Ignition Program

The Ignition Program offers post-secondary students a 10-week program that gives access to training, mentorship, resources, ecosystem connections; and honorariums to support personal and business development.

We will come back in Fall!

What to expect

Participants are trained in essential transferrable skills such as goal setting, design thinking, networking, pitching and more, ensuring they will understand the value of those complementary soft skills as they develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Training and Mentorship
Students will receive access to training sessions that cover a range of essential transferable skills. These skills include goal setting, design thinking, networking, pitching and more. The program aims to equip students with a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond academic knowledge, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

Connections
Students will have the opportunity to connect with mentors, industry leaders and fellow students from different educational institutions.

Coaching and Consulting
The Ignition Program provides a support system through coaching and consulting sessions. Participants can meet with experts to receive guidance, assistance and accountability for achieving their personal goals or transforming their ideas into reality.

Resources
The program offers access to a range of professional and entrepreneurial resources. This access can be crucial for participants as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.

Honorarium

Participants can earn $20 per session for their attendance and focus.

Eligiility

This program is open to students who are enrolled in a post-secondary Canadian institution.

Schedule

april, 2024

From our students

“I used to be so scared about networking, but the Ignition Program allowed me to try it in a safe environment. I specifically enjoyed joining the Woman in Business event. Indeed, seeing women achieved and being successful in business with the help of others was highly encouraging. I have implemented everything that I learned in the training section, and I got first place in Challenge Nova Scotia Competition out of 60 teams”.

—Elif Pitrilli, NSCC

“Throughout the program, I made valuable connections, got market insights and blueprints and so much more that will help me in becoming a business owner. Before the Ignition Program, I never thought about the concept of social enterprise and was looking for a way to build a business that aligns with my life purpose. But now I have greater clarity and a better plan. I strongly believe that every student should leverage this wonderful opportunity.”

—Suhnandany Goswami, MSVU

“The Ignition program was an incredible program. I enjoyed all 10-weeks of listening and learning
from established local entrepreneurs and experts. As someone who knew absolutely nothing about
entrepreneurship, the ignition program was just what I needed. It gave me all the skills, insights,
and resources I needed to start my journey. I made meaningful and valuable connections with other
goal-driven students and developed sincere relationships with mentors and coaches.”

—Tashauna Reid, College Life Academy

SPEAKERS

The Ignition Program brings the best of local and international entrepreneurs who have years of experience navigating the entrepreneurial world and remain passionate about sharing it with students:

Omena Babalola MBA’92

Tia Upshaw

BWIE/ Femme Noir Business Consulting

Aymen Dewji

CEO and Managing Partner at ShiftRight Consulting

Lopsii Olagoke

Founder of Ooreva Software & Technology Inc.

Adam Khamis BComm’21

Areeb Khawaja

Engineer in Training at TELUS

JulieAnne Dayrit

Founder and CEO of Herbiome Skincare

Quinn Cavanagh

Founder of RFINE Biomass Solutions

Ritika Saraswat

Founder of Redefined

Zahra Qureshi

Executive Director Social Venture Circuit

PAST INSTRUCTORS

The Ignition Program brings the best of local and international entrepreneurs who have years of experience navigating the entrepreneurial world and remain passionate about sharing it with students: