EDUCATION

Business Finance & Investment Readiness Programs

Breaking Barriers in Access to Capital

At the Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF), we understand that fundraising is not an equal playing field – especially for underrepresented founders. Bias, systemic barriers, and a lack of access to investment networks make it harder for many entrepreneurs to secure the capital they need to grow. That’s why our Business Finance & Investment Readiness Programs are designed to equip diverse innovators with the skills, confidence, and tools they need to navigate the fundraising landscape successfully.

IEF Scholarships: Opening Doors to Game-Changing Opportunities

IEF’s Scholarships Program ensures that equity-deserving entrepreneurs can access these vital programs at no cost. Through this initiative, we connect underrepresented founders with world-class training on financial literacy, capital acquisition options, and investment communications – enabling them to secure funding and scale their businesses.

How to Apply for a Scholarship

We are actively working to grow our Founders Fund to unlock scholarship cohorts.

  • Step 1: Apply now for our scholarship program, choosing the programs you’re interested in. Scholarships are taken on a first-come-first-served basis (based on scholarship eligibility criteria).
  • Step 2: If your business undergoes any significant updates, you can update your scholarship application so as to never miss out on a scholarship program match.
  • Step 3: If selected, you will be notified and invited to join our IEF Campus, where all our entrepreneur training & development programs run from.
Apply Today

Our Programs

IEF currently offers three core programs designed to help entrepreneurs master financial literacy, investment readiness, and strategic fundraising:

Flip the Script

A cutting-edge program that helps founders master the art of investment communication. Learn how to pitch with confidence, structure compelling investor conversations, and flip the script on traditional fundraising power dynamics.

100%
find the simulation environment helpful in practicing for presenting to investors

20%
increase in knowledge of the VC/Angel, Financing Ecosystem

Fearless Finance

Our 3-part business finance fundamentals course, it’s designed to help entrepreneurs develop financial literacy, understand key financial metrics, and build a strong foundation for long-term financial success.

Developed by a CPA for
Canadian founders

The Collective

A mastermind program for ambitious founders who understand the impact of mentorship. This collaborative space connects entrepreneurs with peers at a similar growth phase, in trained facilitator guided sessions to troubleshoot challenges, strategize growth, and create actionable business plans.
78%
of IEF’s network sees the value in The Collective and wishes to take part