Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

The Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) Bootcamp

including The Study and Stay™—Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) 

About

The Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) bootcamp, in partnership with The Study and Stay™—Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program and the TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, supports international student entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia to explore pathways to immigration through entrepreneurship. The program provides networking, skill development and resource sharing opportunities, furthering their success and the province’s growing economy.  

If you own a business, have an idea and/or are looking for support to help move your business forward this summer, apply to the the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) bootcamp (including The Study and Stay™—Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program) today! 

The Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) Bootcamp (including The Study and Stay™—Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program), in partnership with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative, supports student entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia through networking, skill development and resource sharing, to further the success of our student entrepreneurs and the province’s growing economy. If you own a business or have an idea and are looking for support to help move your business forward this summer, apply to the The Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) Bootcamp (including The Study and Stay™—Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program) today! 

Benefits

Summer Entrepreneurial Experience
ARTHUR L. IRVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE
Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) 

Eligibility

Grant/Funding

Students will have an opportunity to pitch at the end of the program with prize money awarded to students as they build their ventures.  

Note: The program cannot provide work authorization for running your own business; please confirm your eligibility with your Registered International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) at your campus or institution. You should also be sure that you can accept any prize money based on your permit. It is your responsibility to determine if your study visa allows you to participate in the program; please check before applying. 

2025 Schedule

July 8, 2025: Program Overview & Introduction

noon – 1 p.m. 

Introduction to the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience (SEE) Bootcamp (including The Study and Stay™—Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship Program)

noon – 1 p.m. 

This session explores what it truly means to think like an entrepreneur. Core to our activities is developing the entrepreneurial mindset—skills like agility, resiliency, creativity, and leadership. Participants will learn how these traits can be applied to any career path, not just startups.

With a focus on growth, innovation, and adaptability, the session aims to help students strengthen their problem-solving abilities and cultivate the confidence to take initiative in uncertain environments. Grounded in experiential learning and real-world application, this session helps learners understand the attitudes and behaviours that drive innovation and long-term impact.

noon – 1 p.m. 

In this interactive session, students will uncover the foundational elements of an effective pitch—including identifying the problem, clearly communicating the solution and crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the audience. Beyond content, the session emphasizes delivery: students will explore key elements of strong presentations such as body language, power stances, tone and non-verbal communication.

Whether preparing for a pitch competition or simply learning how to command a conversation, this session provides the tools to speak with presence and clarity.

noon – 1 p.m. 

Learn the power and impact of building real authentic relationships (from in person to online) and why these matter to your entrepreneurship and overall career goals and journey. Sean will share his own stories and insights from his journey to entrepreneurship and as an active advocate for entrepreneurship in the province.

Register for the Bootcamp and receive the link for this session.

noon – 1 p.m. 

Understanding taxes is a crucial part of running a successful business in Canada. In this session, renowned CPA and entrepreneur Debi Peverill will break down the essentials of tax filing for self-employed individuals and small business owners. From income reporting and expense tracking to GST/HST obligations and common tax deductions, you’ll gain practical tips to stay compliant and reduce stress during tax season. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your financial knowledge, this session will help you navigate the Canadian tax system with confidence.

Register for the Bootcamp and receive the link for this session.

noon – 1 p.m. 

A candid conversation on entrepreneurship, identity, and community. Join newcomer founders as they share their journeys building businesses in Nova Scotia. Part of the SEE Bootcamp with Saint Mary’s University and the Study and Stay Entrepreneurship Program, this session is open to all international students in Nova Scotia.

Register for this session using this link

noon – 1 p.m. 

In this immigration session for participants of the Study and Stay Entrepreneurship program, Paula will guide participants through the application process for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and review pathways to gain Canadian permanent residence. The focus of the session will be on the International Graduate Entrepreneur (IGE) Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). We will also briefly review the requirements and application processes for other immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), other NSNP streams, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the federal Start Up Visa (SUV) program.

4 – 6 p.m.

*Details to come

Smiling man in formal suit at hotel lobby.

2024 Winner

“The SEE boot camp has been an excellent opportunity to learn and refine many skills that are crucial to my entrepreneurial growth! I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to budding entrepreneurs who wish to create a larger impact through their businesses and experience professional growth and development. The network of successful and up-and-coming entrepreneurs you make at the boot camp is invaluable!”

—Ashish Ganapathy Venkatasubramanian, Saint Mary’s University

“From laboratory dreams to business reality, Alaagi was born from my passion for environmental innovation and the incredible support of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre by EduNova. The Summer Bootcamp pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me refine my vision and master essential entrepreneurial skills. In just 10 months, we’ve secured funding, built a dedicated team, developed a patent-ready prototype, and earned national recognition. Saint Mary’s University has provided vital resources, and I’m now furthering my research through a master’s program. None of this would have been possible without the transformative experience at the Entrepreneurship Centre, which turned ambition into reality.”

Sheheryar Khan- Founder of Alaagi Inc.

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SEE 2024

SEE 2023

The program is made possible with support from TD Bank Group

Our Partners:

Saint mary's University
TD Bank
EduNova logo, Canada's education destination.
Study and Stay
Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub logo with text

Upcoming Events

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