The award-winning Internet Business Development for Entrepreneurs (IBDE) program, conducted by the Canadian Society for Social Development (CSSD), teaches new marketable skills to Canadians facing challenges to employment--including persons living with disabilities--and other adult learners in a supported, self-paced learning environment.

(Please note that CSSD strives to support all persons with disabilities; however, due to the nature of our curriculum, some disability types currently cannot be accommodated but we are looking at ways to improve this.)

IBDE is a six-month, online web design program that teaches participants how to create websites for selling their own products or services on the internet, or as a web designer for other small businesses.

Students are provided with one-on-one assistance through instant messaging, email, phone, and live interactive workshops in our virtual classroom. We have one intake per year (spaces are limited), and we are now accepting applications for the next program intake, which will start in the Fall 2010.

In addition, we are offering advanced courses from June to September 2010 to any IBDE graduate or web designer with the required prerequisite skill level.

IBDE is accredited by our partner, Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC. Students completing the six-month program receive a certificate in Web Design and Optimization, and students completing all four advanced courses receive a certificate in Advanced Web Design and Optimization.

During the six-month program participants put their new skills to work by creating a website, either for their own business or for another small business or local community organization. Students' websites are then showcased in the Virtual Mall web portal.

The skills learned in the IBDE program are used as the basis for establishing an affordable home-based web design business, in as little as six months, or participants can seek employment with other web design firms.

IBDE allows participants to learn at their own pace, in the comfort of their homes from anywhere in Canada. Students are encouraged to network and liaise with their instructors and other participants while developing beneficial relationships with the local business community. By learning web design skills, participants have the opportunity to strive towards financial independence.

See the full IBDE Web Design Course Outline here!

Learn more about the IBDE Advanced Courses here!

Costs

Tuition for the six-month IBDE program is $3,995 and includes two software programs and required course supplies. Funding assistance may be available for qualifying individuals in your local community; please check with us for more information. Tuition costs for the advanced courses are listed on the Advanaced Courses Schedule.

A computer (see computer requirements), internet connection, and a domain name and hosting for the final project website are the responsibility of the student.

IBDE Program and Advanced Course Sign Up

Click here to review the application process and sign up for the six-month IBDE certificate program.

Click here for details about our Advanced Summer Courses and to sign up. If you are an IBDE graduate or have the necessary prerequisite skills, we encourage you to apply today!

Other Training

In addition to learning web design skills, participants with disabilities can also learn about business planning and management by enrolling in our free online Business Abilities program, either before or after the IBDE program (see the Business Abilities website for eligibility requirements). In this program you will receive business plan training and up to one year of business coaching and advanced business management training while you establish your business.