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Wallace McCain Institute

Programs

Program Overview

Peer programming that builds better business judgment is at the core of WMI's existence.

How it works

Sixteen peers, a retreat setting, and a long-term commitment

Each of the three peer groups meet 6-10 times each year for 1-2 days, typically in a remote retreat environment. Each group has 16 members and is managed by 2-3 moderators.

WMI moderators are all entrepreneurs themselves, making them invaluable as resources during and between sessions. After the first year of programming, groups continue to meet quarterly and migrate to moderating themselves.

The continuing relationship is key to generating trust quickly in a group. For that reason, nominees who are not interested in an ongoing commitment should not apply.

What we look for

WMI selects its peer group members based on a combination of traits from both the person and the company.

  • Road rash

    Ideal members have personal experiences that they can share with others that are relevant.

  • Business complexity

    The company has to have a degree of complexity that fuels helpful group discussions.

  • Emotional intelligence (EQ)

    Members possess the emotional maturity to share and receive input from others productively.

  • Atlantic Canadian

    All groups are made up of members from across Atlantic Canada.

Programs

Find the right program for your role

  1. Check you're a fit

    Find the program for your role below and read who it's for.

  2. Apply online

    Complete the application for that program, or nominate someone else.

  3. Hear from our team

    Our team reviews your application and follows up with you.

Owner · CEO · Founder · President

Entrepreneurial Leaders Program (ELP)

ELP is for the majority shareholders who are the itchy visionaries who feel alone as they push the company (and themselves) to new heights.

Who
Business owners with viable, growing companies past the start-up phase, typically with 5-50 employees and $1M+ in revenue.
Location
9 sessions in Miramichi, NB with one session in each of NL, NS and PEI.
Frequency
10 monthly sessions of 2 days in a retreat-style setting.
Deadline
March 31
Cost
$12,500 + HST
Apply to ELPNominate someone instead

COO · VP · General Manager · Executive Director

Strategic Executives Program (SEP)

SEP is for the people working with the business owner to help them execute. Members are connecting the vision of the leader to the work plans of the team.

Who
Senior executives in roles like VP, Director, COO, GM, and Executive Director.
Location
Virtual or Miramichi, NB.
Frequency
Virtual: 18 half-day sessions over 9 months. In-person: 9 overnight sessions (1 per month).
Deadline
July 25
Cost
$8,500 + HST
Apply to SEPNominate someone instead

Family business member

Family Business Program (ECHO)

ECHO is for members of a multi-generational family business who may eventually take over the company. Typically, the previous generation is still active in the company.

Who
Next-generation family business members who may eventually take over the company.
Location
Typically New Brunswick, but decided based on membership.
Frequency
6 bi-monthly sessions for 24 hours (residential).
Deadline
Applications are always open and a new group starts every 3 years.
Cost
$8,000 + HST
Apply to ECHONominate someone instead

Not sure which program fits?

Our team is happy to help you choose, or to talk through a nomination.

Contact us