FAQs

How do I apply?

Please complete the online application form here. Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis. Once you submit your application, we will follow up to schedule an interview.

Who can apply?

The EC-America program is for entrepreneurs of established small to medium-sized firms with annual revenues between $1M and $20M. This is not a program for start-ups who are still defining their business model. 

Is there a maximum number of participants per project/company that can apply?

To participate in the program, companies need to enroll teams of 2 or 3 decision-makers (CEO, Founders, Managing Directors, CFOs, etc.).

What are the language requirements?

All program components will be in English: all modules will be taught in English, and all written and spoken deliverables will be in English. As such, participants must be sufficiently fluent in English to complete reading assignments and meaningfully participate in discussions and working groups.

What classes will we take?

You will take core classes that MBA students at Columbia Business School take as part of the rigorous curriculum.

• In Module I, classes will focus on Operations, Strategy, Process Improvement, and Marketing.
• In Module III, classes will focus on business growth and strategy covering Leadership, Innovation and Technology.
• In Module V, classes will focus on scaling up and change implementation.
• The online Modules II and IV will build upon the foundation laid during the in-person modules and will feature in-depth classes on relevant subjects which will also be customized according to the needs of the class. These online modules will also feature guest speakers and topic-specific deep dives with industry leaders.

Please note that this list is subject to change. Final schedules will be distributed prior to the start of each module.

Who are the professors who will be teaching the classes?

Classes are taught by the Columbia Business School faculty with occasional guest lectures by faculty from other universities.

What is the role of the faculty advisors and industry mentors?

Faculty Advisor: Your company will be paired with a faculty advisor for the duration of each of the two projects you will undertake over the course of the program (process improvement and growth). Each advisor is paired with a company based on their unique problem definition and project scope and according to their expertise. Faculty advisors are there to help define the problem, design the project and guide the company, offering strategic feedback, and referring them to existing research and relevant work.

Industry Mentor: The group of faculty advisors are available to help provide guidance on the technical aspects of your projects as needed. This group of faculty spans the academic disciplines, including operations, supply chain, marketing, strategy, data analytics, and more. The EC-Africa leadership team will connect you with a faculty advisor whose expertise will be the most useful for your project.

Is the work done individually or in teams?

All project work will be done in company teams. Each team must consist of 2-3 top decision-makers in the company. You should expect to devote 5 hours per week throughout the program to the online sessions, advisory sessions, and project work.

How often do we meet during the online modules?

Online classes will take place on a biweekly basis.

​​​​​Where and how do we attend online classes?

Online classes take place on Zoom. Students will be expected to join for the duration of the class with videos on and prepared to participate. Links to each Zoom class will be sent prior to the start of the program.

Who can join online classes? Who can join the on-campus module?

All program participants are expected to regularly attend online classes. If there are specific classes for which you would like to invite other colleagues from your company, please alert us in advance who they are, and we will let you know if that’s suitable for that class. For example, if you would like to invite the head of marketing to a session on Digital Marketing, you will need to let us know in advance. The recordings of the classes may be shared within the company so that others can benefit from program learnings.

What if I have to miss a class?

Attendance in all program modules is mandatory, since absences will prevent students from being able to successfully complete program deliverables.

How much is it and how does the payment for the program work?

For the inaugural cohort, tuition is on a sliding scale based on annual revenue with the rest heavily subsidized by our sponsors. This program fee covers the tuition of two to three participants from the same company, case materials, and accommodations during the Campus Immersion weeks. Airfare to and from New York and some meals are not included during the Campus Immersion Weeks. The cost is due in two installments: the first half to secure your spot upon acceptance; the remainder due in January 2023 at the start of the second half of the program.

Students will be able to pay by credit card through our online form or by wire transfer. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Tuition:

Where will we stay?

Accommodations are included in the program fee and participants will not be responsible for arranging or covering the costs of lodging. Participants should expect accommodations to be double occupancy rooms in mid-range hotels in close proximity to classroom or meeting spaces. Information about travel, accommodations, and other program logistics will be circulated a few months prior to the first Campus Immersion Week.

What are the alumni benefits I will receive upon completion of the program?

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive The Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE). The CIBE is a recognition of your achievement and the investment you and your company have made. Earning a CIBE grants you select Columbia Business School alumni benefits:

• Invitations to alumni events and programs around the world
• Global networking opportunities
• Lifetime Columbia Business School e-mail address
• Access to Columbia Business School Alumni Career Services resources
• Subscriptions to all Columbia Business School alumni publications, including Ideas at Work and Columbia Business
• Eligibility to join a Columbia Business School alumni club