George Brown College's Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts has expanded its Continuing Education offerings, empowering students to embrace their entrepreneurial ambitions in the tourism industry.
The college has launched a new micro-credential in partnership with Firecircle, Canada's award-winning digital tourism business accelerator. This self-paced, online program can be completed within one semester and is designed to help learners turn their tourism business dreams into reality.
Filling Gaps in Tourism Entrepreneurship Education
"As leaders in hospitality and culinary training, we are thrilled to add Firecircle's expertise and flexible programming to our Continuing Education offerings," said Jamie Zanna, Chair, Continuing Education, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts. "This new micro-credential ensures that our students and graduates who wish to pursue an entrepreneurial path have access to a proven framework for envisioning, planning, launching, and growing a successful tourism business. Our partnership with Firecircle represents the first program of its kind in Canada."
The Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is known for its renowned Chef School and School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Programs include a wide range of topics such as food preparation, baking and pastry arts, and tourism management. Among these offerings, Firecircle identified an opportunity to inspire students to move beyond building skills and finding employment and, instead, consider launching their own tourism ventures.
"We identified a unique opportunity to provide business accelerator programs tailored to graduates of hospitality and culinary programs," said Deneen Allen, Founder of Firecircle. "Our Firecircle 5x5 Method has helped entrepreneurs since 2019, and we believe it's the perfect first step for entrepreneurial-minded students looking to turn their skills into a successful tourism business."
George Brown's team also highlighted the importance of adding flexible, self-paced learning options for students. "We vetted Firecircle's 5x5 Method and recognized its potential to meet our high standards," said Zanna. "We are excited to have this micro-credential join our diverse offerings at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts."
Through the Firecircle micro-credential, students will assess the feasibility of their business ideas using Firecircle's signature 5-step, 25-video workshop series. Participants will receive support through group coaching sessions and facilitation from George Brown. By the end of the program, students will complete a comprehensive business plan ready to present to lenders and investors, serving as a roadmap for launching their tourism business.
Registration for the Firecircle Tourism Entrepreneurship Micro-Credential is now open. For more information on the program, click here.
