Entrepreneurial co-op
Interested in developing your own business venture as a co-op work term? Our entrepreneurial co-op option could be the perfect fit!
How the program works
To fulfill the requirements of an entrepreneurial co-op term, you can choose to complete one of the following for a four-month period (starting in Sept, Jan or May):
- Work for clients on a self-employed or contract basis
- Develop a product of your own design or provide a service
- Develop a business venture
How to apply
Entrepreneurial co-op is available in all programs. Meet with your co-op coordinator if you're interested in developing an idea into an entrepreneurial work term. You'll also need to complete the entrepreneurial work term proposal template.
What's involved
Before your work term
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The first step is to get in touch with your co-op coordinator to get your idea approved.
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You must submit the Lean Canvas and Wage Subsidy application form to your co-op coordinator (you can also see the Lean Canvas Template for reference):
- Engineering and Computer Science Co-op - Entrepreneurial Work Term Proposal
- Business Co-op - Lean Canvas
- All other co-op programs - Lean Canvas
Talk to your co-op coordinator for more information.
During your work term
- At the beginning of your work term, complete the learning objectives form in the Competency Assessment Module (in the Co-op and Career portal)
- Complete the requirements specified by your faculty (contact your coordinator for details)
- You can apply for funding before or during your workterm using the SF-ELF Wage Subsidy Application for a chance at a $5,000 grant.
- Midway through your work term, submit your mid-term competency assessment form (in the
- Co-op and Career portal)
- Participate in a work site visit with your co-op coordinator
Learning outcomes
By the end of your work term, you should be able to show that you can:
- Develop a research question/hypothesis
- Identify the best way to explore this research question
- Find, read and evaluate relevant information
- Use the methods and best practices established by your program area
- Connect research across disciplines and critically evaluate methods and theory
- Communicate your research findings and future goals
After your work term
- Submit your final competency assessment form
- Complete a regular work term report and any other requirements specific by your faculty
- Ensure your mentor submits a final competency assessment form
Find support through CCSIC
The Coast Capital Savings Innovation Centre (CCSIC) provides tools, expertise and a dedicated space on campus for entrepreneurs to develop business concepts from idea to incubator-ready. It's the place to start for anyone considering an entrepreneurial work term. Support is available to students in any program. CCSIC offers:
- Designated staff available to answer questions and assist you in strengthening your business plan
- A network of entrepreneurs-in-residence and mentors to connect with
- Workshops, drop-ins and the Entrepreneurship Playground—an opportunity to connect with students from other disciplines
- Potential funding assistance
Specific programs include:
PitchIt
PitchIt is UVic's elevator pitch competition, open to all UVic students, staff, faculty, recent alumni (within three years) and current Coast Capital Savings Innovation Centre clients. You get 90 seconds (the length of a typical elevator ride) to describe your entrepreneurial or social business concept to a panel of experts. The top most viable business concepts win cash prizes!