Indigo Books & Music Inc. is helping Canadians sharpen their business skills through the new online tool Indigo MBA, at Chapters.Indigo.ca.

The free, 12-month, self-directed program features a 21-book reading list that includes new and bestselling business titles and online “discussion modules.”

“It’s sort of a natural extension for us because our brand has always been about enriching people’s lives and providing inspiration and continuous learning,” said Deirdre Horgan, chief marketing officer, Indigo Books & Music Inc. “Those are the cornerstones of our brand.”

“During a time of economic uncertainty, we thought it would be an innovative way to provide valuable and meaningful support for our customers to sharpen their skills in the business arena,” she added.

To join, consumers simply need an e-mail address and password to engage in the monthly scheduled discussions.

Consumers can purchase the resource materials featured in the Indigo MBA program online or in-store at Indigo and Chapters nation-wide. Each one of the retailer’s 275 stores will also house an Indigo MBA section. Indigo is promoting the program through targeted PR. It will also be featured in future marketing programs, such as during the back-to-school period, said Horgan.