You’re completing assignments, studying for exams, keeping up with the latest trends, but perhaps you have a startup or an idea that could become a business. The Student Founders program offers student entrepreneurs who are building an early-stage innovative product or service the coaching and mentorship to launch. One of the best parts—it’s free, thanks to Alberta Innovates through the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network.
In the program’s first year in 2020, we worked with 10 student founder/co-founders to help transform their idea into a growing startup, including BAWSE, Octo-M Technologies, and 8 Bit Cortex.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF
- Live in Edmonton or the surrounding area
- Attended an Edmonton-based post-secondary during the last school year
- Availability for weekly online sessions throughout the summer months (mandatory)
- Have an innovative business concept that you’re ready to commit time to pursue
- Aspire to grow your product/concept into your full-time venture
WHAT YOU'LL DO
In this 16-week, live curriculum you’ll need to commit to 2.5 hours of weekly online program delivery, 2 hours of monthly coaching, and 4-6 hours per week outside of the sessions to apply the concepts and move your company forward.
You’ll receive:
- Weekly facilitated sessions (Tuesdays from 6-8:30pm)
- Access to mentors and advisors (legal, accounting, and investment)
- Peer-to-peer online and in-person socials with your cohort
- Regular coaching sessions
- Opportunity to showcase your company/product at a demo and pitch night
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: Thurs, Feb 1st, 2024
- Applications Close: Sun, Apr 7, 2024 at 11:59pm
- Interviews: Mon, Apr 8 – Fri, Apr 12, 2024
- Notifications of Acceptance: By Tues, Apr 23, 2024
- Program Starts: Mon, May 6, 2024
- Program Ends: Fri, Aug 23. 2024
OUTCOMES
- Identify and develop early customers
- Prove your market
- Build a strong foundation for your product, team, and company
- Learn to sell your product and companies to customers and investors
How to Apply
Applications are now closed for the 2024 cohort.
We will be accepting up to 12 businesses/ideas/companies. A program calendar of the full 16-week schedule will be sent out to applicants along with the acceptance offer.
This program is partially funded through the City of Edmonton and offered at no cost, thanks to Alberta Innovates, through the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network.
