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Talent Development Program

Business & Leadership

Essentials

Turn up your leader instincts with lessons from one of Canada’s top business schools.

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SUPPORTED BY

In partnership with

Find your focus.
Develop your leadership.

Designed in partnership with Schulich ExecEd at York University Schulich School of Business, this exclusive certificate program equips Black professionals and entrepreneurs with practical business and leadership foundations to thrive in today’s fast-paced economy.

Through a mix of in-person events and virtual sessions, participants will sharpen their business acumen, clarify their leadership approach, and gain tools to immediately strengthen performance—whether leading within a growing company or scaling their own company.

Graduates will receive a blockchain-secured digital credential issued by Schulich ExecEd—verifiable by employers and clients—as a formal recognition of their growth and commitment to leadership excellence.

Tuition

Covered in full for selected participants ($5,500 CAD value)

Length

10

WEEKS

Mode

Hybrid

Business & Leadership Essentials

How to apply

Who should apply?

This certificate program is ideal for Black-identifying entrepreneurs, team leads, executives and professionals looking for accessible, intensive business & leadership courses taught by top-ranked instructors and industry leaders.

Application steps

1

Fill out the application form to tell us about your experience and goals.

2

We’ll review your application to ensure this program is where you’ll gain the most value.

3

You’ll be notified about your next steps and further recommendations.

Upcoming session

Session dates:

September 10 – December 10th, 2026

Registration starts:

Spring / Summer 2027

Last day to register:

Summer 2027

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Topics of study

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

Format: Live virtual sessions

Learnings

Beyond the classroom

When you join a BEA program, you leave with real ways to succeed as a Black intrapreneur.

One-on-one coaching sessions

Insight on all essential business topics

A digital credential to enhance your CV

Flexible, hybrid learning

Program & Application FAQ

Learn more about the program or get in touch with us for other enquiries.

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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)
– Orientation (In-person): September 10, 2026
– Weekly Classes (Live Virtual): Mondays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, starting September 14, 2026
– Certificate Presentation (In-person): December 10, 2026

– Program Orientation (In-person): Thursday, September 10, 2026
– Weekly Classes (Live Virtual): Mondays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
– Certificate Presentation (In-person): Thursday, December 10, 2026

Participants should plan to commit at least 5-6 hours per week, including:
– 3-hour weekly virtual sessions.
– Preparation, readings, and peer engagement.
– Action plan work and applied frameworks.
– Optional additional time may be required, depending on your personal development goals

Twenty (20) participants will be selected for the Fall 2026 cohort.

Sept. 10 – Program Orientation (In-person)
Sept. 14 – Module 1: Welcome and Action Plans (Online)
Sept. 21 – Module 2: Self-Leadership and Coaching (Online)
Sept. 28 – Module 3: Career Empowerment (Online)
Week of October 5 – Networking Mixer and Alumni Panel (In-person)
Oct. 19 – Module 4: Strategy for Entrepreneurs and Executives (Online)
Oct. 26 – Module 5: Design Thinking (Online)
Nov. 2 – Module 6: Executive Presence (Online)
Nov. 9 – Module 7: Professional Branding (Online)
Nov. 16 – Module 8: Introduction to Finance (Online)
Nov. 23 – Module 9: Strategic Foresight (Online)
Nov. 30 – Module 10: Negotiating with Influence (Online)
Dec. 10 – Certificate Presentation (In-person)

This program is designed for Black-identifying entrepreneurs and professionals who looking to build bigger

Ideal participants include:
– Entrepreneurs and business owners
– Founder-operators
– Creative entrepreneurs, influencers, and brand-led founders
– Mid-career professionals and emerging leaders
– Senior leaders, directors, and vice presidents
– Intrapreneurs championing innovation and new initiatives within corporations, non-profits, and public sector organizations
– Consultants, advisors, and fractional executives

– 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.