Three programmes, one institution.
Entrepreneurship education funded by the Foundation, taught at the designated institution. Full tuition is covered for admitted applicants. Admission is decided by YEDI.
The three streams.
Curriculum, instruction, admission, and assessment rest with YEDI. The Foundation funds the seat; the institution teaches. Streams run on different rhythms — one twelve-month diploma, two sixteen-week certificates — and accept different stages of founder.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
Diploma covering strategic planning, financial analysis, marketing, operations, and AI in business. For founders building scalable ventures from the ground up.
Incubator Certificate Program
Intensive certificate combining business theory, mentorship, and hands-on venture development. Open to entrepreneurs from first idea through growth phase.
Not-for-Profit Certificate Program
Organizational strategy, governance, fundraising, and entrepreneurial leadership for founders building mission-driven social ventures.
Apply at YEDI.
The Foundation does not accept individual applications. Eligibility, admission criteria, intake windows, and cohort calendar are published on the designated institution's site. The current intake — Cohort 04 — opens in September.
yedi.caAbout the programmes.
Practical questions about the three streams. For mandate, governance, and financials, see the Service Register.
Which programme is the right fit?
The Diploma is built for founders committing twelve months to a full curriculum and a finished plan. The Incubator Certificate is shorter and accepts ventures at any stage — first idea through growth. The Not-for-Profit Certificate is for founders building mission-driven organisations. YEDI advises on fit at the application stage.
What does "full tuition covered" mean?
The Foundation pays YEDI the full programme tuition for admitted applicants who qualify for a CFIR scholarship. There is no application fee at the Foundation's end. Books, materials, and living costs are the responsibility of the student.
Can a founder apply to more than one programme?
Applications are stream-specific. A founder selects the programme that fits their stage; YEDI does not stack admissions across streams in the same intake.
What happens after graduation?
Graduates become eligible for the Foundation's seed grant programme, also administered through YEDI. The award is not automatic — YEDI evaluates each applicant on venture viability, market readiness, and programme performance.
Are the programmes delivered online or in person?
Delivery format is set by YEDI and varies by stream and cohort. Current arrangements are published on YEDI's site alongside the intake calendar.
What if a founder is already enrolled at YEDI without a CFIR scholarship?
Scholarship status is decided at admission and is tied to a specific cohort. A founder already in a programme on different funding should speak with YEDI's admissions office about future intakes.
For everything else, see the Service Register.
Mandate, governance, financials, designated-institution framework, contact and FAQ are stated once in the Foundation's Service Register. This page covers only what is specific to the programmes.