The Founder’s Journey
Free online step-by-step course for aspiring entrepreneurs
The Founder’s Journey is a FREE online course, taught by award-winning professors from Ivey Business School at Western University. This 8 module course will guide participants through the step-by-step process of launching a business.1
Professors provide insights and use real-life business cases to help students understand the entrepreneurial process. The course can be completed in less than four hours and participants earn a certificate upon completion.2
Created by Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship at Western University, in collaboration with RBC, and The Globe and Mail.
Prefer French? Enroll here. Please note that switching to French after you’ve started will require re-enrollment in the French version and restarting the course.
By clicking Start Now, I acknowledge I have read and agree to The Founder’s Journey’s Terms and Conditions.
Do you want to start a business?
Learn from the best
Our professors are world-class researchers from the Ivey Business School at Western University, bringing their expertise and experience to this course.
Learn at your pace
Delivered 100% online, access all learning modules and tests anywhere! This course provides you with the freedom to learn what you want, when you want. Just log in and go!
Learn for free
Whether you’re a self-starter with an already-active business, or simply eager to test the waters, this FREE online course will support your unique entrepreneurial journey.
Course Content
Module 1: The Entrepreneurial Process
What You’ll Learn
Entrepreneurs are people who identify problems and develop the products, processes, or services to solve them. Module 1 demystifies common entrepreneurship myths and outlines the exciting paths entrepreneurs take in creating their ventures.
Meet Your Professor
Eric Morse, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship
Western University
Module Details
21 minute on-demand video
10 question test
Module 2: Ideation
What You’ll Learn
Every successful venture solves a clearly defined customer problem. Module 2 teaches you how to identify the difference between “good” and “bad” problems – and how to frame them in a compelling and believable way.
Meet Your Professor
Larry Plummer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Ivey Business School
Western University
Module Details
16 minute on-demand video
12 question test
Module 3: Exploring Solutions
What You’ll Learn
In Module 3, you’ll learn how to ideate, experiment, understand your customers, and get closer to that winning business solution. Clearly define your entrepreneurial opportunity and begin to solve it.
Meet Your Professor
Janice Byrne, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Ivey Business School
Western University
Module Details
23 minute on-demand video
14 question test
Module 4: First Launch & Traction
What You’ll Learn
The decisions made in preparing your business’s launch can determine the success of your venture. Module 4 discusses mentally preparing yourself to be an entrepreneur, setting up your business to be fully operational on day one and getting those early wins to build upon.
Meet Your Professor
Daniel Clark, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Ivey Business School
Western University
Module Details
19 minute on-demand video
13 question test
Module 5: Planning & Financing
What You’ll Learn
The foundation for financing a business deal starts with planning. Module 5 addresses the importance of planning and how critical the business plan is to secure the financing typically need for a startup to flourish.
Meet Your Professor
David Simpson, MBA
Lecturer
Ivey Business School
Western University
Module Details
17 minute on-demand video
12 question test
Module 6: Go-To-Market Plan
What You’ll Learn
Sales are the lifeblood of any company. Module 6 provides the framework to create the right plan and process to sell confidently. Learn how to attract, keep, and grow your customer base.
Meet Your Professor
Eric Janssen, MBA
Lecturer
Ivey Business School
Western University
Module Details
17 minute on-demand video
10 question test
Module 7: Growth & Scaling Up
What You’ll Learn
Scaling a business is tough and even tougher to maintain. In Module 7, you’ll learn the challenges of growing a business beyond the startup stage and the skills needed to successfully create and manage a high-growth venture.
Meet Your Professor
Dominic Lim, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Ivey Business School
Western University
Module Details
20 minute on-demand video
12 question test
Module 8: Social Enterprise
What You’ll Learn
Do you want to do well financially while doing good for society? If so, building a social enterprise could be for you! This module dives into what a social enterprise is and why you might want to start one.
Meet Your Professor
Simon Parker, Ph.D.
Professor
Ivey Business School
Western University
Module Details
20 minute on-demand video
12 question test
Take Your Skillset To The Next Level
Finish all eight learning modules and tests to receive a The Founder’s Journey certificate of completion.2
By clicking Start Now, I acknowledge I have read and agree to The Founder’s Journey’s Terms and Conditions.
A collaboration between
Continue Your Learning Journey
This RBC-supported course is just one step in your learning journey. Visit Skills for Jobs Canada to explore thousands of flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, discover related courses, and build the skills employers are looking for.
- The Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship “The Founder’s Journey – An Entrepreneurial Process” course, presented in collaboration with the Royal Bank of Canada and Globe & Mail, offers general information only; the information is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. While information presented on the Website is believed to be factual and current, it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expression of opinion reflect those of the individual professor and are subject to change.
- The information in the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship “The Founder’s Journey – An Entrepreneurial Process” is intended for personal knowledge and skills development. The course is non-credit, non-transcript and does not count towards any program, degree, diploma or certificate at Western University.
Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, Ivey Business School and any of its logos and marks are official marks of University of Western Ontario. Used under license. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. The Globe and Mail is a registered trademark of The Globe and Mail Inc. Used under license.