Developed by ACSBE in concert with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the APEC Training and Certification Program for Small Business Counsellors (known internationally as the APEC-IBIZ Program) is the only internationally-recognized certification program for professionals who help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. The Program shows business development professionals at all levels of experience how to skilfully combine their business expertise with proven counselling strategies, enabling them to engage more entrepreneurs to work more effectively on the development of their businesses.
The APEC Program is recognized internationally by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and nationally by Industry Canada. To date, nearly 200 business development professionals from nine different economies have been certified. For a detailed listing of certified business counsellors, please click on the following link: http://bit.ly/APEC_CBCs
Upcoming APEC Small Business Counselling Workshops include:
March 26-30 Acadia University, Wolfville, NS
Frequently Asked Questions About the APEC Program
- Can you give me an overview of the APEC Training and Certification Program?
- How much does the APEC Training and Certification Program cost?
- What topics are covered in the APEC Training and Certification Program?
- How long does it take to complete the APEC Training and Certification Program?
- How do I become certified?
- What is the training schedule during the APEC training program?
- I’m new to the profession and feel intimidated to attend the program with experienced professionals.
- How will I and my organization benefit from the APEC Training and Certification Program?
- What does the internationally recognized designation “APEC CBC” mean?
- How many people have taken the APEC Training and Certification Program?
- How do I register for the online learning modules?
- When should I register for certification?
- What is included in an APEC CBC portfolio?
- What have other counsellors said about the value of the APEC Training and Certification Program?
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1. Can you give me an overview of the APEC Training and Certification Program?
Developed by ACSBE in concert with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the APEC Training and Certification Program for Small Business Counsellors (known internationally as APEC-IBIZ) is the only internationally-recognized certification program that is designed for professionals who help entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. The Program shows business development professionals at all levels of experience how to skilfully combine their business expertise with proven counselling strategies, to engage more clients to work more effectively on the development of their business.
The program consists of three components:
The Workshop. This five-day session is the foundation of the APEC Program, introducing the first eight of the Program's ten Learning Modules. Guided by our expert trainers (see http://bit.ly/ACSBE_Trainers for details), participants learn about and practice a range of topics and skills, including:
Module 1: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Module 2: Core Counselling and Interpersonal Skills
Module 3: Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills
Module 4: Counselling Through Client Assessment
Module 5: Counselling Through the Business Planning Process
Module 6: Counselling Through Marketing Analysis and Planning
Module 7: Counselling Through Financial Analysis and Planning
Module 8: Counselling Through Human Resource Analysis and Planning
The workshop is a fun, intensive learning experience that will change how you work with your clients, and get you started toward achieving your Certified Business Counsellor designation. (Fee: $1500)
Online Learning Modules (Module 9: Government Regulations & Legal Requirements, and Module 10: Information Technology). These two modules are offered via an online learning platform. Participants complete each component at their own pace within a 6-month period for each module. Upon completion of Module 10, participants will receive a certificate of participation indicating their completion of the training components of the APEC program. (Fee: $200 for each Module)
Learners who successfully complete the 5-day training program and the Online Learning Modules may then go on to pursue certification as an APEC CBC (Certified Business Counsellor). This is an internationally recognized designation endorsed by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.
Portfolio Development. This component consists of the development of a professional portfolio, application and assessment for certification. Participants are assigned a mentor who will assist them throughout the development of their portfolio. Upon completion, portfolios are evaluated by an APEC assessor and recommended to the Professional Standards Committee for certification. (Fee: $500)
NEW! Package Discount: Participants who pre-pay for the entire certification process may do so for $2500, which represents a $400 discount off the pay-as-you-go pricing of $2900.
Participants have up to three years from the time they attend the workshop to complete the online modules and submit their professional counselling portfolios for certification. Depending on individual and/or organizational professional development budgets these costs can be broken down over the three year period allotted to complete the program. Many counsellors choose to register and pay for the full program at time of their initial registration.
The initial certification is effective for 3 years, after which time the certified business counsellor must apply to ACSBE for re-certification. In the re-certification process, applicants submit a fee of $150 and documentation to ACSBE to demonstrate their ongoing currency in the profession.
