A New Chapter in Entrepreneurship
Introducing the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Located in the very heart of Western University, the new home of entrepreneurship provides students and alumni with everything they need to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality!
Friday | September 27, 2024
Ribbon Cutting & Opening Ceremony
10:00 AM
Join us as we make history, introducing The Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship & Innovation; marking Western University as Canada's first university with a dedicated space for entrepreneurship education!
- 9:00 AM - Start-up Showcase Begins
- 10:00 AM - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- 11:00 AM - Building Tours Begin
Keynote with Gary Vaynerchuk
4:30 - 7:00 PM
Serial entrepreneur, author, and online personality Gary Vaynerchuk will inspire the crowd with a keynote to launch the beginning of a new chapter for entrepreneurship at Western!
- 4:30 PM - Open Doors
- 5:00 PM - Reception Starts
- 5:30 PM - Gary Vaynerchuk Keynote
- 6:00 PM - Q&A
Be Bold, Be Heard: Champion Your Brand's Story with Jake Karls
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Unleash your brand's full potential in our high-energy session with chocolate mogul, Jake Karls, BA’16, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares!
True Grit with Trent Kitsch
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Learn what it takes to cultivate the grit and perseverance to launch great companies with SAXX Underwear and HIKU Brands Founder, Trent Kitsch, MBA '07.
Saturday | September 28, 2024
The Party Continues
10 AM - 12 PM
Join us for more festivities on Saturday morning, including:
- Chicken & Waffle Breakfast
- Prize Draw with tons goodies from Western entrepreneurs
- Class Reunions
- Music
- Building Tours
Startup Showcase
9 AM - 12 PM
Meet entrepreneurs from across Western University at our Startup Showcase. Don't miss this opportunity to hear their stories, make connections, and purchase products.
Check back for more information on our vendors for both Friday and Saturday.
How To Plan Life On Purpose
10:30 AM - 12 PM
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone in the midst of a major life transition, this workshop with Eric and Justine Janssen will equip you with the tools to chart your course with confidence and clarity.
Gift and Prize Draw
10 AM - 12 PM
We’re excited to announce an incredible lineup of prizes, which will be given away LIVE on Saturday, September 28th, from 10 AM - 12 PM. Participants must be present in the space to win and claim their prize
miniPITCH Competition
10 AM - 12 PM
Sign up for the opportunity to pitch your business idea and win from a prize pool of over $5000. The miniPITCH Competition will be hosted by our entrepreneurship advisors, and co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, Jake Karls.