Flexible, local programs
You have goals. We can help you achieve them. Bow Valley College provides training that gets you ready for the work force. Our Strathmore Campus offers a variety of credit and non-credit programs. Upgrade your skills, start a new career path, or finish high school. Right here in your community.
Below you can find information on all our resources. Use the links to jump to the section you are interested in:
- Employee Edge Business & Computer Training
- Strathmore Entrepreneur Centre
- Practical Nurse Diploma (5 Term)
- GED Preparation
- Upgrading Programs
- English Language Classes
- Canadian Language Benchmark Testing
- Community Collaboration
- Our Campus locations
Employee Edge Business & Computer Training
In today’s job market, the deciding factor for employers often comes down to a candidates’ ideal mix of technical and soft skills. Take one or all of the courses and workshops below…and get the EDGE.
All courses are offered at the Strathmore Campus through a blend of scheduled in-class and online delivery methods. Registration closes 24-48 hours before the course starts, or sooner if the course is full. Register for each course individually using the links below and choose the Strathmore location to secure your seat. Courses may be used toward several Bow Valley College Continuing Education Certificates.
Financial Accounting – Introduction (ACCT 9101)
January 21 – March 5, 2020 – Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Microsoft Excel – Introduction (COMP 9301)
March 10 – March 31, 2020 – Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Quickbooks Introduction (ACCT9401)
March 10 – March 31, 2020 – Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Financial Accounting – Intermediate (ACCT 9102)
April 2 – May 19, 2020 – Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Budgets and Financial Reports (ACCT 9201)
May 21 – July 7, 2020 – Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Strathmore Entrepreneur Centre
At the Strathmore Entrepreneur Centre and the Bow Valley College Campus, we believe great business ideas are worth exploring. We provide aspiring and seasoned business owners the opportunity to strategize, sustain, and succeed in competitive markets with community access to collaborative spaces, unparalleled access to resources, and exceptional faculty and influencers who are leaders in their field.
Upcoming Programs/Workshops/Events
A 90-day program to help clarify your business goals, identify what stands in your way of success, and determine solutions in a small group setting of your peers.
In class/online program. Limited seats available.
January 22, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM + monthly follow up sessions
Business Café – monthly breakfast brainstorming
WHY: Businesses in the community and region are disconnected and many are struggling in a variety of ways. There is a desire to connect in meaningful ways with other entrepreneurs to address common challenges and work together for success. Networking groups are finding difficulty maintaining momentum. Ad-hoc events and meetings struggle to get buy in and achieve outcomes.
WHAT: The Business Café is a monthly event hosted by the Strathmore Entrepreneur Centre to engage business owners, entrepreneurs, community activators, change makers and thought leaders in conversations around developing a thriving business community in the region.
WHO: Business owners, entrepreneurs, community activators, change makers and thought leaders desiring to authentically connect with one another for positive change.
HOW: Using seven design principles and a simple method, the World Café is a powerful social technology for engaging people in conversations that matter, offering an effective antidote to the fast-paced fragmentation and lack of connection in today’s world. Based on the understanding that conversation is the core process that drives personal, business, and organizational life, the World Café is more than a method, a process, or technique – it’s a way of thinking and being together sourced in a philosophy of conversational leadership.
7:30 -8:30 AM | Last Wednesday of the month
January 29 | February 26 | March 25 | April 29 | May 27 | June 24
Participating in the Coworking Day means working alongside other professionals and entrepreneurs in a shared space. Bring your to-do list, laptop and headphones, and we'll supply the Wi-Fi, waffles, coffee, and tea! Come for part of the day or all day!
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Last Wednesdays of the month
Click here to register for: December 18, 2019
Click here to register for dates in 2020
Tax Guidance for Business Owners
Join Stephen Johnson, CPA CA of Dorward & Company as he sheds some light on the common government tax reporting requirements, explains tax compliance and shares some essential steps in the tax planning process.
