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๐ŸŽฏ Leadership & Management  ยท  Advanced

Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist

Online Certification  ยท  11 Weeks  ยท  Globally Recognised  ยท  (CEDS)

โœ… 2026 Edition ๐ŸŽ“ CPD Accredited ๐ŸŒ 100+ Countries ๐Ÿ“œ Digital + Physical Certificate 100% Online
Executive Summary

Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist

Designed for todayโ€™s high-impact professionals, the Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist (CEDS) delivers a rigorous Advanced-level curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to excel in strategic leadership, organisational management and business transformation.

This 11 Weeks programme is structured around recognised global leadership and management competency frameworks, ensuring every graduate applies internationally validated methods to real-world challenges.

GLIโ€™s CEDS holders are recognised by leading organisations across Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Americas as qualified, results-driven professionals. Whether you are advancing your current career or transitioning into new responsibilities, this certification provides the competitive edge you need in 2026 and beyond.

Programme Overview

Certification at a Glance

Certification
Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist
Acronym
CEDS
Category
Leadership & Management
Level
Advanced
Duration
11 Weeks
Delivery Mode
100% Online
Assessment
Online Examination
Certificate
Digital + Physical
CPD Eligibility
CPD Accredited
Alumni Benefits
GLI Network Access
Self-Paced
USD 499
Live Virtual
USD 699
Target Audience

Who Should Enrol?

  • Managers and Team Leaders
  • Heads of Department and Directors
  • Senior Executives and Aspiring Leaders
  • Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Programme Inclusions

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

  • All study materials and study guide
  • Access to GLI online learning portal
  • Online examination and assessment
  • Digital certificate and digital badge
  • Physical certificate (shipped to you)
  • CPD credits for professional bodies
  • GLI alumni network membership
  • Facilitator and tutor support
  • Resource downloads and reference library
  • Automatic enrolment confirmation
Certification Benefits

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Career Advancement
Accelerate your career towards executive, director and C-suite leadership roles
Professional Recognition
Credential aligned with recognised global leadership and management competency frameworks
Leadership Capability
Develop the strategic and operational skills to lead complex strategic leadership functions
Organisational Impact
Design and implement strategic leadership systems that drive performance and measurable results
Compliance Readiness
Master the standards, compliance and ethical governance central to strategic leadership
Global Employability
Qualify for strategic leadership roles across corporates, public institutions, NGOs and enterprises worldwide
Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

โœฆEntrepreneurial Mindset
โœฆEntrepreneurial Market Research
โœฆBusiness Model Development
โœฆPricing and Revenue Models
โœฆBusiness Launch Planning
โœฆEntrepreneurial Risk
Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

The full programme, module by module.

