Business Leaders Program (BLP)

NIB’s award-winning Business Leaders Program (BLP) was launched in 2003 to prepare individuals who are blind for careers in business by providing educational and employment opportunities through professional development.

NSITE has re-imagined the Business Leaders Program and its components for 2023 and beyond. It is designed to meet the needs of leaders at all levels in today’s rapidly changing workplace environments.
Currently offering: Business Basics, Business Essentials and Effective Supervision

BUSINESS BASICS: Foundational Business Skills

NSITE’s Business Basics Series of Online Coursework
The NSITE Business Basics series consists of four self-paced online training programs that expose individuals to different facets of business targeting specific professional career skills. Each course contains knowledge checks and a final quiz.

Program Start Date: On-Demand
Tuition:

• Individual Course Purchase: $69.00
• Bundle all 4 and Save 25%: $207.00

Tuition Assistance

1. If you are a blind or visually impaired employee of an NIB associated Nonprofit Agency, you may qualify for an NIB Training and Professional Development grant. NSITE will be able to provide additional guidance to qualified applicants.
2. If you have an open case with a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, we may be able to assist you in requesting tuition funding for this program through your VR Counselor.

What is included in the tuition?

• On-demand access to self-paced e-learning courses
• Knowledge checks and additional resources
• Certificates upon successful completion of coursework and exams.

What are the Learning Outcomes?

Business Basics provides an introduction to key business skills in the areas of:

1. Business Operations
2. Marketing and Sales
3. Finance and Budgeting Essentials
4. Improving Decision-Making

Who should enroll?
All who are interested in improving their business skills may enroll. All NSITE programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners.
Application Requirements: Good computer navigation skills and the ability to navigate websites using a variety of browsers; your own computer or laptop since this course cannot be completed through the use of publicly accessible (e.g., library) computers or mobile devices such as mobile phones or tablets.

Click here to sign up and purchase

Business Essentials Program

The NSITE Business Essentials virtual training program is offered in partnership with PowerSim Solutions. It provides participants with a comprehensive view of organizational operations and helps them understand how decisions impact their business in a competitive environment. The program allows participants to implement business decisions and experience the outcomes in the safe environment of a simulation. 

Program Start Date: October 17th, 2023

Program end Date: December 15th, 2023

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Tuition: $1,850.00

Tuition for this 9-week program includes 2 online courses, 8 weeks of hands-on experience managing a business via a simulation, 8 hours of instructor-led coursework, and multiple team meetings. 

• If you are an employee of an NIB associated Nonprofit Agency, you may qualify for an NIB Training and Professional Development grant. NSITE will be able to provide additional guidance to qualified applicants. 
• If you have an open case with a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, NSITE may be able to assist you in requesting tuition funding for this program through your VR Counselor. 

All NSITE programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners. 

All may apply. However, qualified applicants who are blind or have low vision receive enrollment preference. 

Program Structure and Learning Outcomes: 

The four components of NSITE’s Business Essentials program provide a challenging and engaging learning experience.    

1. Two NSITE-U self-paced online learning courses –  

• Finance and Budgeting Fundamentals 
• Improving Decision-making 

2. An 8-week business simulation during which participants engage in strategic planning, improve their decision-making, apply their knowledge of market competition, and practice entrepreneurship.   

3. Weekly Zoom meetings to review business reports, discuss decision-related business outcomes, and address questions.   

4. Engagement and collaboration within small teams to apply business analysis, teamwork, and leadership skills. 

Participants Require: 

• Proficiency in the use of assistive technology (if applicable) and Microsoft Office suite of products 
• Their own computer or laptop; this course cannot be completed through the use of publicly accessible (e.g., library) computers or mobile devices such as mobile phones or tablets. 

• Intermediate to advanced computer navigation skill. 
• Proficiency in the ability to navigate websites on a variety of web browsers. 

NOTE:  

You will need a resume and your supervisor’s or Vocational Rehabilitation counselor’s contact information to complete this application form. 

Achievement: 

Digital Badge issued by NSITE in partnership with Credly/Acclaim. 

Questions? Please contact Rikki Howie at : rhowie@nsite.org

Effective Supervision: Making an Impact

Effective Supervision is designed for high-potential employees who have career goals aligned with supervision and management. Participants will be applying enhanced leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills back on the job, while earning a Certificate of Achievement (digital badge) from NSITE.
No need to travel or be away from your office for extended periods of time – we bring the learning to you!
Program Start Date: Jan 2024
Tuition: $1950.00
What is included in the tuition?

• 12 weeks of virtual learning and instruction
• Three self-paced online courses on Effective Staff Supervision
• Six 2-hour-long highly participatory bi-weekly virtual instructor-led meetings
• Continuous engagement via NSITE-U that brings learning from workshop to work
• Blanchard’s SLII® Self-Assessment and Concepts workshop for situational leaders
• The digital credential NSITE Effective Supervision Certificate after successful program completion

Tuition Assistance

• If you are a blind or visually impaired employee of an NIB associated Nonprofit Agency, you may qualify for an NIB Training and Professional Development grant. NSITE will be able to provide additional guidance to qualified applicants.

Who Should Enroll

NSITE’s new Effective Supervision is the essential professional development opportunity for experienced and aspiring managers.

What Topics are Covered?

This fully virtual 12-week program addresses key supervisory responsibilities while participants explore and co-create solutions for managerial challenges, including the following:

• Adapting to the changed role of the supervisor during disruptive times
• Viewing and applying Effective Supervision in the larger organizational context
• Distinguishing between Supervision, Management, and Leadership and applying each appropriately to emerging situations
• Building awareness of preferred supervisory styles and expanding style registers for optimal management outcomes
• Conducting crucial conversations with confidence for positive impact
• Sustaining both yourselves and your teams during difficult times

What are the learning and leadership outcomes?

Effective Supervision develops participants’ abilities to perform supervisory jobs with greater productivity, effectiveness and responsibility, keep business operations running smoothly, and increase team morale and productivity.

All NSITE programs are adapted for the learning styles of blind and low-vision learners.
All may apply. However, qualified applicants who are blind or have low vision receive enrollment preference.

For questions or to discuss any of the Business Leaders Program tracks, please contact Marianne Haegeli at mhaegeli@nsite.org.