Georgian College Completion Badge
Hybrid
Learning
Self-paced
TRAINING
Flourishing Business Model Design
Design Enterprises That Enable Flourishing Futures
To flourish, we must embrace new ways of thinking, being, and acting.
This is especially true when reimagining what flourishing means in the context of business design. It calls for new tools and methods, innovative language, and bold new paradigms for how businesses can support and enable a flourishing world.
The Flourishing Business Model Design Course will support you to design, test, and refine your own business model using the Flourishing Business Canvas while developing the critical skills, mindsets, and contextual understanding essential for creating regenerative ventures.
The course combines self‑paced online learning with weekly live group coaching by the creators of the Flourishing Business Canvas and Flourishing Startup Method.
Brought to you by
Hybrid
This isn’t just another course. We live in a time of intersecting crises: social, ecological, and economic. Traditional models of doing business often reinforce the very problems we’re trying to solve. To flourish, we must embrace new ways of thinking, being, and acting, and that all begins with how we design our businesses.
This course helps you move beyond extractive models and toward regenerative enterprise design. You’ll learn to see business as a powerful tool for enabling flourishing futures, grounded in systems thinking, equity, and innovation.
COURSE INFO
A flourishing business model design experience that will transform the way that you think about and do business
Dates
September 18, 2026 - December 18, 2026
Time Investment
30 hours of self-paced online learning.
Interactive platform with videos, readings, your own flourishing business canvas and reflection activities.
Weekly 1-hour live, interactive group coaching
Alternating between Tuesdays and Wednesdays for EST and CET Participants 10:30am EST / 4:30 pm CET or Asia Pacific Participants Wednesday SGT 8:30-9:30am
Additional resources and tools
Go deeper. Look for resources available in the learning platform
Completion Badge
Upon completion, receive a badge from
Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, Ontario, Canada.
Your badge makes you eligible to complete the full Micro-Certificate in Flourishing Business Design. See more info below.
Membership to The Flourishing CoLab
The course includes access to the Flourishing Business Community.
Optional peer meet-ups
Design your Flourishing Business Model with your peers
The Flourishing Business Model Design Course is supported by
CONTRIBUTIONS
Full-paying
participants
US$
300
C$425 / €275
-
Access to live-weekly expert coaching
-
Access access to self-paced video lessons and guided reflection modules
-
Powerful business model design framework,
-
Access to the Flourishing Business Community, Worldwide network of leaders
-
Georgian College Completion Badge
SIGN UP HERE
Best for:
Founders, consultants, organizational leaders, and educators ready to lead systemic change.
Student or
Not in Full Time Employment
US$
145
C$200 / €130
-
Access to live-weekly expert coaching
-
Access access to self-paced video lessons and guided reflection modules
-
Powerful business model design framework,
-
Access to the Flourishing Business Community, Worldwide network of leaders
-
Georgian College Completion Badge
SIGN UP HERE
We believe cost should never be a barrier to creating a flourishing future. If you're a student, early-career innovator, or someone experiencing financial limitations
Pay-it-forward
[DONATION]
ANY AMOUNT
-
Thank you for your generosity in purchasing a ticket on behalf of a scholarship applicant. You can remain anonymous as a supporter, or we can put you in touch with the scholarship applicant. We will contact you to discuss.
SCHOLARSHIP
APPLY BY
AUGUST 28 2026
-
We appreciate that economic realities differ around the world and don’t want there to be barriers to benefiting from this course.
CLOSED GROUP COHORT:
Work together through the course with your team on your organization’s business model. Rates available on request. Enquire here
NOVEMBER 2026 COHORT
Miss this cohort? The next cohort starts November 13, 2026 – February 5 , 2026.
MICRO-CERTIFICATE 2026 COHORT:
The next Micro-Certificate cohort will commence in January 2027, with dates to be announced soon. Join the waitlist here.
If you have further questions, please contact us.
TESTIMONIALS
What Others Are Saying
“During the Flourishing Business Model Design course, I learned how to engage in a different kind of dialogue, how connected we all are across the world, and how to better engage and align with my partners and value co-creators in new ways.
I found the concept of value co-creation super valuable, and I have been modifying things in my business around our products and services as a result.
This is the evolution I’m taking away. I also loved the reflections, group coaching discussions, content, and flexibility of pace and timing, and being able to engage at my own pace.”
