Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Options Online

Options Online

Options Youth – Online Cohort is a flexible program designed for youth facing barriers to employment, empowering them to gain practical skills, build confidence, and explore pathways to employment, self-employment, or further education.

You will get a personalized learning path, helpful resources, and weekly one-on-one check-ins with our team, so you are never navigating it alone. Everything happens online, at your own pace, in a way that fits your life. We are here to support your journey — every step of the way.

Only 10 spots available! 
Deadline to apply October 15

What is it:

  • Options Online is a flexible, online program to help youth build career or self-employment skills
  • Earn $100 per completed course, plus a $200 bonus for finishing all 8 (up to $1,000 total)
  • Self-paced learning with regular support from program staff
  • Includes mentorship, coaching, and practical resources
  • Only 10 spots available
Person holding mug beside laptop at table.

Options Online

Options Youth – Online Cohort is a flexible program designed for youth facing barriers to employment, empowering them to gain practical skills, build confidence and explore pathways to employment, self-employment, or further education.

Everything happens online, at your own pace, in a way that fits your life. We are here to support your journey — every step of the way.

 Youth Entrepreneurship & Employment Certificates

  • Options Online is a flexible, online program to help youth build career or self-employment skills
  • Earn a certificate of achievement for finishing all 8
  • Self-paced learning with support from program staff

Benefits:

  • Build the skills needed to launch a business or secure employment
  • Learn at your own pace from anywhere
  • Get personalized support and career coaching
  • Access a wide variety of topics — from resume writing to digital marketing
  • Flexible and inclusive for youth facing employment barrier
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Employment Certificate:

Participants will obtain a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing the following 5 courses:

Entrepreneurship Certificate:

Participants will obtain a certificate of completion upon successfully finishing the following 5 course:

To register for a certificate program, register for an Option Online account using the Sign Up Today button above. Then send an email of intention with the certificate stream (Entrepreneurship or Employment) you are interested in obtaining to optionsonline@smu.ca.

Eligibility:

An eligible participant is an individual who is:

  • Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of the program
  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), based on Nova Scotia only.
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada, and in your province or territory

Eligibility:

An eligible participant is an individual who is:

  • Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of the program
  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), based on Nova Scotia only.
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada, and in your province or territory

 

Priority will be given to applicants who:

  • Identify as a person with a disability
  • Are from racialized or newcomer communities
  • Are part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community
  • Live in rural or remote areas
  • Face additional barriers to employment
Person holding mug beside laptop at table.
Do I need to pay?

The program is free.

Register using the button below or email us at optionsonline@smu.ca if you have any questions! 

Visit the Options Online website to learn more

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