For a detailed description of the APEC Training and Certification Program for Small Business Counsellors, please click the following link: http://bit.ly/APEC_Program_Description
2. How much does the APEC Training and Certification Program cost?
The Workshop $1500
Online Learning Modules $200 for each of the two modules
Registration for Certification $500
APEC CBC Membership Fees* $150/three year membership
(*membership fees apply only to APEC Certified Business Counsellors)
3. What topics are covered in the APEC Training and Certification Program?
The APEC program covers everything from professionalism, client meetings & building rapport, to financial analysis and marketing. The program is competency based. There are 105 skills that have been identified as being essential for effective Small Business Counselling. These 105 skills are covered though various components of the program: the preparatory reading/resource materials, the training session, the online learning module and practical application with clients.
The APEC program is not a Finance 101, or Human Resources 101 program. Our program focuses on the counselling process, the counselling relationship and counselling clients through Human Resources, Finance, and Marketing. Its focus is on how can we be better counsellors, how can we transfer information and knowledge in a meaningful way to clients. The program is very interactive with opportunities for counsellors to share best practices.
During the training component of the APEC Training and Certification Program counsellors will learn the soft skills and technical skills required in the business counselling profession. For complete details of the APEC Program Learning Modules, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/APEC_Program_Modules
4. How long does it take to complete the APEC Training and Certification Program?
The answer to this question will be different for all Business Counsellors. The maximum length of the program is three years from the date of taking the 5-day training program. Within that time period counsellors will take two online learning modules, complete a professional counselling portfolio, work with an APEC CBC mentor to help guide them through the portfolio development process while continuing to do great work in thier community and with their business clients.
Some counsellors take the program strictly for professional develop reasons and are not interested in the internationally recognized certification. In that case, the program begins and ends with the 5-day training session.
For counsellors pursuing certification we have had counsellors submit their portfolios 6 months following the training, and others 3 years following the training. The average candidate will submit their portfolio 18 months following the training.
Some best practices for completing the certification: have buy-in / support from your organization, communicate regularly with your APEC CBC mentor, find a partner or other counsellor pursuing certification to work with, and if supported by your organization – set aside a small amount of time each week or each month to work on developing your portfolio.
To receive APEC certification, you must complete three program components within a three year period (see question #1 for details). Development of a professional portfolio demonstrates your mastery of the 105 internationally recognized competencies, including the counselling experience you must have to qualify for certification. A successful portfolio assessment is the final step in receiving designation as an APEC CBC. When you pursue the APEC certification you are assigned an APEC CBC mentor to provide assistance with your portfolio development. Portfolios have a final review by a certified APEC assessor who evaluates your ability to demonstrate the required competencies in various counselling settings.
6. What is the training schedule during the APEC Workshop?
The Institute runs Monday – Friday 8:30 – 4:30 with a morning break at 10:30, and afternoon break at 2:30. Refreshments are provided during the breaks. Participants typically have a lunch break from 12:00-1:00. Lunch is provided as part of the workshop registration fee. The workshop ends on Friday at 3:00pm.
7. I’m new to the profession / I'm an experienced business counsellor - is this program for me?
One of the great things about the APEC Training and Certification Program is it attracts a very diverse group of participants. There will be counsellors who are very new to the profession, senior counsellors, executive directors, and private counsellor/consultants in the same learning environment. Everyone has something to offer, and something to learn.
Our trainers have heard from many participants who were intimidated to attend the training as they were new to the profession and felt they would fall behind or not be able to contribute to the group. Here's what one counsellor had to say:
"As a new counsellor I wasn't sure what to expect with this course. I was intimidated and unsure of how I would handle the materials. However, this course was a real eye-opener. I learned a number of new techniques for dealing with my clients and their ideas, and never did I once feel overwhelmed or out of place. In fact, I felt like my comments, perspectives and ideas were welcomed by those with a number of years experience. I learned a great deal from them about the way they do business, and how their operations function.
I am excited to bring what I've learned here to my colleagues, my organization, and my clients. The life lessons and approaches to thinking are an invaluable tool that will make life happier, easier and more productive for years to come.
Thank you for an amazing week. The networking, the classes and the friendships have made this an experience to remember."
Workshop Participant, Thunder Bay, ON
Similarly, counsellors with many years experience in the industry have commented on the value of the program. There really is something for everyone. Please see the selection of testimonials at the bottom of this page.
