Certificate Programs

Photo of YEDI Incubator program lecture with entrepreneurs listening and applauding during a classroom session
Photo of YEDI Incubator program lecture with entrepreneurs listening and applauding during a classroom session

Incubator

Accepted students undergo a free, intensive 16-week program, including formal academic lectures by YEDI instructors, workshop-based training in entrepreneurship, and mentorship by key industry leaders. At the end of the incubator, entrepreneurs will have a professionally developed business plan, an executive summary, and a proper business model that is ready to pitch and potentially bring to the market. Upon successful program completion, participants receive a formal certification from YEDI.

Photo of YEDI President Dr. Marat Ressin speaking at an Entrepreneurship Essentials program session
Photo of YEDI President Dr. Marat Ressin speaking at an Entrepreneurship Essentials program session

Entrepreneurship Essentials

Accepted students undergo an intensive 18-week program, including formal academic lectures by high level YEDI instructors, workshop-based training in entrepreneurship, and mentorship by key industry leaders. This program is more in-depth than YEDI’s Incubator program. At the end of the program, entrepreneurs will have a professionally developed business plan, an executive summary, and a proper business model that is ready to pitch and potentially bring to the market. Upon successful program completion, participants receive a formal certification from YEDI.

Photo of YEDI graduates proudly holding their certificates after completing the entrepreneurship program
Photo of YEDI graduates proudly holding their certificates after completing the entrepreneurship program

Not-For-Profit

Not-for-profit leaders participate in sessions facilitated by York Entrepreneurship Development Institute professors & instructors, providing a solid foundation in business theory and economics. Theory examined includes: entrepreneurship, marketing 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. Sessions take place once per week.

YEDI students at the future site of YEDI’s upcoming campus in Modi’in, Israel
YEDI students at the future site of YEDI’s upcoming campus in Modi’in, Israel

Innovation Bridge

Ready to transform your entrepreneurial journey? The Innovation Bridge Program connects you with world-class mentors, exclusive roundtables with leading experts, and sessions led by industry innovators. Along the way, you’ll build powerful networks and gain the skills to take your venture further. For the top participants—an unforgettable, all-expenses-covered mission to Israel, where you’ll dive into one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, visit leading ventures including OurCrowd, Waze, Mobileye, monday.com, and StoreDot (itinerary subject to change), and open the door to global opportunities.

Photo of YEDI Youth Program participant speaking at a seminar among young entrepreneurs
Photo of YEDI Youth Program participant speaking at a seminar among young entrepreneurs

Youth

Accepted students undergo a free, 4-month program, including formal academic lectures by YEDI instructors, workshop-based training in entrepreneurship, and mentorship by key industry leaders. At the end of the program, entrepreneurs will have a professionally developed presentation deck and a proper business model that is ready to pitch and potentially bring to the market. Upon successful program completion, participants receive a formal certification from YEDI.

Photo of YEDI International Program session with participants listening to a lecture and applauding
Photo of YEDI International Program session with participants listening to a lecture and applauding

International

Accepted participants undergo an intensive two-week program that include formal academic lectures by YEDI instructors, workshop-based training in entrepreneurship, and mentorship by key industry leaders. Students will get familiarized with the Canadian business landscape and meet with organizations supporting small business growth and development, including BDC, OCI 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. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an official certificate from York Entrepreneurship Development Institute.

Photo of modern skyscrapers symbolizing global business and international startup ecosystems
Photo of modern skyscrapers symbolizing global business and international startup ecosystems

Global Startup Missions

Selected entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive, two-week global entrepreneurship development program led by global business leaders and start-up founders. Throughout the program, entrepreneurs will meet with top leaders of the host country’s start-up ecosystem, visit global companies, unique start-ups; and meet with government officials responsible for the growth and development of SMEs.