“I left the course inspired, hopeful, and grateful for the opportunity to learn such in‑depth practices and exercises that help me better understand and do flourishing business modelling for myself and the classes I teach”
“Last year I noticed that I was being drawn towards Systemic and Regenerative Design after years of working in Innovation and Strategic Service Design.
The opportunity came up to do the Flourishing Business Canvas course, and it turned out to be the missing piece I was looking for. I had used Lean Canvases for years, and it was refreshing to have a tool that enabled me to include the greater whole in my thinking process.
The pace of the course was just right to balance with work, and there was plenty of engaging course content and excellent guidance.”
“This course expands venture design thinking. If the lean start‑up and business model canvas is high school, the flourishing start‑up method and flourishing business canvas is post‑growth and post‑secondary.”
“It’s time to be inspired.
Learning to evolve a Flourishing Business Canvas gives you the tools and training to move beyond the short-term, economics-only focus keeping businesses stuck in “business as usual.” Design efforts are focused within a deeply interconnected system, one that integrates our shared environment, social and collective well-being in relationship with each other.
A rich library of tools, readings, and thought-provoking international conversations centers the course, giving you the confidence to design within shifting conditions and imagine many different definitions of growth and futures.
Antony and Ondine bring immense knowledge, both experiential and theoretical, along with a sincere commitment to the future of organizations, the people who power them, and the planet that supports us all.”
Michele Braniff, LL.B, M.T.S. G.Dip
Bioregional Champion, Artist, Community Activist and Graphic Facilitator
“My design process focused on bioregioning within my local watershed. I appreciated that the model easily integrated Permaculture Principles and ethics and, as the design evolved, the patterns of goals, process, values, people, activities, costs, benefits, and relationships reflected the fractal nature of my work and of the ecosystem.
The program exceeded my expectations at many levels: continuing relationships with other participants; the Flourishing Business Canvas which I created; and the insights which I continue to reflect upon and apply to my bioregional work. I would love to see the Flourishing Business Design approach become more widespread in the bioregional community work – internationally and especially in my own watershed!”
“The Flourishing Business Model Design course expands a business frame to include stakeholders’ and environmental context.
I especially benefitted from the course’s step-through every aspect of a business, the integrated listening to stakeholders, and then its deliberate weave of the story of one’s enterprise to be authentic and compelling.
I learned some new techniques and valued the peer atmosphere and exchange. Recommended for those who want a more contextual approach.”
Michele Manocchi, PhD
Researcher, Founder and Principal, Michele Manocchi Organizational Consulting, London Ontario
“This was one of those few experiences in my lifetime that really changed the way I look at the world and my role in it. This was a transformative experience that equipped me with powerful new tools to significantly change my perspective on issues and solutions.
I met outstanding people, and I will continue this adventure with as many of them as possible, using “flourishing” as the framework through which to assess and design my professional and personal actions. If you are in business, you should consider this opportunity, regardless of your role or your company’s size: you will love it!”
“What a fantastic experience! I am so pleased to have taken the Flourishing Business Model Design course, and I’m incredibly grateful to Ondine and Antony for selflessly sharing their deep knowledge, experience, and unwavering encouragement.
This course is far more than just learning how to fill out a canvas. It is a reflective journey into organizational purpose, the power of storytelling to co-create, a deep dive into how our individual journeys influence design, and an opportunity to meet other like-minded participants. It also provides a robust, actionable methodology for designing a flourishing business model. It’s a brilliant addition to Acacia’s training and advisory toolbox.”
“This course has changed how I view entrepreneurship. The things that you will learn in this course will blow your mind. It’s refreshing to know that there are folks out there who believe the same things you do. It’s so refreshing and important to hear that you’re not alone in this.
I had been looking for another way to run my business for some time. I had a ton of ideas that resonated with me but not with the entrepreneurial space at large.
I knew I wanted to create something that would not only last, but be seen as an example of how business isn’t just about profit and nothing else.
The course taught me how to take my ideas and build a venture that grows organically, honors the planet and offers meaningful work to all involved whilst making money.
Flourishing Business Model Design is for you if you are willing to challenge the status quo and forge a path for others to follow.”
“The Flourishing Business Model Design course fundamentally changed how I think about building organizations. The course gave me practical tools and confidence to design our business model and strategy.”
