Become a Mentor
Being a mentor can have an exceedingly positive impact on an entrepreneur's business and personal life. As a seasoned founder, your support, advice and encouragement could play an integral role in an aspiring entrepreneur's journey.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence for New Venture Project
HBA and MBA students enrolled in the Ivey New Venture Project (INVP) have exclusive access to some of Canada's top entrepreneurial business leaders through our Entrepreneurs in Residence program. These experts share their experiences and knowledge, giving them real-life knowledge through one-on-one coaching.
Role of an Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) connect with INVP student teams through a combination of face-to-face meetings, conference calls, and emails at least 3 times throughout the project timeline, although many teams and EIRs choose to engage more frequently.
Ivey Entrepreneurs-in-Residence are chosen from individuals with either outstanding track records as owner-leaders or extensive involvement in startups. The program includes over 100 Virtual EIRs (VEIR) and is led by Larry Plummer. For more information, please contact iveyentre@ivey.ca
EARLY EIRs receive an early version of the team's business proposal. The EIR then provides suggestions, feedback, and input about soft spots and areas of concern. The EIR may also help provide research contacts.
MIDDLE A second meeting is scheduled around the halfway mark when EIRs help gauge and guide their team's progress. At this stage, teams are assessing the results of their research and making strategic decisions about the product, pricing, go-to-market approach, and distribution/promotion.
LATE During the third meeting, EIRs review and help edit the presentations and business plan, and provide final tweaking advice. EIRs are invited to help judge investor presentations made by the student teams, including their own team, at the end of the project.
Mentorship Program
To strengthen our growing entrepreneurship community, we want to connect alumni with experience and expertise, with those starting or building their entrepreneurial career. By bringing together our various strengths, we believe we can create a stronger community of founders at Western University.
Pitch Competition Judging
Each year, we host a range of pitch competitions for early and established student and alumni start-ups. These include Seed Your Startup, Ivey Business Plan Competition, and Amplify. Use the contact link below to register your interest to be part of these events and get a glimpse of the future of entrepreneurship.