Core CurriculumModules 1โ€“20 ยท specific to Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist ยท module 20 is the capstone
1
Entrepreneurship Foundations
Strategy oversight: approving, testing and holding management to the plan ยท Cloud and platform decisions: sourcing the foundations of digital delivery ยท Collaborative and client-led planning ยท Forecasting and planning
2
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Communication planning and management ยท Scheduling and planning tools ยท Product and portfolio strategy ยท Go-to-market and channel strategy
3
Opportunity Recognition
Recognition and motivation in everyday management ยท Infrastructure planning for water and mechanisation ยท Customer experience strategy ยท Workforce planning and scheduling
4
Entrepreneurial Market Research
Pricing research: what the market will actually pay ยท Market research and intelligence ยท Market research design and methods ยท Market research, competitor and customer intelligence
5
Customer Discovery
Discovery questioning: diagnosing before proposing ยท Discovery: understanding the problem before proposing ยท Key account management and account planning ยท Session and lesson planning
6
Problem-Solution Fit
Individual development planning ยท Learning strategy and roadmaps ยท Fire behaviour and suppression strategy: reading the fire before fighting it ยท Search and rescue operations: planning the search before starting it
7
Business Model Development
Business model design: how the organisation creates, delivers and captures value ยท Tax planning, avoidance and evasion distinguished ยท Financial strategy: funding the plan and staying solvent while doing it ยท Emergency response planning
8
Value Proposition Design
Value propositions and competitive positioning ยท Value proposition design and messaging ยท Value proposition and messaging ยท Value proposition and differentiation
9
Entrepreneurial Product Development
Policy, planning and objectives ยท Discovery-driven planning and assumption testing ยท Wealth planning: goals, horizons and the whole financial picture ยท Performance measurement and attribution: did the strategy work?
10
Startup Financial Fundamentals
Financial inclusion strategy ยท Strategy execution and the balanced scorecard ยท Operational planning and execution discipline ยท Turning strategy into results
11
Pricing and Revenue Models
Pricing strategy and models ยท Pricing strategy ยท Designing a sourcing or supply strategy ยท Category management and strategy development
12
Entrepreneurial Marketing
Designing a marketing or sales strategy ยท Marketing strategy and the mix ยท Digital marketing strategy ยท Digital marketing strategy and channels
13
Sales Development
Sales forecasting and territory planning ยท Sales and operations planning (S&OP) ยท Demand planning and sales and operations planning ยท Emergency evacuation planning
14
Business Launch Planning
Product launch: readiness, sequencing and the first ninety days ยท Demand planning, forecasting and the distortion of signals ยท Strategy maps and the balanced scorecard ยท Strategy execution and the initiative portfolio
15
Entrepreneurial Operations
Scenario planning: preparing for futures you cannot predict ยท International strategy: entry mode, adaptation and the cost of distance ยท Strategic performance review: measuring the strategy, not just the business ยท Taking strategy to the board: the case, the choice and the ask
16
Funding and Capital Raising
Funding the working-capital cycle ยท Media planning and buying ยท Running an effective board meeting: preparation, time and decision ยท Designing the board agenda: the annual cycle and the single meeting
17
Entrepreneurial Risk
Governance codes and comply-or-explain: using the code as a tool ยท Board oversight of risk, culture and internal control ยท Compliance reporting to the board: what to say and how to say it ยท Working with a board and governance
18
Scaling New Ventures
Security governance: policy, accountability and board reporting ยท Patrol strategy and response ยท Site security performance ยท Reporting quality and governance
19
Entrepreneurial Failure and Recovery
Resilience: recovery, adaptability and sustainable performance ยท Service recovery: complaints, resolution and what restores trust ยท Service recovery after a failure ยท Decision rights and accountability
20
Entrepreneurship Development Project
The project cycle: identification, design, implementation, closure ยท Managing schedule and budget performance ยท Servant leadership and self-organising teams ยท Escalation and decision-making
Professional ElectivesModules 21โ€“30 ยท common to all GLI certifications ยท broaden your professional range
21
Strategic Communication and Executive Presentation
Vision, purpose and translating direction into work ยท Audience-centred communication and message structure ยท Executive leadership: the board interface and enterprise stewardship ยท Persuasive structure: framing, evidence and the ask
22
Leadership and Team Effectiveness
Leadership identity, style and the limits of style ยท Leadership assessment, feedback and continuous self-review ยท Leadership versus management and when each is needed ยท Situational and adaptive leadership
23
Analytical Thinking and Evidence-Based Reasoning
Creativity and critical-thinking development ยท Analytical techniques and bias ยท Evidence-based improvement ยท Problem framing: symptoms, definition and scope
24
Professional Decision-Making
Managerial decision-making, bias and decision rights ยท Escalation and decision-making ยท Decision support: briefs, options and judgement under pressure ยท Decision frameworks: criteria, weighting and trade-offs
25
Negotiation, Influence and Stakeholder Management
Negotiation preparation: interests, options and the walk-away ยท Power, followership and organisational politics ยท Negotiation: preparation, interests and value creation ยท Concessions, anchoring and the shape of a bargain
26
Project and Execution Management
Proposals, bids and the business case ยท Project roles and the project manager ยท Developing the project business case ยท Planning, scheduling and personal workflow systems
27
Financial Literacy for Professionals
Financial reporting standards and their application ยท Financial management for the operating manager ยท Liquidity, funding and balance sheet management ยท Management accounting: costing, budgeting and decision support
28
Digital Skills, AI and Technology for Professionals
Digital workplace, collaboration and user support ยท Productivity, collaboration and workflow tools ยท Tools for interaction and collaboration ยท Working with data: quality, interpretation and honest presentation
29
Ethics, Governance and Professional Accountability
Ethical leadership: integrity, tolerated behaviour and moral courage ยท Ethics, conduct and speaking up ยท Business development risk, ethics and integrity ยท AI for managers: adoption, oversight and governance
30
Personal Effectiveness, Productivity and Career Growth
Emotional competence: awareness, regulation and expression ยท Self-awareness, strengths and the accuracy of self-image ยท Emotional intelligence and self-regulation ยท Priority: outcomes, importance and the urgency trap

Every module opens in the learning portal with its full lesson set, worked examples, further reading and video masterclasses. 30 modules ยท 150 lessons.

