Find an idea. Form a team.
Explore entrepreneurial mindsets, try practical challenges and share your individual idea. Form a team around an opportunity you want to develop.
A team idea to explore
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Founders program · Ontario, Canada
ABC Toronto
One intensive week. Business fundamentals. A clearer way forward.
A beginner-friendly week of hands-on workshops with Peter Forint and guest speakers. Use the Flourishing Business Canvas to develop and test a team idea, practise your pitch and explore Toronto's business community.
18–25 July 20271 weekToronto, CanadaOn campusLimited to 35 participantsFrom €2,300 Early Bird
Early Bird · until 1 Dec 2026
€2,300
€2,900 · save €600
€329 per day · one-week Early Bird tuition
Limited to 35 participants
Applications close 31 May 2027
01Location
Why Toronto is Canada's business hub
Toronto brings together major banks, ambitious startups and people from around the world. As Canada's financial centre and a thriving technology hub, it is a place to see how ideas become businesses — and how businesses reach global markets.
- 01
Where business meets opportunity
Canada's major banks and the Toronto Stock Exchange make the city a meeting point for companies, capital and new ventures.
- 02
A thriving startup ecosystem
Technology companies, founders and incubators such as DMZ connect new ideas with experienced mentors and business networks.
- 03
Talent from world-class universities
The University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University bring research, creativity and entrepreneurial talent into the city.
- 04
A global outlook
Toronto's international communities bring different perspectives and connections — an inspiring setting to learn, exchange ideas and think bigger.
Inside Toronto's business world
Places our participants have visited
Past cohorts have explored technology, finance, manufacturing and startup communities — learning from the people behind the business.
02Program content
Your first steps into business
Learn business by working on a real idea. The 2027 program puts more emphasis on hands-on workshops with Peter Forint and guest speakers, supported by short lectures, company visits and networking. With your team, you develop a business model, test your assumptions and prepare a final pitch for Demo Day judges.
Map your business model
Use the Flourishing Business Canvas to explore your customers, value, stakeholders and impact. Create a first version with Peter's guidance.
Your first Flourishing Business Canvas
Research. Test. Improve.
Design a customer survey, explore secondary research and question your assumptions. Use what you discover to improve your team's canvas.
A revised canvas informed by research
Practise your pitch
Learn the art of the pitch, rehearse with feedback and refine your presentation. Finish by sharing your team's idea with Demo Day judges.
A final team pitch & feedback
One canvas. A bigger view of business.
The Flourishing Business Canvas helps you connect customers, value and how a business works with its wider social and environmental impact. You build a first version, gather evidence and improve it — learning to question assumptions rather than simply fill in a template.
Start before you arrive
Preparation introduces the Flourishing Business Canvas through self-study, so you arrive ready to take part. The previous edition included required preparation modules, optional personal-development material and resources to revisit after Toronto. Your cohort's preparation instructions will be shared before the program.
A day in the program
Example day · Toronto
09:00
Morning
Hands-on workshop with Peter
Work on your Flourishing Business Canvas, design customer research or improve your pitch.
13:00
Afternoon
Guest-speaker workshop or company visit
Explore a practical business challenge, ask questions and bring new insights back to your team project.
18:00
Beyond class
Discover Toronto together
Continue the conversations with your cohort through social activities and time in the city.
Illustrative rhythm, not a confirmed timetable. Sessions, visits and activities are arranged across the week.
The social side of the program
Great conversations. Shared experiences.
There’s more to the week than the classroom. Explore together, get to know your cohort and turn new connections into friendships.
An evening together
Toronto Blue Jays game
Enjoy the energy of a baseball game and get to know your cohort in a relaxed setting, beyond lectures and workshops.
A day beyond the city
Niagara Falls day trip
Discover one of Canada’s most memorable landmarks together — a shared experience and time to connect. Included in tuition.
Who can join?
For students and anyone looking to build a foundation in business. All academic and professional backgrounds are welcome — no previous business knowledge is needed.
35
participants per cohort
An international cohort with space for conversation, teamwork and personal connections.
An interview with the ABC team is required before the admissions board makes the final acceptance decision.
03Instructors
Practical teaching. Real business experience.
Lead instructor
Peter Forint
Seneca University
Peter guides you from your first idea to a tested business model and a clear pitch. Through hands-on workshops, team exercises and feedback, he helps you apply business fundamentals using the Flourishing Business Canvas.
- Teaches introductory business and entrepreneurship
- Private-sector experience in sales, management and product development
- MBA from McMaster University's DeGroote School of Business
Guest speakers & company hosts
Different perspectives on business
Guest speakers bring practical workshops and real business challenges alongside Peter's teaching. Work through ideas, ask questions and learn from different perspectives. Company visits connect that learning with Toronto's business community.
- 01
Founders & entrepreneurs
The decisions, setbacks and lessons behind starting a company.
- 02
Industry professionals
How teams, customers and products work inside a business.
- 03
Startup communities
How incubators and business networks support new ideas.
04Outcomes
A stronger foundation in one week
Move from learning about business to trying it yourself. Leave with a Flourishing Business Canvas you have developed and revised, research insights and experience presenting to judges — plus stronger teamwork and communication skills. This is a practical foundation, not an advanced business qualification.
