Get Funded
For Western students and alumni, there are plenty of opportunities to fund the next phase of your entrepreneurial journey and venture.
Seed Your Startup ESI Program Western Accelerator Western Angels' Demo Day
Seed Your Startup
Seed Your Startup is designed to help young entrepreneurs make the transition from ideas to formalized action plans, with the opportunity to win funding! Students from Western University are invited to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas for a chance to win up to $2,000.
Program Highlights:
- Prizes: Over $8,500 in prizes under three categories:
- Technology / Service
- Retail / Product
- Social Enterprise / Not-For-Profit
- Student Eligibility: All current undergraduate and graduate students from Western and affiliated colleges are invited to submit their early-stage business idea.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Entrepreneurial Summer Internship (ESI)
Ready to take the leap from beginner to boss? Our Entrepreneurial Summer Internship is the perfect opportunity for current students to work on their own ventures through the summer, and learn the 'ins' and 'outs' of building a business.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: May 6, 2024, to July 31, 2024
- Stipend: Each team will receive a stipend of $10,000 in total ($2,500 per month to invest in your startup)
- Student Eligibility: Any current undergraduate Western, Kings, Huron, or Bresica student is eligible to apply
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
The Founders Program
Our Founders Program empowers Western's future generation of entrepreneurs by strengthening their entrepreneurial skillset and ambitions.
Program Highlights:
- Mentorship: Provides exclusive access to some of Western's top alumni as mentors
- Funding: Awards $20,000 over three years
- Education: Elevate your entrepreneurial skills with our specialized curriculum designed to lay the foundation for your future success
- Leadership: Opportunity to develop leadership skills and team development through Morrissette Entrepreneurship to make a tangible impact on the entrepreneurial community
Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
Western Accelerator
Our four-month program is an immersive education in entrepreneurship for new high-potential ventures. Accepted founders will receive mentorship, education, and $12,000 in funding. Applications are now open for Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 cohorts.
Program Highlights:
- Eligibility: At least one founder must have a connection to Western (Student, Faculty, Staff, or Alumni)
- Funding: Receive $12,000 in funding for 15-week program
- Perks: Work within a supportive environment with fellow founders and receive 1-on-1 support, mentorship and access to expertise in various fields.
Application Deadline: June 28, 2024
Western Angels' Demo Day
Are you a Western founder looking for investors or partners to take your business to the next stage? Western Angels' Demo Day brings together our community of experienced entrepreneurs and investors to create Canada's next generation of great companies.
Program Highlights:
- Asks: Teams have attracted over $6 million in funding since 2021
- Eligibility: At least one founder is a current full-time Western student, faculty, staff, or alumni, from any faculty designation
- Ecosystem: Build your network of experienced founders, and investors that are essential for your entrepreneurial journey
