Shifting Entrepreneurship in Canada

Organizational Goal

KPMG Private Enterprise is a division of KPMG that focuses on serving the unique needs of privately held companies and entrepreneurs. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by high-growth businesses, their advisors support clients through every stage of the business lifecycle—from startup and expansion to succession and exit planning. Leveraging KPMG’s global resources and industry expertise, Private Enterprise helps leaders scale strategically, embrace innovation, and navigate complex transitions, all while building lasting value and community impact. 

In 2003, KPMG Private Enterprise set out to make a lasting impact on Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognizing that scale-up stage entrepreneurs faced unique challenges—shifting from hands-on founders to strategic leaders—KPMG partnered with Ivey Business School to create a learning experience tailored to this growth stage. Their goal was threefold: help businesses scale effectively, support strategic innovation, and strengthen leadership capabilities. By fostering a strong peer network and practical business transformation, QuantumShift was designed to build a new generation of entrepreneurs who could drive economic growth across Canada. 

Solution

Together, KPMG and Ivey co-created QuantumShift, a 5-day intensive leadership program that blends Ivey’s case-based, peer-driven methodology with KPMG’s insights into entrepreneurial success. The program emphasizes strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership development. Participants engage in simulations, expert-led sessions, and structured peer learning such as “Hear Me Out – Help Me Out” and “Need Lead” discussions. Beyond the classroom, an alumni network and follow-up events reinforce learning and foster community. The curriculum evolves each year to stay relevant, while always addressing the central challenge: helping leaders move from successful business operators to visionary scale-up CEOs. 

Impact 

With over 840 alumni, QuantumShift has delivered long-lasting results for both participants and the broader business ecosystem. Across short-, mid-, and long-term measurements, the program shows strong evidence of transforming leadership behaviours, business outcomes, and entrepreneurial networks.