Thursday, January 23, 2019 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Business Link Workshops
*Free Ask a Business Advisor one-on-one appointments are available after these session! These appointments may be booked during the workshop registration process. You may also contact the Entrepreneur Centre to book without registering for a workshop.
Introduction to market research
Have you ever struggled with market research for your business? Learn the basics of market research and how to go about it in this introductory workshop! Market research can help you gain insight into your industry, competition, and target market, and help you create effective strategies for starting your business. Get information on Business Link’s market research resources that you can access for free!
Thursday, December 13 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE + optional Ask a Business Advisor appointments after the session
Click here to register
Becoming self-employed as an independent contractor
Interested in being self-employed as a contractor? We’ll show you how to start your own independent contracting business. Learn about the difference between being an employee and a contractor, how to find work, contract opportunities, and the proposal writing process. If you’re ready to take the leap on your own, we’re here to guide you.
Friday, January 24 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE + optional Ask a Business Advisor appointments after the session
Click here to register
Introduction to social enterprise
We’ve heard of business as a way of doing well for ourselves, but how about as a tool for doing good in our communities? Join us to explore the exciting world of social enterprise. In this workshop, we’ll lay the foundations for a strong understanding of social entrepreneurship; what it is, and how it can be leveraged to create innovative social change.
Friday, February 14 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE + optional Ask a Business Advisor appointments after the session
Click here to register
Have an idea and considering starting your own business? In this workshop, we will help you discover if entrepreneurship is right for you and show you how to take your idea and make it a reality. We will help you assess whether your idea is viable, as well as provide you with the tools, resources and guidance to help you along the way. You will learn the steps you need to take to start your business.
Thursday, March 19 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE + optional Ask a Business Advisor appointments after the session
Click here to register
Develop an idea or pivot using the Business Model Canvas
Ever wondered what it takes to get a business off the ground? Learn how to utilize the Business Model Canvas to develop your idea or transform an existing one. In this workshop, you will learn how to use this visual chart to describe, design, challenge and pivot your business model.
Thursday, April 30 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE + optional Ask a Business Advisor appointments after the session
Click here to register
Practical Nurse Diploma (5 Term) - January 2020 (Accepting Applications)
There are many opportunities to use skills as a Practical Nurse, including child care, maternity nursing, community health, mental wellness, seniors care, and medicine. The Practical Nurse Diploma program is recognized and popular program for prospective health care providers.
Please contact the Strathmore Campus at 403-983-1221 or bvcstrathmore@bowvalleycollege.ca for more details about the next intake.
Please note that you must be a resident of Strathmore or the surrounding rural community; we do not accept applicants from Calgary.
GED Preparation
Get the skills to challenge the official GED tests. When you pass these tests, you will earn a High School Equivalency Diploma. GED Prep is offered in a classroom at the Strathmore Campus, and the GED official exams are written at the downtown Calgary Campus.
New intake starts January 14, 2020, please contact Strathmore Campus for details or registration.
Upgrading Programs
High School-Anytime Online Learning (ATOL) offers a flexible opportunity to take the courses you need to further your education. Online Bow Valley College students can book space to work on their courses and write their exams at the Strathmore Campus. Please contact us for more details.
English Language Classes
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
LINC online
Permanent residents and Convention refugees are eligible for this course.
Please contact the Strathmore Campus for more information or to register for this class.
Canadian Language Benchmark Testing
Bow Valley College partners with ILVARC and the Government of Canada to offer Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) testing at the Strathmore Campus.
CLB testing is available at 9:00 am, 11:00 am or 1:00 pm.
Please contact the Strathmore Campus to inquire about next available dates and book your CLB testing time.
Community Collaboration
Bow Valley College in Strathmore is pleased to work with other local organizations to support community initiatives.
Please contact the campus with any education requests, whether for yourself, your organization or your business. We would love to hear what our community wants to learn!
Campus Location
Unit 1, 320 2 Street
Strathmore, AB T1P 1J8
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Phone: (403) 983-1221
Email: bvcstrathmore@bowvalleycollege.ca
Have a question? Want to apply? Call, email, or visit the campus!