8. How will I and my organization benefit from the APEC Training and Certification Program?
There are many benefits to taking the APEC Training and Certification Program for Small Business Counsellors.
Benefits for the Business Counsellor:
- Receive a professional designation.
- Access the APEC international network of Institutes for Small Business Counsellors
- Increase your credibility with clients and within the industry
- Develop and enhance core competencies of business counselling
- Engage in lifelong learning and continuous development of competencies
- Help more entrepreneurs to work more effectively on the development of their businesses
Benefits to the Counsellor’s Organization:
- Maximizes the success rate of small businesses counselled
- Increases client satisfaction and results
- Ensures counsellors have the skills they need
- Designation is a standard of credibility
9. What does the internationally recognized designation “APEC CBC” mean?
APEC CBC stands for Asia Pacific Economic Corporation Certified Business Counsellor. APEC CBC’s represent excellence in business counselling in Canada and throughout the Asia Pacific region. The APEC Training and Certification Program is delivered in 16 participating APEC economies. The APEC CBC logo is recognized by these economies. For more information please visit www.apec-ibiz.org.
10. How many people have taken the APEC Training and Certification Program?
In Canada, over 600 business development professionals have participated in the APEC Workshop. Of these 600, 85 have gone on to complete the Program and been awarded the designation APEC CBC. The program has been delivered in every province and territory in Canada.Internationally, nearly 200 business development professionals from nine different economies have been certified. For a list of APEC Certified Business Counsellors in Canada and Internationally visit http://bit.ly/APEC_CBCs
11. How do I register for the online learning modules?
To register for these modules, contact Robert Racine, Program Assistant at ACSBE at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (902) 585-1655. An invoice will be e-mailed to you and upon receipt of payment you will be provided with a username and password to the e-learning platform. Participants will have access to the e-learning platform for three months following registration.
12. When should I register for certification?
Participants may register for certification when registering for the Business Counsellor Institute, or register following the Institute when they’re ready to start developing their portfolio. Completed portfolios must be submitted to ACSBE within three years of taking the training component of the APEC Training and Certification Program.
13. What is included in an APEC CBC portfolio?
The portfolio provides counsellors an opportunity to demonstrate their counselling skills. The portfolio includes: letters of recommendation from a client, employer, and a colleague; 10 counselling reports, demonstrating how the counsellor assisted the client; a signed code of ethics; the counsellor’s resume; a self assessment of skill rating in each of the 105 competencies; copies of business related degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Counsellors can customize their portfolios by including copies of published articles, workshop/program evaluations, thank you cards from clients, and other items that demonstrate the counsellors effectiveness and connection to the business community. Portfolios are reviewed by an APEC Assessor in Canada and then recommended to the Professional Standards Committee for Certification and the APEC CBC designation.
14. What have other counsellors said about the value of the APEC Training and Certification Program?
“The APEC CBC training ensures a skill level to be attained by counsellors. Maintaining this level will contribute to the advancement of the small business counseling profession in Canada, within APEC and globally. Having received my certification has enabled me to promote the concept of a business counsellor as a professional, instilling pride and integrity. As a former small business owner and since completing the APEC training, I now feel I have the tools, techniques, training and network of resources that will enable me to offer clients a broad range of services at a new level of excellence.”
Colleen Sadler, Business Consultant, Enterprise Renfrew County, Renfrew, ON
“The APEC training experience was so different from getting information out of a text or a university course. The program took a holistic approach, offering hands on learning, and was directly related to the everyday reality of a small business counsellor. I was able to apply the skills right away - providing clients with the skills to make more informed decisions.”
Dixie Redmond, Executive Director, Community Business Development Corporation, Shelburne, NS
“An important program for those individuals wishing to be properly equipped to assist entrepreneurs to make good decisions.”
Karen Martin, Business Counsellor, Niagara College, ON
“In these days of an overabundance of workshops…this workshop was not only a breath of fresh air…its value far outweighs its cost, both immediately and I am sure, increasingly so over time.”
Brian Aird, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network, Halifax, NS
"The knowledge and skills I am acquiring through this program will bring more credibility and confidence with my clients."
Susan Robichaud, Visual Image Communications
