Complete Learning Curriculum

Understand the fundamental concepts of digital business models, online commerce evolution, and the digital economy landscape. Learn how businesses operate online, the differences between traditional and digital commerce, and the key components that make digital businesses function. This module covers business model types, revenue streams, value propositions, and the basic infrastructure required for online operations.

• Evolution of digital commerce and current trends
• Business model frameworks and classifications
• Digital value chains and ecosystem dynamics
• Technology infrastructure overview

Comprehensive exploration of how online stores operate from start to finish. Learn about product catalog management, shopping cart systems, checkout processes, order fulfillment, logistics networks, inventory control, warehouse operations, shipping methods, and customer service workflows. Understand the complete customer journey from product discovery to post-purchase support and how each component interconnects.

• Store platform architectures and technologies
• Product management and catalog systems
• Fulfillment operations and logistics networks
• Customer experience optimization strategies

Educational overview of crowdfunding platforms and how they function globally. Explore donation-based crowdfunding where contributors support causes without financial return, reward-based models where backers receive products or perks, and equity crowdfunding where investors receive ownership stakes. Learn about platform mechanics, campaign structures, regulatory frameworks in different jurisdictions, and how these systems have evolved to connect project creators with supporters worldwide.

• Donation-based and charitable crowdfunding models
• Reward-based platforms and campaign mechanics
• Equity crowdfunding and regulatory frameworks
• Platform operations and stakeholder ecosystems

Informational overview of digital marketing channels and strategies. Learn how search engine optimization works to improve organic visibility, how paid advertising platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads function, social media marketing principles, content marketing strategies, email marketing systems, and analytics tools. Understand how businesses attract visitors, convert them into customers, and measure campaign performance across different channels.

• Search engine optimization fundamentals
• Paid advertising platform mechanics
• Social media strategy and content marketing
• Analytics and performance measurement

Educational explanation of how payment processors and financial technology systems operate in the Canadian market. Learn about Stripe, PayPal, Square, and Interac e-Transfer mechanics, how merchant accounts function, transaction flow from customer to merchant, security protocols including PCI compliance, fraud detection systems, currency conversion, cross-border payments, and the regulatory environment governing electronic payments in Canada.

• Payment processor architectures and workflows
• Canadian payment methods and Interac system
• Security standards and fraud prevention
• Merchant account setup and fee structures

Overview of Canadian online commerce regulations and consumer protection laws. Understand PIPEDA privacy requirements, CASL anti-spam legislation, consumer rights in online transactions, refund and return policies, accessibility standards, provincial consumer protection acts, cross-border commerce regulations, and business obligations when operating digital platforms. Learn how these regulations protect consumers and establish trust in online commerce.

• PIPEDA privacy law fundamentals
• CASL anti-spam legislation requirements
• Consumer rights and business obligations
• Provincial regulations and compliance framework

Introduction to risk identification and responsible online business practices. Learn to recognize common online scams, understand cybersecurity basics, identify fraudulent schemes, evaluate business opportunities critically, practice due diligence when researching companies or platforms, protect personal information online, and develop skepticism toward unrealistic claims. This module emphasizes informed decision-making and personal responsibility when engaging with online platforms.

• Common online scams and fraud patterns
• Cybersecurity fundamentals and data protection
• Critical evaluation of business opportunities
• Due diligence processes and verification methods

Non-advisory introduction to basic financial concepts relevant to digital business operations. Learn about budgeting principles, expense categorization, revenue recognition, cost structures, profit margins, cash flow basics, financial planning fundamentals, tax obligation awareness, accounting system types, and financial reporting. This module provides general knowledge only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Students should consult qualified professionals for specific financial guidance.

• Business budgeting and expense management
• Revenue models and cost structure analysis
• Cash flow concepts and financial planning
• Tax awareness and professional consultation importance