Canada: New start-up school aims to bridge gaps in learning entrepreneurial skills

06 Jan 2017

Want to learn how to create and run a start-up, but not so keen on studying for several years to get a business degree?

Tamwood Careers, a Canadian vocational education provider, is launching a new school this year, offering diplomas and applied certificate courses that can be completed within a year.

In June, the International Start-up School will make its debut in Vancouver, focusing on teaching business start-up concepts.

Canada: Tamwood to launch international start up school https://t.co/Vo5UXPIFLo #intled

— The PIE News (@ThePIENews) January 4, 2017

The school plans to offer a 40-week diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which will cover topics such as product launches; global business strategies; execution and management; financial management; and business communications.

Two 26-week applied certificate courses – Marketing for Start-ups and Business Management for Start-ups – will also be available for enrollment. Both courses will include a two-week capstone project where students are required to complete a report or presentation on a topic related to their field of study.

Tamsin Plaxton, Tamwood’s managing director and president, told StudyTravel Magazine that the new programmes were incubator/accelerator-style entrepreneurship courses for international students.

“Students will learn to start up and run a business while working on their own business idea. They will incubate their idea during the course and potentially launch their business through the programme,” she said.

“Students will learn from entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts the latest trends and techniques in start-ups.”

Canada-based vocational provider Tamwood Careers launches new Global Startup School. https://t.co/xaIqKD96eA #intled

— StudyTravel Ltd (@StudyTravelLtd) November 8, 2016

Plaxton added that while entrepreneurship was gaining popularity as a learning subject, there were still gaps in education in this area.

“Entrepreneurship can be taught, but anyone who wants to study how to start and run a business has the choice of doing either a four-year university business degree or a part-time evening programme at a local incubator,” she said, as quoted by The PIE News.

Plaxton explained that the school’s model is unique, as it blends academic and practical course content, including mentoring and guidance from local start-up owners and members of the business community.

The school’s first cohort is expected to consist of 24 international students, though Tamwood plans to double the number every four months.

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