Business foundations
What you'll learn
- Spot opportunities and define customer needs
- Use the Flourishing Business Canvas
- Connect business value with social and environmental impact
- Research and test business assumptions
Professional growth
Skills you'll develop
- Designing surveys and assessing evidence
- Pitching clearly and answering questions
- Working in an international team
- Improving a business model through feedback
Personal growth
How you'll grow
- Confidence speaking in English
- A broader view of business and culture
- New friendships and connections
- More clarity about your next step
What you take home
Your team's Flourishing Business Canvas
A business model developed, researched and revised through workshops.
Research insights & a rehearsed pitch
Experience gathering evidence and presenting your team's idea to Demo Day judges.
Certificate of Completion
An ABC certificate to share on your CV or LinkedIn.
An ongoing alumni community
Stay connected with ABC alumni and future meetups.
05Campus & stay
Your base: Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is an urban university with a strong focus on practical learning and entrepreneurship. Its downtown campus puts you close to Toronto's business, cultural and social life — a place to learn, connect and experience the city with your cohort.
In the heart of Toronto
Near Yonge and Dundas, with public transit, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions nearby — an ideal base for exploring the city.
Connected to entrepreneurship: DMZ
TMU's DMZ is a startup incubator that helps tech founders grow through mentorship, business support and access to investment. Based at 10 Dundas Street East, it brings Toronto's entrepreneurial ecosystem close to campus.
ABC team support
24/7 ABC team assistance throughout the program, plus travel guidance after acceptance.
Accommodation
Your own room. A shared student suite.
Your private bedroom
- Quiet and rest
- Recharge after full program days
- Your own workspace
- Prepare, reflect and work on your project
Student suite & shared space
- Shared common areas
- Space to relax with your suitemates
- Life with your cohort
- Fellow participants just next door
Every participant stays in a single room within a four-bedroom student suite. Your own space to unwind, with fellow participants nearby — all included in your tuition fee.
Visa & arrival support
After acceptance, ABC provides an official visa invitation letter to support your travel arrangements.
Visitor/tourist or business entry is generally used for this short program. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need a Canadian visitor visa or eTA. Check the correct entry requirements for your planned activities with official Canadian authorities; an invitation letter does not guarantee a visa or entry.
06Alumni stories
The experience, in their own words
““ABC Toronto gave me a practical and engaging experience where I learned something new every day and connected with people from different cultures.””
Supriya
ABC Toronto participant
““This experience helped me understand how to build a business from scratch and work with people from different backgrounds.””
““ABC Toronto business program taught me how to pitch ideas, build a business, and experience the real world beyond the classroom.””
Minnie
Read the story400+ alumni from 30+ countries, with lifetime network access.
Meet the alumni07Tuition fee
Tuition & program inclusions
Early Bird · until 1 Dec 2026
€2,300 €2,900
Applications close 31 May 2027
Included in your tuition
- On-campus housing (Toronto Metropolitan University)
- Welcome package & course materials
- Lectures, guest sessions & workshops
- Company visits & networking
- Team project guidance & feedback
- Niagara Falls day trip
- Certificate of Completion
- 24/7 ABC team assistance
- Lifetime alumni network
- Visa invitation letter after acceptance
Not included
- Flights to and from Canada
- Meals & personal spending
- Health / travel insurance
- Visa or eTA charges, if applicable
- Optional activities & extra nights
Niagara Falls is included. Blue Jays ticket arrangements and optional extras are confirmed with ABC before booking. A separate €150 admission fee is payable only after acceptance.
Payment & admission
€150 · after acceptance
A separate €150 admission fee is payable only after acceptance to secure your spot. It is not included in tuition.
Up to 9 tuition installments
Tuition can be paid in up to 9 installments. Your payment schedule is agreed with the ABC team before you confirm your place.
Scholarships via the Venture Challenge
Awards have covered 100%, 75% or 50% of tuition.
08FAQ
Before you apply
The questions we hear most often.
01Is Toronto suitable for a business beginner?
Yes. This one-week intensive introduces business and entrepreneurship fundamentals. You do not need an existing company or a business degree; curiosity and a willingness to take part matter most.
02Who is eligible, and how are applicants selected?
Applicants must be 18 or older. Open to students, entrepreneurs and anyone willing to learn. All academic and professional backgrounds are welcome. An interview with the ABC team is required before the admissions board makes the final acceptance decision.
03How many participants join each program?
Each cohort is limited to 35 participants. An international cohort with space for conversation, teamwork and personal connections.
04Can I pay in installments, and when is the admission fee due?
Tuition can be paid in up to 9 installments. Your payment schedule is agreed with the ABC team before you confirm your place. A separate €150 admission fee is payable only after acceptance to secure your spot. It is not included in tuition.
05Do I need a visa, and will ABC provide an invitation letter?
After acceptance, ABC provides an official visa invitation letter to support your travel arrangements. Visitor/tourist or business entry is generally used for this short program. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need a Canadian visitor visa or eTA. Check the correct entry requirements for your planned activities with official Canadian authorities; an invitation letter does not guarantee a visa or entry.
Still have a question? Our team replies personally. Ask on WhatsApp
09Apply
Your Toronto chapter starts here
Limited to 35 participants
Early Bird until 1 Dec 2026
Applications close 31 May 2027
- 1Submit your application — free of charge
- 2Interview with the ABC team
- 3Receive the admissions board’s decision
- 4Secure your spot with the €150 admission fee
- 5Agree your tuition payment schedule and receive your invitation letter
Apply to ABC Bootcamps
Tell us about yourself and the program you want to join. Free to apply. An interview is required before the admissions board makes the final decision.
Go to official application