“I feel inspired. The course has given me new ways to design programs, services, and projects within my organization.”
“I left the course inspired, hopeful, and grateful for the opportunity to learn such in‑depth practices and exercises that help me better understand and do flourishing business modelling for myself and the classes I teach.”
“This course expands venture design thinking. If the lean start‑up and business model canvas is high school, the flourishing start‑up method and flourishing business canvas is post‑growth and post‑secondary.”
“This course has me completely rethinking the way I offer my business coaching services.”
“I learned how to design business models that meaningfully incorporate environmental, societal, and economic benefits at the same time.”
“It’s an excellent mix of technical training and personal support that I’m already integrating directly into my own business.”
Is This Course For You?
For the shift toward flourishing futures to happen, we need people from all walks of life to reimagine what business can be and to put those ideas into practice.
This is not a course only for entrepreneurs or executives. We welcome anyone committed to shaping enterprises, projects, and communities that enable people, nature, and economies to thrive.
Here are some of the folks who most often join us:
- Entrepreneurs starting or growing a venture who want to embed flourishing principles from the ground up.
- Leaders of established businesses or non-profits who are ready to explore regenerative, future-fit models.
- Consultants, coaches, and mentors looking to expand their toolkit with flourishing-focused business design.
- Educators in innovation, strategy, or entrepreneurship seek to equip learners with next-generation tools, models and skills.
- Facilitators or program designers in startup accelerators and incubators who want to integrate flourishing business design into their programs.
- Stewards of bioregional initiatives such as eco-villages, landscape restoration, and community regeneration, looking for business models that sustain their work.
- Leaders of community-driven projects tackling social, environmental, or economic challenges who want to strengthen their impact through flourishing design.
No matter your sector, background, or starting point, if you’re ready to challenge business-as-usual and design for thriving futures, you’ll find your place here.
IN THIS COURSE YOU WILL:
1. Build foundational knowledge of flourishing-centred business design.
2. Learn to use the Flourishing Business Canvas to design the business model of your own venture or an organization you support.
3. Explore the integration of your personal and business journey.
4. Refine your business model, and test its assumptions using design practices aligned with flourishing goals.
5. Complete a flourishing competency assessment to identify opportunities for continued growth and learning.
6. Earn a badge from Georgian College, and become eligible to complete the full Micro-Certificate in Flourishing Business Design.
Meet Your Coaches
Together, Ondine and Antony bring you expertise and insights grounded in years of research and real‑world practice.
Ondine Hogeboom
Director & Co-Founder
of Flourishing Startups.
Linkedin
Ondine is an impact entrepreneur having started 7 social enterprises, an educator, and a researcher who has designed over 25 startup programs and supported more than 12,000 learners globally. She brings systems thinking and co‑creation to help you imagine and build flourishing futures. Ondine is the co-creator of the Flourishing Startup Method.
Antony Upward
Originator of the Flourishing Business Canvas, and Co-Founder of the Flourishing Enterprise Co-Lab.
Linkedin
Antony is a globally recognized thought leader and management consultant with over 35 years of experience. He oriented the freely available Flourishing Business Canvas, now used in over 70 countries, to enable organizations to be ready for the very different futures that are emerging
THE LEARNING JOURNEY
The course guides you through three learning phases: Groundwork, Practice, and Reflect.
You’ll engage with interactive materials, videos, reflection exercises, and practical tools that you can continue using long after the course ends, all designed to guide you in creating your own Flourishing Business Canvas. By the end of the program, you’ll have a completed canvas that has gone through multiple iterations, each refining and strengthening your business model.
Build a solid foundation for flourishing‑centred business model design.
Lesson 1: What is Flourishing
Uncover the challenges of current sustainability approaches and discover why a flourishing‑centred perspective matters.
Lesson 2: What is Business Model Design
Learn the foundations of business model design and discover how a flourishing‑centred approach reimagines what’s possible
Lesson 3: What is the Flourishing Business Canvas
Get to know the structure and language of the Flourishing Business Canvas and learn how it supports regenerative business creation.
Apply what you’re learning as you design your own Flourishing Business Canvas.
Lesson 4: Build a Flourishing Business Canvas
Start working on your flourishing business canvas and dive deeper into the key language and concepts that shape flourishing enterprises.
Lesson 5: Create an Enterprise Golden Circle. Define your vision and purpose, and see how they drive flourishing business model design.
