Diploma Program

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management

Applications are open, apply today:

Program Start Date: September 1, 2026

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Overview:

In today’s rapidly changing business ecosystem, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and their employees need modern tools and skills to succeed.

Building on its strong and proven experience in educating entrepreneurs, the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute offers a 12-month intensive program designed to fully equip business owners with the knowledge, skills, and tools required to navigate today’s volatile market environment. The curriculum addresses critical areas such as strategies for business growth amid rapid disruption, as well as the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and other technological advancements.

The program combines lectures, coaching, guided learning and interactive discussion sessions, allowing participants to personalize their learning experience while benefiting from direct engagement with industry-leading experts.

Program instructors and mentors include subject-matter experts and academics with extensive real-world entrepreneurial experience. This Diploma program is approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Curriculum Components:

Program will consist of but is not limited to the following topics:

Business Growth Strategy; Business Modelling; Social Entrepreneurship; Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship

Financial Management; Financial Analysis, Forecasting and Reporting; Business Valuation and Raising Venture Capital

Marketing and Sales Strategy; Business Communication and Negotiations; Market Research Methodologies

Small Business Management; International Operations; R&D Project Management and Collaboration with Academia

Strategies to Leverage Modern AI Tools and Apps; Blockchain Operations; Cybersecurity in Business

Program Policies:

Please review our Program Policies for full details on academic and program requirements. Career Colleges Key Performance Indicators are published and can be found on the following website.

Program Details:

Duration: 12 months, 3 semesters

Weekly commitment: 20 hours (includes live classes and asynchronous guided learning hours)

Evening Schedule: 3-days per week (half-day)

Format: In class or online if necessary

Language of Instruction: English

Total program hours: 980 hours

Admission Requirements:

Academic

  • High school diploma or higher (Canadian or recognized in Canada)*
  • Bachelor’s Degree considered an asset
  • Transcript(s) from all previously attended post-secondary institutions if applicable

Non-Academic

  • Up-to-date resume
  • Successful YEDI due diligence, including interview

*Note: Applicants with non-Canadian academic credentials (High school Diploma, College Diploma, University Degree, etc.) will be required to complete a credential evaluation assessment recognized in Canada. For a list of possible credential evaluation services, please click the following link.

Program Fees:

International Students: $40,000 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.)

To confirm enrolment, a program deposit of $3,000 CAD is required. The deposit is applied in accordance with program policies and is returned upon successful completion of the program and fulfillment of academic scholarship requirements. Financial assistance may be available.

Ready to learn more?

Book a 15 minute consultation with our admissions department.