Schulich Mini-MBA for Indigenous Leaders

In partnership with
Schulich School of Business

Application

OPEN

Course Length

12 sessions over 10 months

Session Dates

Winter 2026 – Spring 2026

Format

Online

A Business Program Like No Other

Rooted in the lived experiences of both the business and Indigenous communities, the CCIB cohort within the Schulich Mini-MBA offers a powerful blend of academic excellence and real-world relevance. This first-of-its-kind initiative combines Schulich ExecEd’s award-winning professional development with CCIB’s mission to foster Indigenous business excellence.

Participants will explore core Mini-MBA content while engaging in:

  • In-person kickoff and graduation events to build connections and celebrate milestones.
  • A Capstone project that applies your learning to a real-world challenge.
  • Group coaching sessions with a seasoned Schulich Business Coach to deepen your insights.

Graduates will earn the official Schulich Mini-MBA Certificate and benefit from ongoing support through CCIB’s coaching programs.

A Specialized Cohort Experience

The CCIB cohort of Indigenous leaders will run as a unique sub cohort within the general Schulich Mini-MBA program. As part of a dedicated CCIB sub-cohort, you’ll enjoy a tailored learning experience while also engaging with peers from diverse sectors and communities—enriching your perspective and expanding your network.

CCIB and Schulich are committed to ensuring that our specialized cohort benefits from several unique program features tailored for you:

  • A Dedicated Program Director: A dedicated program director will guide you through your business and community-specific Action Learning Projects, ensuring you receive tailored support throughout the program.
  • Facilitated Learning Circles: Each classroom day will begin with facilitated learning circles exclusively for CCIB participants, fostering a sense of community among Indigenous leaders.
  • Micro-Learning Events: We’ll host micro-learning events focusing on topics that address key gaps in the Indigenous business community, in partnership with CCIB.
  • Guest Speakers: You’ll have the opportunity to hear from inspiring guest speakers from CCIB, sharing insights and experiences relevant to your journey.
  • Unique Program Culmination & Graduation Event: In the Summer of 2026, you’ll have the chance to present your solution to a panel of senior Indigenous leaders and Schulich leaders at a CCIB-hosted event, showcasing your learnings and impact.

Program Pre-Requisites

To participate in the Mini-MBA for Indigenous Leaders, all applicants must meet the following mandatory prerequisites:

  • An undergraduate degree or equivalent (preferred)
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience
  • Current experience in a management-level or entrepreneurial role
  • Verified membership with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB)

Please ensure you meet all of the above qualifications prior to registering for the program. Failure to meet these requirements will result in your registration being withdrawn.

This program is more than a credential—it’s a transformative experience designed to empower Indigenous leaders with the tools, confidence, and community to thrive. Enrol in the CCIB x Schulich Mini-MBA today.

6 Reasons to Enrol

Amazing Education for Busy Professionals

This program packs rich learnings into a flexible, manageable timeframe. Attend three, 3-day modules over two months. Between modules, engage at your own pace with online material, videos and readings.

Stand Out from the Crowd

Get a unique business education directly related to your professional career. This program covers core MBA topics, from finance and marketing to strategy and business analysis.

Learn from the Pros

Train with top-rated Schulich MBA and EMBA instructors that are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Tackle Exciting Challenges

Apply your newly acquired skills to an engaging Capstone project, modelled after the renowned Schulich Strategy Field Study. Get feedback from business experts.

Network

Connect with and learn from peers and leaders across a wide range of sectors, industries and professions.

Earn Higher Pay

Schulich ExecEd students gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures and lead their teams to new heights.

Get Training in Marketable Skills

✔  Strategic Thinking

✔  Leadership Skills

✔  Decision Making

✔  Risk Management

✔  Communication Skills

✔  Organizing Teams & Resources

✔  Negotiation Skills

Schulich Mini-MBA certificate

Program Overview

Key Content Areas

The Schulich Mini MBA for Indigenous Leaders aims to empower Indigenous leaders with a tailored curriculum that integrates business acumen, driving excellence in business performance, with cultural considerations. The program covers eleven (11) key content areas, selected based on the core skill needs of CCIB and Indigenous professionals, all of which relate to the strategic objectives of CCIB to grow a diverse and prosperous Indigenous community:

  1. Strategy I
  2. Leadership: Confidence Code
  3. Critical Thinking
  4. Strategy II
  5. Marketing
  6. Creating High-Performance Teams
  7. Business Communications
  8. Presentation Skills
  1. Data & Analytics
  2. Managerial Finance
  3. Risk Management & Governance
  4. Networking & Relationship Building
  5. Essentials of HR Management
  6. Leading Change
  7. Business Negotiation

Capstone Project

The Capstone Project is the centerpiece of the Schulich Mini MBA for Indigenous Leaders program. This project tackles a community-driven issue of the participants’ choice. Running concurrently with the Mini-MBA classes, the Capstone provides a platform for action learning and collaboration as participants apply program learnings toward ideating solutions to a real-world challenge. The program will culminate with participants presenting their Capstone solutions to a guest panel of senior leaders.

Program Schedule

Please refer to Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Business Management for the program schedule.