What is the YMCA-SEP?
The YMCA-SEP is a fully online Self-Employment Program that takes participants from business concept, all the way to running the day to day business operations. Our highly skilled team of experts will provided blended support through 1:1 coaching, email, and the use of a Learning Management System. Our Teams will coach participants to translate business concepts into viable business launches and each participant will create and deliver a comprehensive business plan at course completion.
Self Employment Success Story.
Next up on YouTube channel are other SE Program success stories.
Who is eligible to participate?
Click on the button below to download the Eligibility Checlist.
If you do not have Microsoft Word or similar word processing software, you can download LibreOffice, a free alternative to Microsoft Office, here: https://www.libreoffice.org/
To be eligible for our SE Services your business must be:
- A new business (you have not been advertising or conducting business transactions)
- You can purchase an existing business in which you had no prior business ownership
- A business that won't result in putting another individual out of business
- An appropriate use of public funding
- Not entirely or partially based on commissions
- Independent and not based on a parent company e.g real estate broker or an MLM business
Take this short survey to find out if you are eligible and register for an upcoming Information Session:
What happens in the program? What will I be learning?
- You will get 1:1 support
- Team workshops or seminars
- You will be assigned a Business Advisor to work with you along the way
- You will learn skill sets such as: Business Operations, Cash Flow Forecasting, Accounting Principles, Marketing, Social Media, Networking, How to develop and present a Business Plan
- You will have the ability to access your course material 24/7 on your computer, laptop, tablet, even your phone!
- Our web-based training provides participants in rural or urban communities with new opportunities in building their business
- We utilize webinar & video conferencing software to deliver training anywhere, whether it be the comfort of home or a library
- You will gain the confidence and the skill sets to move your self-employment concept forward
If this sounds like YOU,
Forms & Documents
All documents must submitted before the program start date. Please contact Nasima Ramji at nasima.ramji@bc.ymca.ca to inquire about the next program start date.
This section is broken into 2 parts, one you must complete before attending Orientation Workshop, and another to formally apply to the program after.
Part 1: Pre-Orientation Document
Before attending the Orientation Workshop you must complete the Entrepreneurial Self-Assessment below.
Complete both parts of the Entrepreneurial Self-Assessment & Email to your Orientation Workshop Facilitator:
If you do not have Microsoft Word or similar word processing software, you can download LibreOffice, a free alternative to Microsoft Office, here: https://www.libreoffice.org/
Part 2: Complete Application Forms and Supporting Documentation
First you must be referred by WorkBC to attend an Orientation & Assessment Workshop & Interview.
If you have not previously accessed WorkBC services, you must apply for services and request a referral from your WorkBC Centre once your application is complete:
After attending the Orientation & Assessment Workshop and you are invited to apply you will be issued documents to complete your program application.
There are 5 components you must submit in order to apply, numbered below:
1. Self-Employment Application Package - 4 documents total:
YMCA-SEP Documents: Business Concept Proposal Template (Word Doc) & Financial Spreadsheet (Excel doc).
WorkBC Documents: SEP Application Form –HR3691E & Business Concept Development and Acceptance – HR3703E
If you do not have Microsoft Word and Excel or similar word processing and spreadsheet software, you can download LibreOffice, a free alternative to Microsoft Office, here: https://www.libreoffice.org/. If you do not have Adobe Reader to open these PDF files you can download and install it here: https://get.adobe.com/reader
2. Proof of Personal Investment (Photocopied statements: savings, chequing, line of credit, receipts of supplies and equipment, etc.) - 1 or more documents
3. Current Resume - 1 Document
4. Letter of Support from the SE O & A Facilitator (Lynne) - 1 Document
5. Letter(s) of intent and/or support (optional) - 1 or more documents
Submit Application Documents
Submit of the above documents via email attachment:
Email: nasima.ramji@bc.ymca.ca
We are only accepting applications by email until further notice. Thank you.
Equipment
In order to participate you will need:
- Computer capable of modern internet browsing: For example, 2-4 GB of RAM and a Dual Core 2Ghz or Higher (i3/i5/i7 or AMD equivalent)
- Internet access: 5 Mbps or faster recommended
- Video and audio: Webcam including Camera and Microphone and speakers/headphones. or a suitable combination of devices (video-only webcam + mic-enabled headphones)
- Ability to listen and communicate via microphone and speaker or headset.
- A quiet place to focus and participate in activities
*If you do not have access to any of these tools, please reach out to Nasima Ramji or your business advisor
Lynne Brisdon, MCC
A little about Lynne, Program Manager
- Lynne was a Business Coach for Self-Employment Programs for over 15 years
- She Freelanced in Media Production and educated in Media Resources
- She has a private coaching practice on the side and attained Master Coach Credential with ICF
You'll see her around
- Encouraging and supporting new entrepreneurs
- Managing the program as well as pitching in to support program facilitation and business advising
Fun Facts!
- Lynne loves movement and adventure
- She rides a motorcycle, goes skiing and also has a quiet side practicing yoga, meditation and healing
VJ Terzic
A little about VJ, Business Advisor
- VJ started his career as an engineer and has now leveraged that to become an entrepreneur.
- He's passionate about helping businesses connect to their humanity - themselves, their staff, and their customers.
- Outside of his work at the YMCA, he runs a boutique consulting company, MOST Connected.
You'll see him around
- Facilitating Orientation & Assessment workshops, interviewing program participants, and facilitating workshops.
Fun Facts!
- VJ loves to be outdoors, whether it's playing basketball, riding his bike, or out for a hike.
- He also loves to read, especially science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and personal development.
