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!
one -1st place prize: $2,000
two – 2nd place prizes: $1,000 each
two – 3rd place prizes: $500 each
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.
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 focuses on Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset. Our goal is to provide participants with actionable advice on the mental frameworks and resilience needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.
noon – 1 p.m.
This session focuses on Customer Discovery, providing participants with advice on identifying target markets, validating business ideas and understanding customer needs.
noon – 1 p.m.
This session focuses on the fundamentals of building meaningful professional relationships in Atlantic Canada. Participants will learn practical strategies for connecting with industry leaders, navigating networking events and building a strong support system as an international student entrepreneur.
noon – 1 p.m.
This session explores the Design Thinking framework as a powerful tool for innovation. Guiding participants through the process of empathizing with users, defining core problems and ideating creative solutions to ensure their business ventures are truly human-centered and market-ready.
noon – 1 p.m.
Running your own business or freelancing is a great move, but you need to know how to handle your taxes, so you don’t get hit with unexpected penalties or miss out on keeping your own money. This session breaks down how Canadian taxes actually work for entrepreneurs. Whether you are running a side hustle, working as a sole proprietor, or planning to incorporate, this workshop will give you the exact steps you need to manage your business money properly.
noon – 1 p.m.
This panel discussion explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and immigration pathways, offering students practical insights into building a business in Atlantic Canada while navigating the transition to permanent residency. Our goal is to provide participants with actionable advice on leveraging local resources, building networks and aligning their business and residency goals.
noon – 1 p.m.
A compelling brand identity and a strong pitch are fundamental to business growth. In this session, participants will explore the core principles of strategic brand development and effective communication. Participants will examine how to establish a strong brand presence, align messaging with target audience needs and articulate their business value with clarity and impact.
noon – 1 p.m.
Master the art of the pitch. Learn how to structure your slide deck, deliver your story with confidence and get feedback to fine-tune your presentation before the big competition.
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pitch your business to a panel of judges.
$5,000 in prizes to be won!
“The SEE Bootcamp was a valuable experience that covered a wide range of topics relevant to starting a business. The variety of speakers and insights helped me build confidence and clarity as an aspiring entrepreneur. In addition, you also get to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs and build your community!
– Asmita Ale, Saint Mary’s University student
“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.