Lesson 6: Design a Flourishing Business Model
Practice using design processes to refine and evolve your business model for greater alignment and impact.
Lesson 7: Explore Your Personal Journey
Reflect on how your values, lived experience, and worldview shape the way you imagine and design a flourishing business model.
Lesson 8: Validate a Flourishing Business Model
Learn validation practices aligned with flourishing principles to test your assumptions and ensure your model describes your enterprise so it meets real-world needs.
Bring it all together to take your learning forward and apply it to change the way you imagine the future of business.
Lesson 9: Embrace Complexity and Business Model Competencies
Reflect on your journey, dive into the complexities of flourishing business design, and complete a competency assessment to identify opportunities for future growth
Summary and What’s Next
Complete your final reflections and find out how to continue your journey with the full Micro‑Certificate in Flourishing Business Design.
Your pathway to the Micro-Certificate in Flourishing Business Design
The Flourishing Business Model Design Course is the essential first step toward earning the Micro-Certificate in Flourishing Business Design through Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, Ontario, Canada.
This is the world’s first formal credential in regenerative business model design. This academic program is designed for entrepreneurial coaches, startup enablers, and business consultants who want to support the creation of next-generation enterprises.
After completing this course, Course 1, you can continue with:
Course 2:
Deep Dive into the Flourishing Startup Method
Gain a richer understanding of the principles and practices behind the Flourishing Startup Method, strengthening your ability to design programs, engagements and support flourishing enterprises
Course 3:
Applied Practicum with
a Startup Team
Work directly with a real startup team to apply the method in practice, guiding them through designing their own flourishing business model.
IMPORTANT:
Completion of the Flourishing Business Model Design Course is a prerequisite for joining the Micro-Certificate program.
MARCH 2026 COHORT
The next Micro-Certificate cohort will commence in 2026, with dates to be announced soon. Join the waitlist here.
Join the Waitlist Here.
Our Commitment to You
We designed this program intentionally to create a space where you feel supported to learn, stretch your thinking, and show up authentically.
We aim to foster a responsible space that values and respects all backgrounds and identities. A responsible space welcomes everyone, regardless of race, gender, abilities, language, or lived experience. It’s supportive and non‑threatening, so you can share honestly without fear of discrimination or reprisal. In this space, we all t
Land Acknowledgement
We designed this program on the traditional, unceded lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) and Haudenosaunee peoples in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, and the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat nations in Tkaronto/Toronto—territories connected by the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario watershed. We honour the enduring relationships these Indigenous communities maintain with this land and water and offer gratitude for their stewardship past, present, and future.
Q1: Do I need a background in business model design to take this course?
No prior experience is required. If you’re new to business model design, you’ll learn how to create your own from the ground up. If you already have experience, you’ll deepen and expand your skills through the lens of flourishing business design.
Q2: Do I need to have a business to do this course? No, you don’t. You can choose to work on your own business model, your organization’s business model, or use a business idea we provide for you to explore.
Q3: What if I am unable to complete the course after I start?
If life gets in the way, you can join the next cohort to finish where you left off.
Q4: What is your refund policy?
If you cancel before the program starts, you’ll receive a 100% refund. Once the program has started, refunds are not available, but you can rejoin a future cohort.
Q5: Will I receive a certificate upon completing this program?
Yes. You’ll earn a completion badge Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, Ontario, Canada and unlock your eligibility for the full academic Micro-Certificate in Flourishing Business Design.
Q6: What if I miss some of the live coaching sessions?
These sessions are not mandatory. However, based on feedback from past participants, they provide a highly valuable learning opportunity. We strongly encourage you to attend the weekly live sessions for peer learning and real-time coaching. These sessions are not recorded because they include interactive group activities. There will be no coaching sessions from December 19 to January 2 due to a scheduled holiday break.
Q7: Are coaching sessions offered at different times for other time zones?
Yes. If more than four people join from Pacific time zones, we’ll add a coaching session that fits your schedule.
Q8: Are scholarship opportunities available?
Yes. We appreciate that economic realities differ around the world and don’t want there to be barriers to benefiting from this course. Please apply for a scholarship here.
Q9: I have accessibility needs. Can this program support me?
Absolutely. please contact us so we can discuss how to support your learning needs.
Q10: Can I speak with someone before signing up?
Yes, definitely! If you have questions please contact us