Ryerson launches new certificate program to support entrepreneurs in a multicultural marketplace

Offered through the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Multiculturalism will help students start or grow a business in a market where both suppliers and customers are increasingly diverse

TORONTO, April 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education announces the introduction of a new Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Multiculturalism. The only one of its kind in Canada, the certificate focuses on skills needed to engage and be successful in today's multicultural market.

The innovation entrepreneurs bring to the development of new products and services generates new wealth and creates jobs. 63 per cent of the population in Toronto will belong to a visible minority group by 2031, according to Statistics Canada, so a focus on understanding the impact of cultural diversity in small business is critical to creating a thriving ecosystem.

"There is a growing demand from people who want to develop entrepreneurial skills," says Marie Bountrogianni, Interim Dean at The Chang School. "With Canada's diverse population, entrepreneurial opportunities exist in every sector of the economy. This certificate will give students the skills to harness these opportunities in a multicultural context."

To celebrate the launch of the certificate, The Chang School hosted a panel discussion, in partnership with RBC, which looked at the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face in Canada's diverse marketplace. A clear message from the panel was that nurturing a multicultural business environment where diversity of thought is recognized as productive is absolutely critical to growing our economy.

For any entrepreneur wishing to start or grow a business in the multicultural marketplace, Dr. Sean Wise, Academic Coordinator for the Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Multiculturalism offers the following tips:

• Prepare your entrepreneur's tool kit: Three key tools that any entrepreneur needs are: an ability to anticipate change and assess your ideas; the passion to be able to ride the wave of trends and ideas; the willingness to leverage technology and other key resources.
• Know your market: For businesses looking to attract a multicultural clientele, the key is to understand cultural demographics and traits, and then appeal to their needs. You must understand the sensitivities of your market in order to properly market to them. 
• Be prepared to make the case for financing: One of the barriers some entrepreneurs face is access to financing.  Being prepared to explain why the funds are needed; how they will be used to grow the business; how the debt will be repaid and what contingencies are in place in the event of a cash shortage, will strengthen the case for financing, and help to build a sustainable business

About Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education
(www.Ryerson.ca/ce/entrepreneurship)

With approximately 70,000 annual enrollments, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. There are over 1500 courses, workshops and seminars and 93 career-related certificate programs and numerous course series in which 20 certificate programs can be completed entirely at a distance. The school's mission is to be a leader in innovative, quality, lifelong learning that empowers adults to reach their life and career goals.

SOURCE: Ryerson University

Tara Bolger, [email protected], 416 929 2052, or Sarah Turnbull, [email protected], 416 929 7740