Ottawa - An ‘E-Learning for Business Coalition’ made up of some of the most powerful organizations in Canada has launched a new private sector training regime for Canada’s small business community.

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty applauded the Coalition for providing new opportunities for small business growth and development. “Canada’s small business community is a powerful engine for the creation of jobs and growing the economy, but with new opportunities for training owner, managers and employees, their contribution will be even greater. And, there is more good news - this initiative will not cost Canadian taxpayers a cent.”

Members of the Coalition include Scotiabank, The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), Export Development Canada (EDC), The National Quality Institute (NQI), The Society of Management Accountants of Canada (CMA Canada), The Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CAMC) and Vubiz Ltd, an e-learning service provider.

“E-Learning can reach small business owners and their employees economically, 24/7 and provide opportunities for personal growth and increased productivity,” said Catherine Swift, President and CEO of CFIB. “The more we can use this new technology to enhance the skill levels of our members and their staff, the better they will be equipped to grow their companies and create more jobs.”

Two programs are being offered initially: The Small Business Management Certificate at www.SBMcertified.com, which combines expert content from all the partners of the coalition, and the Small Exporter Management Certificate at www.SEMcertificate.com, which utilizes the Going Global workshop series by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). The programs are available in both French and English and will be sold via e-commerce through the coalition partners’ internal and public web-sites.

The program makes it possible for small business owners, professionals and employees to secure online Certificates in a wide range of subjects.

“The work of the Coalition is important for both business and the broader economy,” said Rick Waugh, President and CEO, Scotiabank. “Scotiabank is dedicated to helping small business prosper. Being a member of the e-learning coalition is part of our commitment to provide leading tools and advice to small business owners.”

The high value of the Coalition Certificate Programs is based on the prestige of the members of the Coalition who will use revenues from the program for ongoing upgrades and extensions, so that this training program can be provided to a large portion of the population without any cost to the public purse.

Kevin Dancey, FCA, President and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants sees helping small businesses as a priority. "Our economy depends on small business and Canada’s Chartered Accountants play an important role in providing business insight and strategic thinking to help these businesses be successful.”

“Management expertise for small business owners has been consistently identified in studies as a key factor in Canada’s competitiveness, and in our ability to innovate and be a leader in the new economy,” said Steve Vieweg, CMA, FCMA, President and CEO of the Society of Management Accountants of Canada.

Members of the Coalition believe training certificates will not only provide general learning opportunities, but will be used specifically for professional development, for employee skill development and for cementing relationships between small firms and their larger customers and suppliers.

This unique training program will be extended through partnerships with large manufacturers and retailers, professional and trade associations and franchisors who want to upgrade their small business suppliers, customers and members.

For further information contact:

Mathew Coorsh (Scotiabank) at 416-933-1344; Holly Bennett (CFIB) at 416-222-8022; Andrew Douglas (EDC) at 613-598-2906; Darcy Ferron (FITT) at 613-230-3553; John Tabone (CICA) at 416-204-3326; Adam Stoehr (NQI) at 416-251-7600; Doreen Wilson (CMA) at 905-949-4200; Heather Osler, (CAMC) at 416-860-1515, Jim Rapino (Vubiz) at 905-815-1204 (22) and John Bulloch, (905-936-6763) Co-Chair of the E-learning for Business Coalition.





Click on the SBM logo above to learn how to purchase the program and receive your Small Business Management certificate.