A 5-Day Program for International Students in Canada
Pitch for over $250K in Funding
Permanent Residency under Startup Visa Program
Access to VDI Platform
A 5-day program aimed at unearthing the Entrepreneur in you!
This unique virtual program is designed specifically for international students in Canada, aiming to empower them with the skills required to become entrepreneurs. This short yet powerful program helps unleash the potential of your business idea and transform it into a full-fledged Startup.
Session 1
Opportunity Discovery
for International Students in Canada
May 13th, 2021, 3:00 PM EST.
Brent Lessard
Director of Programs & Operations
This session is part of the Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship program which is uniquely designed for International Students in Canada. It aims to empower them with the skills required to become successful entrepreneurs.
Program Benefits
- Official Certificate for LinkedIn and Resume
- A Global Network of Entrepreneurs
- Access to The VDI Venture Network
- Connections with Investors and Mentors
- Pitch for $250K in Funding
- Get Permanent Residency Immigration Sponsorship
- Explore Investment Opportunities
VDI's team of Mentors guide you in all aspects of the business including Team building, Leadership, Operations, Finance, Human Resources and Marketing
Peter Sutherland
Distinguished Diplomat
Former Canadian Ambassador:
Philippines, India, Saudi Arabia, Yemen
Dennis Kibirev
Co-Founder of Frontier Funder
Growth Leader, Venture Advisor, Frontier & Emerging Market Startups
Matt Boardman
Startup Pitch Coach
Advised Over 250+ Companies
Scott Kress
Summitted Mt. Everest & 7 Summits
North Pole & South Pole. High-Performance Team Building
Jay Fisher
Professor - School of Business at Durhum College
Business coach, advisor, and mentor to entrepreneurs
Shreya Gupta
NortonRose FullBright
Technology and Privacy Lawyer
Brent Lessard
Director of Programs & Operations
Winner of multiple international awards including from Province of Ontario, SpaceX, and Dubai Futures Foundation
What Will You Learn?
Successful Leadership
Learn applicable skills on how to shape yourself into a successful leader and bring your entrepreneurial vision into existence.
Dedicated Assistance
Gain valuable insights from industry experts through group coaching sessions and individual assistance if needed.
Vast Learning Material
Tailored exercises help reinforce your learning and apply entrepreneurial concepts and methods into building to business strategy.
Extensive Resources
Refer a wealth of curated resources in our VDI Portal that makes it easier for you to understand and develop robust business plans.
Safiya Khaki
Final Year Student - BBA, Accounting and Finance,
Safiya has raised over $250K in funding
"The Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship program exposed me to the various elements needed to run a successful business in Canada.If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and determination, enrolling in the FoE program can be the bridge between you and your goals; with expert advice in running a successful business in Canada as well as the opportunity to get $200,000 in funding for your start up.
My advice to International Students in Canada is, if an entrepreneurial venture has ever crossed your mind, enrolling into the FoE program is a fantastic first step that you can take to open up a world of opportunities."
Why We are Unique?
Overall Alumni Statistics
- Technologies of the Future
- Turning ideas into Products that change the world
- Designing the next “Unicorn”
- Figuring out the right Business model
- Virtual competition with unique prizes
- Fundamentals of Growth and Sales
- How and when to Incorporate your Company
- Everything you need to know about Fundraising
- Become a Leader and identify your Blind Spots
- Let’s build great Teams
- Construct the perfect Business Pitch
- Pitch to Investors, win Prizes, Funding & Graduate!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Program, you must:
- Be presently residing in Canada.
- Have a viable Start-up idea.
- Be an International student.
- Want to stay on as a Permanent Resident in Canada.
- Be open to new ideas and guidance from Mentors.
At the end of 5 days, we give you a chance to present your idea to a real investor.
Pitch for an opportunity to raise $250K+ under Startup Visa program
Still feel that you do not have it in you?
Don’t worry, many of our alumni have had no idea if they were interested in starting a business, but by the end of this program, were able to come up with a robust Business idea and Strategy to take it forward.