YEDI – International Program for Entrepreneurs and Start-Up Businesses

Learn how to start a business in Canada – open to international founders of start-up enterprises.

SEEEC works with the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI), to offer this program designed for International entrepreneurs who want to launch a new business. This program will be of particular interest to start-up companies looking for partnerships in Canada and includes opportunities to showcase their business idea to potential investors.

YEDI accepts international entrepreneurs from any country and any sector. A selection committee comprised of industry experts and partners evaluates applications based on set criteria and successful applicants will receive two weeks of instruction, followed by a Venture Fair where they can showcase their company and pitch their idea to both YEDI’s venture capital fund and other investors.

Successful entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to obtain a Letter of Support from an angel investor group, a venture capital fund or a business incubator in attendance who are designated by the Government of Canada under its Start-Up Visa immigration stream.

The SEEC-YEDI Program, Mentorship and the Venture Fair

Accepted participants undergo an intensive two-week program that includes in-class sessions led by Schulich Executive Education Centre instructors, workshop-based training in entrepreneurship and mentorship by key industry leaders. Students will be familiarized with the Canadian business landscape and meet with organizations supporting small business growth and development, including BDC, Venture Lab and law firms, among other major organizations. Upon program completion, entrepreneurs will have a professionally developed business plan, executive summary, and a proper business model that will be ready to pitch and potentially bring to the Canadian market. Participants will also receive an official certificate from the Schulich Executive Education Centre, which is part of the Schulich School of Business at York University, and YEDI.

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.

Eligibility

• Applicant is the venture’s 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;
• For-profit start-up
• Applicant(s) is able to travel to Toronto, Ontario, for program. Successful applicants will receive a letter of invitation from Schulich Executive Education Center, in order to obtain appropriate visa;
• An ability to communicate in English equivalent to a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5;
• Completion of one year of study in a post-secondary institution;

For more information on the International Start-up Program and to apply, visit the YEDI International Program website today.