The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Mastercard have joined forces to launch the SAIT Cybersecurity Learning Collective, a 10-week, 80-hour course designed to help small businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises in Western Canada strengthen their digital resilience. The first cohort begins in September 2026, and tuition is fully covered for eligible participants through Mastercard funding, subject to program criteria and availability.
Addressing Cybersecurity Gaps
Cyber threats don't discriminate by size, yet many small businesses and non-profits lack the tools and support to navigate complex risks, according to Vis Naidoo, Associate Vice President, Continuing Education and Professional Studies at SAIT. The course aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and framework to make informed decisions and strengthen organizational resilience.
Naidoo emphasized that the partnership with Mastercard helps businesses build digital and financial resilience needed for long-term growth, integrating resiliency into their foundation and organizational culture.
Course Content and Outcomes
Participants will gain practical tools to assess cyber risk, implement protective measures, and prepare for cybersecurity incidents through immersive simulation exercises. By the end of the course, each participant will work towards developing an implementation-ready plan that aligns cybersecurity practices with their organization's mission, governance responsibilities, and operational capacity.
Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard Canada, noted that small businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises are the backbone of the Canadian economy and operate in an environment of increasingly complex cyber risks. The collaboration aims to help these organizations build skills and confidence to manage digital risk and thrive in the digital economy.
Application Details
Applications for the September 2026 cohort close July 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm MT. The SAIT Cybersecurity Learning Collective, powered by Mastercard, aims to empower the next generation of business leaders navigating the rapidly changing digital landscape, reflecting a shared vision of innovation, community investment, and applied learning in advanced digital technology.
About SAIT: Established in 1916 as the first publicly funded technical school in North America, SAIT serves 40,000 students annually, offering baccalaureate and applied degree programs, diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship programs, and over 550 continuing education and corporate training courses. SAIT specializes in four award-winning areas of applied research and is recognized as one of Alberta's Top Employers (2026) and fourth among the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada (2025).
