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Tune in to your leader instincts with lessons from one of Canada’s top business schools.
In partnership with
Certificate in Business and Leadership Essentials Program
The Certificate in Business and Leadership Essentials is a 10-week hybrid certificate program designed in partnership with Schulich ExecEd at York University, Schulich School of Business and supported by the TD Ready Commitment. It is built for Black professionals and entrepreneurs ready to lead at the next level of their craft.
Through a mix of in-person events and live virtual sessions, participants sharpen their business acumen, refine their leadership approach, and gain tools they can apply immediately, whether leading within a growing organization or scaling their own venture. The program gives participants the tools to lead today and build leadership equity that travels with them, wherever they go next.
Graduates receive a hardcopy certificate and a blockchain-secured digital credential issued by Schulich ExecEd, verifiable by employers and clients as formal recognition of their growth and commitment to leadership excellence.
Business & Leadership Essentials Certificate (Fall 2026)
Session Dates
September 10 - December 10, 2026
Where
Hybrid
Applications
June 17 - July 15, 2026
Applications Now Open
In partnership with
Topics In the Program
Format: Live Virtual Sessions
This theme focuses on developing self-awareness, leadership identity, accountability, and long-term career growth. Participants establish personal and professional goals, explore their leadership strengths, and build strategies to navigate career advancement, influence, and decision-making with confidence. Through coaching, reflection, and practical planning, participants will gain clarity on their leadership journey and create a roadmap for achieving their goals.
Sessions Include:
Module 1: Welcome and Action Plans
Module 2: Self-Leadership and Coaching
Module 3: Career Empowerment
Format: Live Virtual Sessions
This theme equips participants with the tools and frameworks needed to think strategically, solve complex problems, and lead innovation. Participants will learn how to assess opportunities, identify competitive advantages, apply human-centred design principles, and anticipate future trends that impact businesses, organizations, and careers. The focus is on making informed decisions and leading confidently in an evolving landscape.
Sessions Include:
Module 4: Strategy for Entrepreneurs and Executives
Module 5: Design Thinking
Module 9: Strategic Foresight
Format: Live Virtual Sessions
Strong leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. This theme helps participants strengthen their executive presence, build a compelling professional brand, and
develop the influence needed to lead teams, negotiate effectively, and build meaningful relationships. Participants will leave with practical tools to communicate their value and navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence.
Sessions Include:
Module 6: Executive Presence
Module 7: Professional Branding
Module 10: Negotiating with Influence
Format: Live Virtual Sessions
Effective leaders understand the financial drivers behind organizational and business success. This theme introduces participants to key financial concepts and tools that support strategic decision-making. Participants will learn how to interpret financial information, evaluate business performance, and make decisions that contribute to long-term sustainability and growth.
Sessions Include:
Module 8: Introduction to Finance
This program is designed for Black-identifying entrepreneurs and professionals who are already in motion: running businesses, leading teams, advising organizations, building brands, or driving change from within. You bring the experience. The Certificate in Business and Leadership Essentials gives you the frameworks, faculty, and peer network to lead sharper, build smarter, and grow into what comes next.
“I recommend this program to anyone willing to learn how to better themselves and grow their business. On top of networking opportunities outside of class time, I found a great support system of peers to help each other mentally. I learned a lot about myself as a business owner, and how my emotions can affect my profit, growth and skills. Getting to learn different points of view in a free environment helps us build better opportunities to work together in the community by connecting and supporting each other to ensure growth in our business goals.”
“Joining this program was probably the most powerful professional and developmental experience that I could have had… The collective experience of different minds from the city coming together under one roof was so inspiring. We were all at different points on our career path, so I learned a lot from both the professors and my peers.”
“Being in a supportive space week after week with Black entrepreneurs and end engaged educators was what germinated the seeds that had been planted. Being in the program through BEA helped open our doors to customers in the summer of 2023.”
“BEA is the real deal! There are many programs in our community seeking to help entrepreneurs launch, grow and scale their businesses. BEA makes it happen! Not only do they provide you with the necessary training, skills, and education—they provide the connections that can give you the right opportunity to network and catapult your business to the next level.”
The BEA program allowed me to meet with amazing mentors and business resources that allowed me to "think outside of the box" where my business is concerned. With the help of this program, I can now pivot with confidence and reassurance. A big thank you to everyone involved with BEA. If you have a food or beverage business idea and want to take it to the next level, this is the program to get in.
The BEA team has been incredibly supportive of my early entrepreneurial journey. They've created an amazing community to help local Black founders like myself take their first steps!
Honestly, since joining BEA I've grown exponentially as a founder. Their wealth of resources & amazing workshops have helped me accelerate the growth of our business. I truly believe BEA will be a catalyst to creating the top Black owned startups in Canada!
This program was one of the best programs I’ve come across for my own personal growth in business but also just in confidence and readiness.
When MyPreconUnit.io becomes a household name...literally, and all puns intended, BEA will be the very group responsible for the shift in wealth equity because they believe in me and didn't let me quit.
Learn more details about the program below, or get in touch with us for all other enquiries.
The Business & Leadership Program is a 10-week hybrid leadership development experience designed to equip Black professionals and entrepreneurs to strengthen their leadership capabilities, business acumen, and strategic decision-making skills. Delivered by industry experts through Schulich ExecEd faculty.
You Are Eligible If You Are:
• Black-identifying
• Age 18 or older
• Residing in Southern Ontario
• An entrepreneur, business owner, manager, director, senior leader, professional, consultant, creative, or intrapreneur looking to strengthen your leadership and business capabilities
A university or college degree is not required.
Hybrid Format: (Live Online Zoom + Asynchronous Components + In-person Socials)
Participants should plan to commit at least 5-6 hours per week, including:
Twenty (20) participants will be selected for the Fall 2026 cohort.
This program is designed for Black-identifying entrepreneurs and professionals who looking to build bigger
Ideal participants include:
• Attend all scheduled sessions (maximum 2 excused absences with advance notice)
• Participate fully (cameras on during live virtual sessions)
• Complete the required pre-work, assigned readings, and the personal action plan
• Participate in the two private coaching sessions
• Submit all deliverables
Selected participants receive a fully sponsored seat valued at approximately $5,500 CAD, through the support of the TD Ready Commitment.
July 15, 2026
A hardcopy Certificate and a blockchain-secured digital credential from Schulich ExecEd at York University Schulich School of Business.
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