The College of Business and Economics’ Centre for Business and Social Entrepreneurship (CBaSE) [1] recently received a $400,000 grant from the On-Campus Entrepreneurship Activities program (OCEA). The announcement was made at the University of Guelph’s Business Innovation Zone (G-BIZ) by Ontario Minister of Education and Guelph MPP, Liz Sandals [2].

“The launch of the On-Campus Entrepreneurship Activities program at the University of Guelph will help translate the ideas of young people into tomorrow’s successful businesses,” said Sandals. “This program will foster the spirit of entrepreneurship and will encourage students to consider starting their own business as a career option when they graduate.”

The funds will support U of G in developing CBaSE, which will be the focal point for on-campus entrepreneurship activities as well as a regional connector for local start-up companies looking for assistance with applied research and development projects.

“The OCEA grant is a real testament to the value of the work we do to connect the dots between education, student enterprise and new value creation in the community,” said Julia Christensen Hughes, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “It will enable our students to grow and develop their innovative businesses, providing real benefits to the community.”

CBaSE will continue its work with Innovation Guelph [3] to act as a gateway between U of G and the Guelph community. The funds will also support job creation and economic development opportunities by encouraging on-campus entrepreneurship and innovation, with strong ties to entrepreneurial mentors.