The Innovation Leadership Accelerator Program for CPAs is a hands-on, 11-week program designed to equip CPAs with the skills, confidence, and network to lead in Canada’s fast-moving innovation economy.
Whether you’re working in a startup, scaleup, or a larger organization, this program gives you the insights and tools to help your company grow and adapt. Built specifically for CPAs, it bridges traditional finance with the demands of high-growth environments.
In partnership with Canadian business icons Jim Balsillie and John Ruffolo, participants gain real-world experience, mentorship, and practical strategies to drive change, support presidents, founders and CEOs, and lead with an entrepreneurial mindset.
This isn’t theory—it’s action. And it’s your launchpad to becoming a forward-thinking financial leader.
This opportunity is designed to empower CPAs with the knowledge, exposure, and experience needed to become financial leaders of organizations driving innovation. It equips participants with real-world experience, mentorship, and practical strategies to drive change, support presidents, founders, and CEOs, and lead with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Take the self-assessment quiz to find out if this program is right for you.
Build essential leadership skills to drive innovation:
The program blends immersive, real-world learning over 11 weeks:
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) and a host of other high-profile innovation leaders.
Do you see yourself as a future-focused CPA—someone who leads with strategy, drives innovation, and thrives in fast-moving environments? If you’re passionate about growth, learning, and shaping the future of Canada’s innovation economy, this program is built 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.
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.”
Read more about Shruti's experience
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.”
Read more about Shruti's experience
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.”