Cheryl McNicol
A little about Cheryl, Business Advisor
Cheryl lives in Gibsons on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of BC and has been working as a Business Advisor, Program Manager, and Contractor with the YMCA Self Employment program for over 15 years
- She’s helped more than 500 aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada to start up and build successful businesses
- Cheryl and her partner Ted have been operating a thriving human resource and business start-up practice since 2004
- She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree and a TESOL diploma (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) specializing in Business English
You'll see her around
- Facilitating workshops, providing support, guidance and advice to entrepreneurs
Fun facts!
- Cheryl loves to swim in the ocean and walk the beaches and trails on the Sunshine Coast. Listening to the waves rolling in on the shoreline is her way to relax and recharge
- Inspire, motivate and educate – words and actions that really resonate with Cheryl.
- She is the co-founder of the Sunshine Coast Self-Employed Women’s Network (Sunshine SEWN) and is an active supporter of the organization.
Nasima Ramji
A little about Nasima, Administrative Coordinator
- Nasima is a lifelong learner who recently earned a graduate certificate in instructional design.
- Her professional background includes advising, coordinating, and designing learning and training initiatives.
- She aims to streamline processes and improve business communication for organizations.
You’ll see her around…
- Coordinating program logistics, responding to inquiries, and managing administrative details behind the scenes to support a positive experience for everyone involved.
Fun Facts:
- Nasima enjoys outdoor activities, such as exploring nature parks, walking the various seawalls, and discovering new neighbourhoods.
- She also enjoys cooking international dishes and experimenting with different ingredients.
Charlene Wright
A little about Charlene, Business Advisor
Charlene has owned multiple small businesses as a Creative Professional, generating income as an Artist, Sign Maker, Painting Teacher in addition to serving as a Career Coach for other Creatives.
Charlene is trained in Peer Counselling, Life & Career Coaching. With over 10+ years’ experience, & her designation as a Certified Career Development Practitioner, Charlene has serve 1000’s of BC residents in achieving successful career transitions.
The foundation of all of Charlene’s work is based on providing top-notch customer service & she measures her success on the positive outcomes of her clients.
You'll see her around
- You’ll find Charlene facilitating SE workshops, specializing in building confidence & keeping clients focused on their WHY. Clients easily recognize her commitment to their success & know they can rely on her support.
Fun Facts!
- Charlene loves all things creative and is an advocate for the wellness benefits of adding art & creative expression to our daily lives.
- When not in her studio painting, Charlene is spending time with friends, and/or enjoying the beauty that BC has to offer.
Gary Schnel
A little about Gary, Business Advisor
- Gary has worked as a Business Advisor/Facilitator since 2012 and has helped over 600 entrepreneurs launch their businesses
- He started his first business in 2009 building an executive search firm
- He has a corporate background in Advertising & Sales Management within the Medical and Hospitality Industries
You'll see him around
Coaching & Training new entrepreneurs to develop their skills & business goals
Fun Fact
Gary likes to explore the ocean on his kayak most especially crab fishing (crabbing) in beautiful Boundary Bay
YMCA SELF-EMPLOYMENT OVERVIEW
- Expectations and Etiquette
- Program Timeline and Breakdown
- Contacts
In order to ensure a comfortable and open learning environment over the course of the YMCA-SEP, kindly review and respect the guidelines below:
- Please be on time for any scheduled meetings or workshops
- If you are unable to attend the scheduled session, contact the appropriate staff member via email or phone
- Be respectful of the speaker - be it the facilitator or a member of your cohort
- Keep your camera turned on during webinars or workshops
- Monitor your email so you don't miss anything!
- Stretch out of your comfort zone whenever possible
- Ask for help - we are here with you every step of the way
Program Timeline
Week 1 Orientation and Introductions
- Workshop 1: Orientation, Introduction to the Business Plan Guide, Introduction to the Online Platform, Facility Tour
- Guest Speakers -Former SE Participants - TBD
- Workshop 2: Core Values, Mission & Vision, Business History,
- Seminar: Target Market Surveys
Week 2 Workshops and Self-Study
- Workshop 3: Self-awareness, Product/Service Description, Features and Benefits, Elevator Pitch
- Workshop 4: Target Market, Pricing and Primary Research
- Guest Speakers:TBD Social Media/Marketing
Week 3 Workshops, Guest Speakers and Self-Study
- Workshop 5: Industry Overview, Competitive Analysis, SWOT Analysis
- Workshop 6: Marketing, Branding and Promotions, Social Media
- Guest Speaker: TBD
Week 4 Workshops, Guest Speakers and Self-Study
- Workshop 7: Managing Business Operations
- Branding Workshop
- Guest Speakers: Website Development
Week 5 Workshops and Guest Speaker
- Workshop 8: Financial
- Guest Speaker: Tony Miles (Financial Management)
Week 6 Workshops, Guest Speaker and Seminars
- Workshop 9: Risk, Implementation, Exit Strategy, Business Goals
- Guest Speaker
- Seminar: TBD
Weeks 7-10
- Executive Summary and Final Business Plan review with Business Advisor
- YMCA Self-Employment Team review of Business Plans
- Business Plan Presentation at WorkBC office
Program Contacts
- Nasima Direct Line: 604-306-3419
- Email: nasima.ramji@bc.ymca.ca
Staff Contacts
- Lynne Brisdon lynne.brisdon@bc.ymca.ca
- Nasima Ramji nasima.ramji@bc.ymca.ca
- VJ Terzic vj.terzic@bc.ymca.ca
- Charlene Wright charlene.wright@bc.ymca.ca
- Cheryl McNicol cheryl.mcnicol@bc.ymca.ca
Credits:
Created with images by Danielle MacInnes - "Begin." • Marcos Luiz Photograph - "Worship" • Kelly Sikkema - "untitled image" • Igor Miske - "work" • Randalyn Hill - "untitled image" • Alexander Andrews - "old phone"