Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Ignite your Entrepreneurial Spirit at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Students collaborating at Saint Mary's University table.

Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre – leads the region in entrepreneurial thinking and open innovation.

A dynamic community where students find their passion, purpose and their people. Surrounded by like-minded students, mentors, alumni and businesses leaders, at the centre students learn skills, gain experience, take chances, try out ideas, make connections – all in a supportive, energetic, ‘anything is possible’ environment. 

Learn how to think ‘like an entrepreneur’. Entrepreneurs think differently. Whether your dream is to become an entrepreneur or not, the way of thinking is extremely valuable – in all careers. Entrepreneurial thinking is for everyone. It can be learned and, we teach it. 

Entrepreneurial thinking is about: Solving problems – Finding innovative solutions – Taking initiative – Asking questions – Being resilient – Working collaboratively – Getting creative – goal setting – Taking risks 

In short – it’s a set of traits, skills and a way of thinking that effects change, builds better futures and enriches lives. Entrepreneurial thinking helps anyone and everyone who wants to succeed, make an impact and excel in their career.

Students walking and talking on campus pathway.

Activate your Access

Have a big idea? Want to make the world better? Looking for people who think like you? We’re your place.

Here you can dream big, take chances, make connections, pitch a startup, or simply dive deep into an issue that ignites you.

First step, Activate your Access by registering below. You will gain access to all our programming, funding opportunities and tools.

Upcoming Events

Activate your Access! Activating your access opens the door to everything we offer. From programs and mentorship to AI tools and resources, your Access is built to give you the skills and support you need to grow beyond the classroom.

Our Opportunities

The Centre has literally 100’s of opportunities (programs, events, partnerships) year-round for students, business and community to work together.
In the last 5-years alone, more than 4,000 students and 3,000 businesses have participated.

Ignite your Entrepreneurial Spirit at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

We are a creative and collaborative space where students of all backgrounds can discover their passion, develop essential skills, and turn ideas into reality.

At the Centre, students find an energetic, supportive, connected community where they learn, connect, and transform.

As a bridge between students and businesses, we are a hub for companies seeking fresh talent and innovative solutions.

Core to our activities is developing the entrepreneurial mindset—skills like agility, resiliency, creativity, and leadership.

With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Centre supports students and businesses—helping both grow and prosper.

ARTHUR L. IRVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE
ARTHUR L. IRVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE

Entrepreneurial Thinking—What is This?

Entrepreneurial thinking is a way of thinking associated with entrepreneurs but valuable for anyone, regardless of field of study. It’s about being creative, curious, resourceful, resilient, identifying opportunities, taking calculated risks, solving problems, and creating value. At the Centre, we help students develop these skills and characteristics. With this mindset, students learn to navigate challenges, take advantage of opportunities and most importantly, learn how to affect change, enrich lives, and create a better future.

An Entrepreneurial Superhighway

We are a creative and collaborative space where students of all backgrounds can discover their passion, develop essential skills, and turn ideas into reality.

At the Centre, students find an energetic, supportive, connected community where they learn, connect, and transform.

As a bridge between students and businesses, we are a hub for companies seeking fresh talent and innovative solutions.

Core to our activities is developing the entrepreneurial mindset—skills like agility, resiliency, creativity, and leadership.

With a focus on growth, innovation and cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset, the Centre supports students and businesses—helping both grow and prosper.

Located in the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, the Centre has 7,500 square feet of innovation and collaborative spaces including a prototyping lab, podcasting studio, and collider space. Come visit and meet ‘Carly’—our friendly robot greeter.

Carly - ARTHUR L. IRVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE

Last Year's Impact

$133,000

in Awards and Prizes

$254,000

in Wage Subsidies

4000+

Coaching, Consulting and Training

350+

Student Entrepreneurs Supported

72

Jobs Created

Irving Family and Irving Oil

Supporting their deep commitment to student success and educational excellence, Arthur, Sandra and Sarah Irving, along with the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation and Irving Oil, have announced a transformational gift of $5 million to accelerate the expansion of Saint Mary’s University’s Entrepreneurship Centre. In recognition of this generosity, the space has been named the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre.
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre wall display.