreneurs today need more than a desire and an idea – they need to know how to design a business that will deliver the best possible service or product to their customers in a way that is sustainable and fiscally balanced.  They need to know how to develop their business networks and manage people and do research. They need to know how to define, find and reach their markets, grow their businesses, be socially savvy. Yes – you can start and grow a business without any training but you will end up learning a lot of the lessons over a longer period of time and costing you more money than if you prepared before taking the next step.

Our alumni have success rates double that of those without training, and they reach break even in half the time.

Enjoy the benefit of learning from and alongside successful entrepreneurs and peers that will be your best support group during and after you launch.  Remember, we walk beside you as you build your future, we don’t just teach and walk away.

Our program requires your time, energy and commitment both to the learning process and to the establishment and/or growth of an enterprise. Starting and growing a business is an extremely challenging process. BUT, it can be more rewarding and is sometimes the only option for those who want to create a vision of their own and are ready to commit the resources to do it.  If you aren’t prepared to give 120% to this venture, then you may want to wait until you are.

Participants in the growSMART program have shorter learning commitments but no less requirement to be there fully engaged and fully present in order to get the most out of the learning.

Start by contacting us here and we will send you the application form. We will contact you in person prior to processing your application.

We are fortunate to have formed relationships with a variety of funding bodies that support the startSMART Program. If you believe you might qualify for support, please contact us and we can discuss this with you further before you apply for funding.

The growSMART programs may qualify for the Canada Saskatchewan Job Grant.

Tuition for the startSMART Program is CAD $15,900 for the full time in person program and CAD $9,400 for the self directed, distance education model for learners within Canada. Entrepreneurs for whom English is not their first language, must have at least a CLB7 to take the program. If they do not, they can upgrade their language skills through our sister school, The Praxis International Institute. Distance education is available for international learners – please ask for pricing.

growSMART programs run from $250 to $2500.

Yes we custom design training programs to match our clients’ needs. We have provided this type of service for federal and provincial governments, universities, colleges, private companies, non-profit organizations and individuals.

Some of the programs we have developed and provided include: Complete Microsoft Office, Advanced Video Production, Photojournalism, PhotoShop and other graphics packages, Web design and HTML, intensive C++ programming, English as a Second Language (ESL) and “Business English” and cultural awareness for immigrants and new Canadians, entrepreneurship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Teamwork, entrepreneurship for new Canadians and many others.

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