Business and Financial Planning for Contractors

This is an introductory-level course designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in business and financial planning specifically tailored for contractors and individuals aspiring to establish a presence in the construction industry. Participants will learn to distinguish between a business plan and a financial plan, understand their significance, and explore case studies from various business sectors to enhance comprehension.

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe and list the reasons for developing a business plan.
• Understand the evolutionary process that is business planning. Identify the business plan as a forecasting, risk assessment, and strategic planning tool.
• List the four “Cs” of a business plan.
• Incorporate the financial plan into the overall business plan.
• Identify several sources of capital.
• Identify the components of a well-written funding request. Describe several common assessment tools used in the financial plan evaluation process.
• Cite several case studies of successful business planning.

Note: This course assumes no prior knowledge of business or financial planning and is suitable for individuals at the introductory level.

Delivery Method: Virtual Session – Zoom Meetings   

Course Fee Includes: Access to the course, course materials, and a digital certificate upon completion.  

This course is delivered in partnership with local and provincial construction associations across Canada. You will be participating with a group of industry peers from multiple regions.  

Sharing a single registration between two or more individuals is not permitted. Please register each person who will be in attendance.

There are no prerequisites for this course.  

This course is ideal for:

• New contractors entering the construction industry seek to establish their businesses on solid foundations.
• Individuals with aspirations to start their own construction companies and require guidance on business and financial planning.
• Professionals transitioning into contractor roles who need to understand the fundamental principles of business planning in the context of construction.
• Entrepreneurs interested in exploring opportunities within the construction sector and requiring a comprehensive understanding of business and financial planning.
• Small business owners in the construction industry looking to refine their business planning skills and enhance their competitive edge.
• Students or recent graduates with an interest in pursuing careers in construction management or entrepreneurship within the construction sector.

1. Computer or laptop

• • This course will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content (slides or videos), and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cellphones may not be adequate. 

  • Windows 10 or Mac iOS. 

2. Webcam (Mandatory)– in order to engage and collaborate, participants will be expected to have their webcams on for the duration of the class

3. Microphone (Mandatory)

4. Internet connection- For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. The minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.

5. A quiet space with minimal distractions –The microphone will be engaged for interactive sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.

6. Comfortable chair