Certificate Program

Entrepreneurship Essentials

Applications are currently closed.

Program Dates:

September – December 2024

Frequency:

Sessions 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday)

Participants:

YEDI accepts 20-25 entrepreneurs per cohort. An Expert Committee comprised of industry experts and partners will be responsible for evaluating applications based on set criteria.

Eligibility:

  • Applicant is the founder; co-founder(s) will be considered;

  • Any adult age or background;

  • A unique and innovative idea that is in raw, seed, early, or growth stage

Tuition:

International Students: $20,000 CAD

Canadian Students: As a Canadian charity, YEDI is committed to ensuring this world-class program is accessible to Canadians. YEDI has secured funding to ensure innovative Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners may access this program tuition free, conditional on academic performance. *(Academic performance of 80% average or higher per semester.)

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or higher (Canadian or recognized in Canada)
  • Bachelor’s Degree considered an asset
  • Successful YEDI due diligence, including interview

Information:

Accepted students embark on a semester-long journey that combines intensive education with practical entrepreneurship training, tailored especially for aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have a business idea yet. Throughout the program, there’s a dedicated focus on business ideation, designed to assist participants in developing their own unique concepts.

The curriculum features formal academic lectures delivered by prominent YEDI instructors, supplemented by hands-on workshops and mentorship sessions led by industry experts. This program offers a deeper dive into entrepreneurship compared to YEDI’s Incubator program.

By the program’s end, participants emerge with not only a professionally crafted business plan, executive summary, and a solid business model but also the skills and confidence to pitch their ideas effectively. Upon successful completion, participants receive an official certification from YEDI.

All credits from this program are transferrable to the diploma program, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. Additionally, international students who complete the program are eligible to apply to receive a Start-Up Visa Letter of Support from YEDI.

Industries:

YEDI is sector agnostic and will supports start-ups from any industry.

Location:

All sessions are conducted at the YEDI Campus.

Curriculum Components

Lectures

Selected entrepreneurs participate in sessions facilitated by YEDI professors and instructors, providing a solid foundation in business theory and economics. Theory examined includes: entrepreneurship, marketing and sales strategy, business development and growth, finance, and communication skills. Successful entrepreneurs quickly need to learn where they lack expertise and require a network of support. Entrepreneurs participate in sessions that will prepare them for real-life application of theory to achieve inspiration, ideation, and implementation. Topics include: visioning, environmental scanning, finance and fundraising.

Includes but is not limited to:

  • Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
  • Business Communication and Negotiations
  • Business Modelling
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Planning
  • Legal Fundamentals of Small Business

Assignments

Entrepreneurs often benefit by sharing best practices, challenges, and accomplishments with one another. The YEDI Director coordinates regular entrepreneur cluster meetings to facilitate constructive feedback, group exercises, and peer-support. Participants are also expected to complete assignments that are assigned to guide the business development process. Each assignment and achieved goal will form a component of the final proof-of-concept, with which the entrepreneur will graduate the program.

Mentorship

Entrepreneurs will be matched with subject matter experts across diverse industries. The YEDI Program Coordinator will ensure that volunteer mentors from pertinent sectors are available for valuable insight, problem-solving, and networking opportunities.

Communications Support

A business will not survive in a competitive market if it lacks customer service, people management skills, and is unable to relate well to clients, vendors, and staff. Students will take in both a lecture and a seminar involving key components of business communication skills. Our partner National Communication Coaching Association of Canada (NCCA) helps entrepreneurs with their business branding, writing, communication tactics and pitch presentations.

Have more questions about this program?

Contact us at [email protected]