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, but is most common for co-op students in business, engineering and computer science. Meet with your co-op coordinator if you're interested in developing an idea into an entrepreneurial work term.
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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Once your idea is approved and you are formally registered in an approved entrepreneurial work term, you must submit the LEAN CANVAS and entrepreneurial work term subsidy application form to your co-op coordinator. This form will outline your actionable and entrepreneur-focused business plan, and also includes your application for an entrepreneurial co-op work term grant of up to $5,000.
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If you choose to work with the CCSIC here at UVic, you will also submit the LEAN CANVAS form to staff at the centre.
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)
- 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 demonstrate achievement in learning outcomes that may include:
- Developing a research question/hypothesis
- Identifying the appropriate method to explore the research question
- Locating sources of information, critically read and evaluate these sources (e.g. primary and secondary sources)
- Reflecting methods and best practices established by your discipline
- Connecting research across disciplines and critically evaluate methods and theory
- Disseminating research—communicate research findings and future goals across a variety of audiences and disciplines, including through press releases, newsletters, conference papers, articles and workshops
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!