Technical Requirements for Business Planning Success
Understanding what you'll need before you start your learning journey
Look, we're not going to pretend you need a supercomputer or fancy software. But there are a few things worth checking before September 2025 when our next cohort begins. Most people already have what they need — they just don't know it yet.
Your Learning Journey Setup
We've broken this down into three phases because that's how the program actually works. Each phase builds on the previous one, and your technical needs shift slightly as you progress.
Foundation Phase (Weeks 1-12)
This is where most students feel a bit nervous. You'll work with spreadsheets and basic planning documents. Honestly, if you've ever balanced a household budget or tracked project tasks, you've already got the skills. We use standard formats that work on pretty much any device from the past five years.
Development Phase (Weeks 13-24)
Here's where things get interesting. You'll start building actual business models using tools that many Canadian companies rely on daily. We provide access to planning software through our platform — you won't need to purchase anything separately. Just make sure your internet connection can handle video calls and document collaboration.
Application Phase (Weeks 25-36)
By this point, you're working on real scenarios. Some students bring their own business ideas, others work with case studies we provide. Either way, you'll need reliable access to cloud storage and collaboration tools. Think Google Drive or similar — nothing exotic or expensive.
What Your Computer Actually Needs
Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or newer, or any recent Linux distribution. Chromebooks work fine for most activities, though you might hit occasional limitations with advanced spreadsheet functions.
An Intel i3 or AMD equivalent from the past six years handles everything comfortably. We're not rendering video or running complex simulations — just working with data and documents.
8GB of RAM is plenty. For storage, you'll want at least 10GB free for program materials and your project files. Most work happens in the cloud anyway, so this isn't a huge concern.
Here's what matters most: stable connection of at least 10 Mbps download speed. Video sessions work best with 25 Mbps, but we record everything so you can watch later if your connection acts up.
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — all current versions work perfectly. Our platform is browser-based, which means you can switch between devices without losing your place.
Built-in laptop mic and camera work fine for participation. If you prefer better audio quality during group sessions, a basic USB headset costs around and makes a noticeable difference.
Ravenna Thorne
Technical Support Coordinator
Ravenna has been helping students get set up since we launched the program in 2021. She's seen every possible technical hiccup and has solutions ready before students even know they need them.
"About 92% of students start the program with equipment they already own. The other 8% usually just need a RAM upgrade or a better internet plan. We test your setup during orientation week, so there's time to make adjustments before coursework begins."
"One thing that surprises people — tablets work great for reading materials and watching sessions, but you'll want a proper keyboard for the planning work. Typing out financial projections on a touchscreen gets old fast."