| Industry | Startup accelerator, education |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Marat Ressin |
| Headquarters | , Canada |
Number of locations | 4 locations (2019) |
Key people | Marat Ressin, Oleg Amurjuev, Ric Phillips, Maria Konikov |
| Website | yedi |
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) is a venture fund, startup accelerator, incubator and entrepreneurial community located within York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. YEDI offers merit based scholarships allowing Canadians to attend the program tuition-free, an unprecedented offer on the Canadian market. YEDI facilitates collaboration between students, alumni, and academic and business leaders. [1] The organization was founded in 2013 by businessman Dr. Marat Ressin, a native of Russia with close ties to the Jewish community in Canada. [2]
York Entrepreneurship Development Institute is a sector-agnostic start-up supporting organization that provides mentorship to entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations. Upon graduation, the entrepreneurs receive formal certification from The Schulich School of Business (York University) and YEDI. [3] The accelerator programs also assist high potential start-ups with securing funding. [4]
YEDI holds events aimed at creating connections between members from different industry sectors. [5] Start-ups and entrepreneurs use the YEDI spaces during their start-up programs to make prototypes and have a co-working space located within facilities of York University and YEDI's partners. [6]
Over 80,000 sq. ft. of commercial, industrial, office, TV studio and theatre space as well as our Ressin Executive Learning Centre.
Our 65,000 sq. ft. of office space includes a co-working space for early-stage entrepreneurs. [7]
The YEDI Venture Capital Fund is a financing initiative established by the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) to support early-stage startups and small businesses. The fund provides equity investments to high-potential ventures that have completed YEDI’s incubator or accelerator programs.
Operating as a not-for-profit venture capital fund, it aims to foster economic growth by offering financial resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance. Investments are directed toward innovative businesses across various industries, with a focus on scalability and market impact. The fund is structured to reinvest returns into future entrepreneurial initiatives, ensuring continued support for emerging companies. [8]
The Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management Diploma Program offered by the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) is a comprehensive, tuition-free program designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential tools, resources, and mentorship. Spanning one year, the curriculum encompasses strategic planning, financial planning, marketing and sales, and management and operations. Participants benefit from personalized learning experiences and connections with industry-leading experts, all aimed at fostering success in today's competitive business landscape. [9]
The Academic Pathways program at the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) offers graduates of the Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management Diploma Program potential pathways to pursue Master's degrees at various universities worldwide. [10]
The Incubator Certificate Program at the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) is a free, intensive 16-week program designed to support entrepreneurs across various industries. Participants engage in weekly sessions that include formal academic lectures by YEDI instructors, workshop-based entrepreneurship training, and mentorship from industry leaders. The curriculum covers topics such as entrepreneurial leadership, business modeling, marketing strategies, and financial planning. By the program's conclusion, entrepreneurs develop a comprehensive business plan, executive summary, and a viable business model ready for market introduction. Successful graduates receive formal certification from YEDI. Applications are open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents with innovative ideas at any stage of development. [11]
The Entrepreneurship Essentials Certificate Program is an intensive 18-week program designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with in-depth education and practical training. Participants engage in formal academic lectures delivered by YEDI's experienced instructors, complemented by workshop-based entrepreneurship training and mentorship from industry leaders. The curriculum delves into advanced topics, offering a more comprehensive experience than YEDI's Incubator program. By the end of the program, entrepreneurs develop a professionally crafted business plan, executive summary, and a robust business model ready for market entry. Successful graduates receive formal certification from YEDI. [12]
The Not-For-Profit Certificate Program is a free, intensive 16-week program tailored for leaders of not-for-profit organizations across various sectors. Participants engage in weekly online sessions that encompass formal academic lectures by YEDI instructors, workshop-based training, and mentorship from industry experts. The curriculum covers topics such as leadership, business planning, marketing strategies, financial planning, and legal considerations specific to not-for-profits. By the program's conclusion, leaders develop a comprehensive business plan, executive summary, and a robust business model aimed at elevating their organizations to the next level. Successful graduates receive formal certification from YEDI. Applications are open to Executive Directors, Founders, or other senior leaders of not-for-profit organizations. [13]
The Youth Certificate Program is a free, intensive 4-month program designed to equip young entrepreneurs with essential business skills and knowledge. Participants engage in formal academic lectures delivered by Schulich Executive Education Centre instructors, complemented by workshop-based entrepreneurship training and mentorship from industry leaders. The curriculum covers key areas such as business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and leadership development. By the end of the program, participants develop a comprehensive business plan and a viable business model ready for market entry. Successful graduates receive formal certification from YEDI. Applications are open to young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas at various stages of development. [14]
The International Certificate Program is an intensive two-week program designed to familiarize international entrepreneurs with the Canadian business landscape. Participants engage in formal academic lectures by YEDI instructors, workshop-based entrepreneurship training, and mentorship from industry leaders. The curriculum covers topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing and sales strategies, business development, finance, and communication skills. Additionally, participants have opportunities to meet with organizations supporting small business growth, including BDC and OCI. By the program's conclusion, entrepreneurs develop a comprehensive business plan, executive summary, and a viable business model ready for the Canadian market. Successful graduates receive an official certificate from YEDI. Applications are open to international entrepreneurs with innovative ideas at any stage of development. The program is offered in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and online participation. Program fees vary, with options including tuition only or tuition with accommodation and meals. Limited need-based scholarships are available for social impact ventures. [15]
The Global Start-Up Missions program is designed to assist entrepreneurs in accessing international markets by facilitating introductions and fostering connections with local partners. Through this initiative, YEDI leverages its global network to help start-ups establish a presence abroad, providing them with the necessary resources and support to navigate new business landscapes. The program includes intensive sessions that cover market entry strategies, cultural considerations, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential investors in the target country. By participating in the Global Start-Up Missions, entrepreneurs gain valuable insights and establish critical relationships that can accelerate their international expansion efforts. [16]
The Entrepreneurship Research Centre (ERC) is an independent research division of the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI), focused on advancing the study of entrepreneurship through academic research. The ERC operates separately from YEDI’s accelerator programs to maintain objectivity and impartiality in its research. Its studies contribute to a broader understanding of entrepreneurship's impact on business ecosystems and the global economy. [17]
YEDI is a general partner of Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. [18] In March 2016, YEDI partnered with Israeli Ariel University to share its methodology with students through an intensive two-week business acceleration program that was launched for the first time on August 7, 2016. [19] [20] In 2018, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics opened the Joint Department of International Finance and Economics of Small Business Development with YEDI. [21] In 2020, YEDI brought its International Program to Kazakhstan in partnership with Suleyman Demirel University. [22]