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Achieve

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset โ€” applied to your own work
  • Opportunity Recognition โ€” applied to your own work
  • Entrepreneurial Market Research โ€” applied to your own work
  • Customer Discovery โ€” applied to your own work
  • Problem-Solution Fit โ€” applied to your own work
  • Business Model Development โ€” applied to your own work
Our Position

Professional Certifications: Tools for the Continuing Professional Journey

Professional certifications equip, strengthen and continuously tool professionals throughout their current professional journey and within their existing fields of practice. They provide structured opportunities to deepen knowledge, develop specialised competencies, refresh existing capabilities, adopt contemporary practices, and apply practical tools, frameworks and techniques to real-world professional challenges.

01

Tooling, Not Onboarding

Professional certifications are professional tooling and development instruments, not onboarding instruments. They are particularly valuable to professionals who are already working in a field, entering it through an established professional pathway, advancing within it, transitioning across it or specialising in it — and who wish to strengthen their professional capability and effectiveness.

02

Complementary, Never a Substitute

A professional certification does not replace an academic qualification, professional degree, statutory licence, practising certificate, regulatory approval or any other qualification legally required to practise a profession. Where a profession or jurisdiction establishes specific academic, licensing or regulatory requirements, those requirements remain fully applicable.

03

Built for Lifelong Relevance

A professional certification is a complementary professional credential that supports continuing professional development, competence enhancement, specialisation, career progression, professional mobility and lifelong learning. It adds practical professional tooling to an individual’s existing academic and professional foundation, helping professionals remain relevant, capable and effective as their professions, organisations and operating environments evolve.

Enrolment Process

How to Get Certified

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Step 3: Study in the GLI Learning Portal
Work through 30 structured modules and 150 lessons at your own pace, with downloadable resources and expert-designed content โ€” all inside the LMS.
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Step 4: Pass, Get Certified & Verified
Sit your final examination online, earn your certificate instantly, and receive a globally verifiable Certificate ID โ€” plus GLI Alumni Network access.
๐ŸŽ“ Enrol & Study Online โ€” Instant Access
Secure checkout ยท Instant LMS access ยท Globally verifiable certificate
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is the CEDS certification?

The Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist is a professional certification awarded by the Global Leadership Institute. It covers 20 core modules specific to Entrepreneurship Development Specialist, culminating in the capstone “Entrepreneurship Development Project”, plus 10 professional elective modules common to all GLI certifications. Candidates study through the online portal, submit the capstone project and sit a final examination; those who pass receive a verifiable certificate carrying a unique certificate ID.

Who should enrol in the CEDS?

This certification is ideal for Managers and Team Leaders, Heads of Department and Directors, Senior Executives and Aspiring Leaders and Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, and other professionals seeking to formalise their expertise in strategic leadership, organisational management and business transformation with a globally recognised credential.

How long does the CEDS certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 11 Weeks and offers flexible learning modes. Self-paced learners can progress at their own schedule, while live virtual participants follow a structured cohort schedule with facilitator-led sessions.

Is the CEDS internationally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are recognised across 100+ countries and are aligned with recognised global leadership and management competency frameworks. Graduates receive a digital certificate, a physical certificate and CPD credits recognised by employers worldwide.

What is the cost of the CEDS certification?

The Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 499 and Live Virtual at USD 699. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CEDS certification include?

Enrolment includes all study materials and study guides, access to GLI's online learning portal, online examination, digital certificate and badge, physical certificate (posted), CPD credits, GLI alumni network membership, and ongoing facilitator support.

What is the assessment format for the CEDS?

The Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist is assessed through an online examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, case study analysis, and practical application assignments. The assessment is designed to evaluate real-world competency, not just theoretical recall.

What CPD credits do I earn from the CEDS?

The Certified Entrepreneurship Development Specialist carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, which can be applied towards professional body requirements including recognised international professional associations.

Can I study the CEDS while working full-time?

Absolutely. The self-paced option is designed for busy working professionals and allows you to study when and where it suits you. Live virtual sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate professional commitments.

What career outcomes can I expect from the CEDS?

Graduates progress towards executive, director and C-suite leadership roles. The CEDS strengthens your expertise in strategic leadership, organisational management and business transformation and positions you for advancement across corporates, public institutions, NGOs and enterprises.

Graduate Voices

What Our Alumni Say

“

The curriculum was directly applicable to my daily work. I immediately applied what I learned and saw results within weeks of completing the programme.

Managing Director
Private Sector
“

GLI's certification is the most practical professional programme I have attended. The international frameworks gave me credibility with my employer and clients.

Operations Manager
NGO Sector
“

I earned my CEDS while working full-time. The self-paced format made it possible, and the quality of the content is genuinely world-class.

Head of Strategy
Government
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