
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
A 5-Week Program for International Students in Canada
- Pitch for over $250K in Funding
- Permanent Residency under Startup Visa Program
- Access to VDI Platform
About Program
A 5-week program to help and support aspiring international student entrepreneurs
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.
The program participants will gain the following
- Official Certificate for LinkedIn and Resume
- Access to Mentors and Industry Partners
- A Chance to Pitch Your Business Idea and Raise Over $250K in Funding
- Get Internship Opportunity in VDI's Startup Companies
- Opportunity to Fast-track your Permanent Residency through the Startup Visa Program
Program duration
5 Weeks
2 Hours Session/Week
Early Bird
$
490
Regular price $800
*Explore the opportunity to work in a startup environment and get paid internships in marketing & business development, market research analysis, and finance through VDI’s Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship program.
What makes us unique?
Overall Alumni Statistics
VDI’s team of Mentors guide you in all aspects of the business including Team Building, Leadership, Operations, Finance, Human Resources and Marketing.

What will you learn from the program?

Customer Discovery
- Identify customers needs/problems that need innovative solutions
- Market Research Methodologies and Tools

MVP Testing
- Developing innovative/technology-based solutions to customers’ needs/problems
- Customer Validation: Testing Assumptions & Hypotheses
- Developing an effective Go-To-Market Strategy

Business Model Validation
- Developing a solid business model
- Determining the right pricing strategies
- Understanding paying customers
- Validating business model
See what our students say

Safiya K.
"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 over $250,000 in funding for your startup."

Meghrajsinh T.
"VDI’s Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Program was one of the best decisions I have taken as it exposed me to the key elements of building a startup business. It allowed me to turn my ideas into reality. I’ve always wanted to start my own business; however, I didn’t know where to start as an international student."

Daniel O.
"The fundamentals of entrepreneurship allowed me to rethink outside the box when I presumed I was already thinking outside the box. With superb mentors, you know you are in the right hands and the right place for your idea(s) to flourish."

Usman R.
"The FOE program helped me shape my idea. It was a nice experience to receive sessions from coaches who worked with hundreds of startups and teach you best practices in a short time."
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the Program, you must:
- Want to start a company in Canada and have a viable business idea
- Be an International Student in Canada
- Want to become a Permanent Resident in Canada
- Be open to new ideas and guidance from Mentors
At the end of 5 weeks, we give you a chance to present your idea to a real investor.
Pitch for an opportunity to raise $250K+ under Startup Visa Program
Our Commitment to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
We are committed to driving the growth of Canada’s future leaders, innovators, and social change-makers. To further this goal, Venture Development Institute is proud to be a repeat sponsor of the Queen’s Entrepreneur’s Competition (QEC) and UNB’s Apex Business Plan Competition. Our initiatives are enabling the next generation of entrepreneurs, visionaries, and game-changers to make their mark on the world.

