The Innovation Leadership Accelerator for CPAs is an exclusive program for aspiring financial leaders, fueling the growth of Canada’s innovation economy.
In partnership with leading Canadian innovators Jim Balsillie and John Ruffolo, this immersive 15-week program is designed to empower CPAs with the knowledge, exposure and experience you need to become future financial leaders of organizations that are driving innovation.
Applications for the Winter 2025 Innovation Leadership Program are now open.
Beyond The Books
In addition to classroom fundamentals in strategy, operations, and finance, participants learn the art of the pitch and participate in a business case competition.
Unparalleled Access
This is not your typical lecture series. It’s an intimate, interactive and engaging learning experience with direct access to the country’s leading financial minds.
Unique networking opportunities
Over 15 weeks, these highly engaging weekly sessions include a formalized mentorship program that pairs participants with leaders in the industry and program alumni. Community forums and key events create ongoing networking opportunities with industry peers and mentors.
Learn directly from leading Canadian Innovators like John Ruffolo, Jim Balsillie, and Janet Bannister as they share first-hand lessons from their experiences building million and billion-dollar businesses.
Learn directly from leading Canadian Innovators like John Ruffolo, Jim Balsillie, and Janet Bannister as they share first-hand lessons from their experiences building million and billion-dollar businesses.
Build authentic connections with tech leaders and other like-minded CPAs through small class sizes, weekly networking opportunities, and an official mentorship program.
Build authentic connections with tech leaders and other like-minded CPAs through small class sizes, weekly networking opportunities, and an official mentorship program.
Learn how to raise capital, understand IP strategy, deep dive into AI, data-governance, and more.
Learn how to raise capital, understand IP strategy, deep dive into AI, data-governance, and more.
The Innovation Leadership Accelerator is taught by esteemed innovators and program founders, Jim Balsillie and John Ruffolo, along with leading experts from within Canada’s innovation economy such as Brice Scheschuk (MP Globalive Capital, ex-CFO Wind), Janet Bannister (Founder and Managing Partner, Staircase Ventures), and a host of other high-profile innovation leaders.
Are you a CPA and currently working at a startup or scaleup, or do you aspire to be?
Do you possess strong leadership skills and see your future self as a senior financial leader driving Canada’s innovation economy forward? Do you love learning, developing yourself and being at the forefront of innovation? If so, this program is made for you.
The application process is simple. Submit your resume and our admission department will review your application to evaluate fit. We’ll then let you know if you have been selected to attend. There is also an opportunity to apply for a scholarship.
The 15-week program launches on January 7th in Toronto, at 69 Bloor Street, with select networking events hosted at tech spaces in the downtown core.
Week 1 will start with an exclusive Welcome Event, hosted by founders Carol Wilding, Jim Balsillie and John Ruffolo. The program runs until May 6, 2025, when upon successful completion of the program you will be presented with a certificate at a graduation ceremony celebrating your achievement.
The course tuition of $9,500 CDN is due in full at the time of enrollment. For scholarship eligibility, please provide the required information in your application to be considered or email [email protected] for further information.
2024 Graduate
“Learning directly from knowledgeable industry leaders has been an invaluable experience. This class has served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.”
2024 Graduate
“Learning directly from knowledgeable industry leaders has been an invaluable experience. This class has served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.”
2024 Graduate
“If you are interested in leading a finance function at a start-up or scale-up, then this course is the perfect primer. I feel excited about my future as a leader in this space, and understand much better where I need to focus to accomplish my career goals.”
2024 Graduate
“If you are interested in leading a finance function at a start-up or scale-up, then this course is the perfect primer. I feel excited about my future as a leader in this space, and understand much better where I need to focus to accomplish my career goals.”
2024 Graduate
“Not only did I get a clear picture of what it takes to lead a team in the innovation economy, but I also formed lasting connections that have expanded my network immensely.”
2024 Graduate
“Not only did I get a clear picture of what it takes to lead a team in the innovation economy, but I also formed lasting connections that have expanded my network immensely.”
