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Ministry-approved title: Business – Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Turn passion for business into both a diploma and a degree through this unique joint Durham College and Ontario Tech University pathway. This program allows students to earn an Entrepreneurship and Small Business diploma and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in just four years, combining hands-on college learning with university-level business education.
In this program, students develop skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and business management while building practical experience through project-based learning. Real business challenges are used to strengthen problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to bring ideas into action in dynamic, real-world contexts.
In addition to academic learning, exclusive access to multiple Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce across Durham Region connects learners directly with entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals throughout the program, supporting meaningful networking and industry engagement.
Upon completion, career pathways include launching new ventures or pursuing leadership roles across today’s evolving business landscape in a wide range of industries.
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For students seeking the benefits of both college and university education, this joint Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) diploma-to-degree program provides the opportunity to earn both an Entrepreneurship and Small Business diploma and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in only four years. The pathway combines applied, hands-on college learning with university-level business education, supporting both entrepreneurial development and broader business career opportunities.
This integrated pathway is designed for students seeking flexibility, opportunity, and a competitive edge in today’s evolving business environment. It builds strong foundations in entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and business management while strengthening the practical and academic skills needed to succeed in both start-up and corporate settings.
Throughout the program, students:
Learning is reinforced through applied projects and entrepreneurial experiences that connect classroom concepts to real business challenges, supporting the development of both execution skills and strategic thinking.
The bridging courses required for admission into the degree program are embedded within the curriculum, allowing qualifying students to transition into third year at Ontario Tech. Students who achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in each semester of DC courses, with no grade below C in Ontario Tech courses, may apply directly to the degree pathway. Embedded Ontario Tech courses remain flexible and subject to change, with academic planning support available through DC advising services.
Students participating in this pathway are registered at both DC and Ontario Tech, gaining exposure to two academic environments on a shared campus. The annual calendars for both institutions, including reading week, are generally different. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. In addition, the two institutions use different learning management systems.
For more information, please visit Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Frequently Asked Questions.
This flexible pathway also provides multiple academic options. The university transfer stream includes five embedded university credits, while the college-only option allows completion of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business diploma after two years. Students may also transfer into another DC business program following the first semester. Those who later return to complete the Business Administration advanced diploma may receive advanced standing.
Note: Applications are submitted through Ontario Colleges using the BETU application code. Students who meet the selection criteria and required academic standing become eligible to continue into the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree at Ontario Tech. Upon meeting the selection criteria and achieving the required grades, you will be eligible to complete the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree at Ontario Tech.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
Students can earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their computer courses:
Students who successfully pass all three exams can earn an extra certificate that recognizes their accomplishment with the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019) certificate. DC students are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the college’s Microsoft Office account. See more details about this opportunity.
CCI Learning is the exclusive Canadian partner of Certiport and through our partnership with them it enables us to bring Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist certifications to our students.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Students will also be required to pay an additional tuition fee to Ontario Tech University for one course in semester 2 and four courses in semesters 3 and 4. Ontario Tech tuition will be charged at the beginning of each semester, starting in semester 2. The Ontario Tech tuition will be in addition to the figures shown below.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
*Mac Computers
App Store
Google Play