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Business Fundamentals
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Program Overview
The business fundamentals certificate program will cover basic principles of business organization, business communications, business mathematics, accounting, and marketing. You’ll take courses in customer service and business communication while improving your computer and math skills. You’ll also gain a solid foundation to be confident to enter the business world or to continue on to other academic business programs.
Program Details
Program Code
BFS2
Credential:
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
Part Time Offerings
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
A part-time, online (asynchronous) version of this program is available.
Business Fundamentals is a one-year Ontario College Certificate program. This program is designed to build fundamental business skills. This program is ideal for students who want to strengthen their foundational skills (math, writing, communication) before entering a two-year business diploma program; mature students who are preparing to re-enter the workforce; and international students.
Key skills you'll take away from the business fundamentals certificate program:
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Risk-taking skills
- Time management skills
- Marketing skills
- Financial management skills
- General business skills
Students can also participate in the LEAP Junction "pitch" competition for enhanced learning in this program. LEAP Junction is a small business incubator located at Fanshawe College London Campus to help with business start-up.
Because the second semester of the program is predominantly the common first semester shared by all two-year diploma programs in the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business, graduates may choose to transfer directly into the second semester of any business diploma program; alternatively, they may enter the workforce in various entry-level positions.
Available in a traditional in-class format with September, January and May admissions. This program is offered at more than one campus for your convenience. Learn more about the programs and services at Fanshawe's Huron/Bruce Regional Sites Campus.
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Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
- Identify factors that have an impact on an organization’s business opportunities.
- Explain the impact of corporate sustainability*, corporate social responsibility and ethics on an organization’s business initiatives.
- Use current technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
- Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
- Perform basic accounting procedures and financial calculations to support the operations of an organization.
- Describe marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Outline the functional areas of a business and their inter-relationships.
Academic School
Business certificate program coordinator:
Penny Parker
Academic Advisor:
Sarah Davies
Admission Requirements
OSSD (with courses from the College (C), University (U),
University/College (M), or Open (O) stream), or equivalent,
or
mature applicant .
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to
consider taking the
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency
Certificate.
Note:
Graduates of Business Fundamentals may choose to transfer
directly into the second semester of any business diploma program
in the
Lawrence Kinlin School of Business.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 61 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 5.5 with no score less than 5.0 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 50 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands |
| PTE Academic | 47 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 162 with no language skill less than 154 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 85 |
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing
- Applicants may apply for advanced standing on the basis of previous academic achievement at another institution and/or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Advanced standing qualifies the applicant for direct entry into the equivalent of a second level of the program.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| BUSI-1082 | College Orientation & Success | 3 | ||
This course presents and helps to develop the skills required to achieve academic and career success. Areas of focus include college resources, study skills, time management, academic integrity, as well as emotional self-awareness and social skills development. | ||||
| BUSI-1066 | Customer Service | 3 | ||
This course covers the concepts and skills needed for success in today's business environment including verbal and non-verbal communication, listening skills, and interpersonal skills. Emphasis is placed on dealing with customer service problems, how to handle conflicts, stress and service expectations in a diverse culture, and effective custom service management. | ||||
| BUSI-1084 | Talking Business | 3 | ||
This course provides students with the oral communication skills necessary for entry-level positions in the retail and services sectors. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of oral communication techniques for a variety of business contexts and audiences: conversation, interviews, customer service interactions, meetings and presentations. The curriculum also addresses communication within a diverse workplace, ethical communications and non-verbal communication. | ||||
| COMP-1332 | Information Management | 3 | ||
An introduction to computer applications is undertaken in its relation to general business practices. Topics include an overview of information technology using computers and printers, file management, and utilizing the Internet for research. Specific applications include Microsoft OneNote, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The contents of lessons and projects simulate situations encountered in general business processes. | ||||
| MATH-1168 | Mathematics Fundamentals | 3 | ||
This course is a preparatory mathematics course. It is designed to help students acquire the skill and understanding of fundamental mathematics and introductory algebra necessary for success in the subsequent course - Math 1052. The course includes basic arithmetic operations, fundamental operations and equations, and is intended to strengthen basic arithmetic skills within problem-solving contexts. Additional topics covered are: fractions and decimals, exponents, ratio, proportion and percent, and an introduction to algebra. Use of the calculator is integrated into the course content. | ||||
| WRIT-1032 | Reason & Writing Business 1 | 3 | ||
This course will introduce business students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
Online
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.