A new, free online program is helping aspiring Canadian entrepreneurs discover how creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship are the foundation for success in the business world and beyond.

The Canadian Program for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, known as the Imagineur Program, was designed by experts at the Hill and Levene Schools of Business at the University of Regina, with the support of a $9.3-million contribution from the Government of Canada’s Skills for Success Program.

“The Hill and Levene Schools of Business is home to faculty members that have considerable knowledge and expertise specific to entrepreneurship,” says Emily McNair, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs with the Hill and Levene Schools of Business at the University of Regina. “When we saw this opportunity come forward from the federal government, it was an obvious choice for us to proceed with applying.”

The Imagineur Program was officially launched earlier this year and its name is a play on the words “imagine” and “entrepreneur.”

“… It also offers information on next steps, including how they might monetize their ideas and successfully take them into the marketplace.”

—Emily McNair, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs with the Hill and Levene Schools of Business at the University of Regina

 

“We wanted to tap into the beginning stages of becoming an entrepreneur, where it’s all about ideation and creativity,” said McNair, who is also one of the program instructors. “The program gives participants the tools to use their creativity to develop new ideas and satisfy needs and wants in the marketplace, as well as come up with unique solutions to existing problems. It also offers information on next steps, including how they might monetize their ideas and successfully take them into the marketplace.”

The free online program is open to all interested learners, aged 16 and up, and is offered in both English and French. After registering, participants can start when they’re ready and learn at their own pace. Additionally, education kits and other resources are available for teachers interested in incorporating the program into their classrooms.

The program’s eight modules offer instruction from industry-leading experts and instructors on topics including creative problem solving, designing a customer growth strategy, predicting financial feasibility, as well as specialized training to address the unique challenges faced by women and Indigenous entrepreneurs.

 

 

“We wanted to support women and Indigenous entrepreneurs in moving forward by validating their unique experiences and helping them to think about those challenges before they launch their own businesses,” says McNair. “In addition, we believe it’s tremendously important for all learners across Canada to understand the unique experiences of women and Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

The woman-focused module discusses some of the inequalities faced by women entrepreneurs and gives examples of those who have persevered and found success.

The Indigenous module was developed and is delivered by Edmund Bellegarde, the Founder and CEO of Kihew Consulting & Research Inc. Bellegarde is also the CEO of FHQ eCommerce Ltd, a wholly owned File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council company that pursues opportunities in the international banking and iGaming sectors. A recognized leader in Indigenous development and an influential bridge builder focused on reconciliation, Bellegarde’s module discusses some of the different business values, worldviews and approaches that are unique to indigenous entrepreneurs.

Upon completion of the Imagineur Program, participants receive a digital badge from the University of Regina that they can highlight on their resumés, transcripts, and online profiles such as LinkedIn.

For more information on the Imagineur Program, visit https://hill-levene.imagineur.ca.

 

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