YEDI now a designated business incubator for Start-Up Visa Program

York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) has been named a Designated Business Incubator for the Canadian government’s Start-Up Visa Program.

This important milestone will enable YEDI to support international entrepreneurs looking to Canada as a new home for both themselves and their ventures.

With this designation, YEDI aims to help many of York University’s international students who develop innovative projects during their time at the University remain in Canada to pursue their goals. Instead of leaving without realizing the full potential of their start-up ventures, they will now be able to apply, with YEDI’s assistance, for a Letter of Support and begin their Start-Up Visa application process. As a designated accelerator, YEDI will support Start-Up Visa Program participants through its various programs upon obtaining permanent residence status.

The Institute has taken a unique approach to screening potential applicants in an effort to have a better understanding of the business and entrepreneur they would like to support. Attending YEDI’s Desginated Business Incubator programs, hopeful applicants are invited take part in either a two-week intensive program or an extensive seven-month program at the Schulich ExecEd (Schulich ExecEd), Schulich School of Business. During this time, they will learn the fundamentals of launching a business in Canada, develop an executive summary and business model ready to pitch and potentially bring to the Canadian market. Participation in the program will allow both participants and organizations to have a better understanding of each other and increase the applicant’s chances of obtaining a Letter of Support.

To facilitate its role as a designated business incubator and as part of its ongoing efforts to assist local entrepreneurs, YEDI is happy to announce the opening of its second Business Acceleration Campus located at 7250 Keele St. in Vaughan, on the Second floor of the Improve Canada Centre. The new campus features 50,000 sq. ft. of space including 2500 sq. ft. of co-working space for early-stage entrepreneurs. For more information and to submit an application visit the YEDI website or email YEDI directly.