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Apply to the Hub!

Apply to LaunchLab!

We're excited to announce that applications for LaunchLab are now open!

The application period runs from Wednesday, November 5th to Sunday, November 30th at 11:59 PM. 

About LaunchLab

LaunchLab supports students who have already validated their business ideas and are ready to build on that foundation by learning key business concepts to help them move their ventures forward.

You can learn more about LaunchLab on our Hub Incubator page.

Application Process for LaunchLab

  1. To determine your eligibility for LaunchLab , please review the program details and eligibility criteria below to determine whether your business is at the right stage to apply.
     
  2. Next, confirm your eligibility by emailing us at woodcentre@uoguelph.ca with the details listed below so we can assess your readiness for LaunchLab. You’ll hear back from us within 24–48 hours with instructions for the next steps.

Eligibility 

In your email, please confirm:

  • That you are a current University of Guelph student or a recent graduate (within two years of graduation)

  • Your program and year of study

  • A brief description of your business, its current status, and that you have a validated business concept and confirmation that you have a proof of concept showing your product addresses your customers’ needs. This means you’ve conducted in-depth market research and customer discovery — such as interviews, surveys, or other forms of research — to understand customer problems and confirm your product meets a real demand.

Please provide all these details so we can assess your business’s current stage and determine if it’s ready for the LaunchLab program. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, still reach out to us — we’re happy to review your information and guide you on the next steps.

You’ll receive a response within approximately 24 - 48 hours with instructions for the next steps.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, we will send you the link to the online application form.

Preparing Your Application

Before completing the form, please review all application questions listed below and prepare your responses in advance.

When you receive the link, you will copy and paste your prepared answers directly into the form.

Please ensure all questions are answered and that you submit all required materials — including your budget and one-minute video pitch — as part of your application.

Please do not submit the online form until all sections are complete; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review Process

  • Applications must be submitted before the deadline; late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

  • Our team will review all applications and may follow up with additional questions or request a short interview.

  • Applicants will be notified two weeks after the application deadline regarding whether they have been selected to join the program.

  • If we feel your business is not yet ready, we will suggest other entrepreneurial learning opportunities through the Wood Centre to help you continue developing your concept and prepare for future programs.

Thank you for your interest in LaunchLab — we look forward to hearing from you!

Stay connected by joining our mailing list or following us on social media for updates on events, programs, and future Hub Incubator opportunities.

Preview of Application Questions

Interest in Entrepreneurship

  • What specific topics or industries are you most interested in?
  • What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship?
  • Have you previously started or been involved in any entrepreneurial ventures?
    • If so, please describe
  • What did you like, or even dislike about it?
  • Do you already have an idea for a business?
    • If yes, what is your idea for a business venture?
    • What kind of progress have you made thus far?

Program

  • What do you hope to gain from participating in this entrepreneurial program?
  • What skills or strengths do you possess that you believe will contribute to your success as an entrepreneur?

Video Submission

  • Applicants will be required to submit a 1 minute video (maximum) telling us why you want to be in this program.

Problem/Solution

  • Briefly describe the problem your business wants to solve.
  • Briefly describe your solution (company/product) in one sentence.

Entrepreneur Readiness

  • Why did you start this business idea? What excites you about it?
  • What skills do you currently have to develop your product and what skills do you need to acquire?

Business Information

  • What is the name of your business?
  • Which industry or sector is most aligned with your idea?
  • How long have you been working on this business idea?
  • What kind of progress have you made thus far?  Eg. Market Research (primary or secondary), early prototyping, customer interviews, etc.
  • The Wood Centre is part of the Lang School of Business and Economics, which is committed to developing future leaders for a more sustainable world. If applicable, how will your business idea contribute to improving life or using business as a force for good? You might consider aspects such as sustainability, social impact, accessibility, equity, or community benefit.

Customers

  • Who are the key customers who will buy your product?
  • What do these customers currently do to address this problem?
  • What unique value would your company deliver to your customers:

Competition

  • Who are the main competitors of your company?
  • What differentiates your product from competitors and what unique value does your company offer to customers?

Financial

  • How will your company make money?
  • How do you plan to use the $1,000 business grant to support the development of your product or company? E.g., prototyping, materials, ingredients, other early-stage costs, etc. 

Time Commitment

  • Are you able to commit to attending each of the 10 two-hour sessions on Thursdays?
  • Outside of our sessions, how many hours per week can you dedicate to working on your business idea? 

Personal Statement

  • Why this idea, and why you? What motivated you to start this business, and what excites you most about working on it?
  • What skills do you currently have to help develop your product, and what skills do you still need to learn or bring in through a team member?
  • Why do you want to join IgniteLab?

Video Submission

  • Applicants will be required to submit a 1 minute video (maximum) of yourself pitching your business idea. 

Business Information

  • What is the name of your business?
  • Which industry or sector is most aligned with your idea?
  • How long have you been working on this business idea?
  • What is the specific problem you want to solve?
  • How have you validated the problem you're trying to solve?
  • What is your business solution?
  • How have you validated your solution?
  • Who are your target customer segments?
  • What market research have you completed to date?
  • Who are the main competitors of your company?
  • What differentiates your product or service in comparison to your competitors?
  • What kind of progress have you made thus far?
  • How long have you been working on your business idea?
  • When do you intend to launch your company?
  • Website link, video link or examples of prototype (if applicable)
  • The Wood Centre resides in the Lang School of Business and Economics. We are striving to be recognized globally for our commitment to developing future leaders for a more sustainable world. How would your business idea contribute to improving life and using business as a force for good?  

Availability 

  • How many hours per week outside of our sessions can you dedicate to the LaunchLab, should you be accepted?
  • What is the likelihood you will proceed with this company full-time?

Budget

  • How will your company make money?
  • How do you plan to spend the stipend you receive from the program? ($3000)
    • Applicants are required to submit a short-one page budget, for more information please visit this website
    • You are only required to show the Categories and Budgeted amounts. Please make sure that the total of your budget equals $3000 

Video Submission

  • Applicants are required to submit a 1-minute video (maximum) of yourself pitching your business idea. 

The John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise is developing innovators and entrepreneurs at the University of Guelph. We look for innovative and sustainable solutions to economic, social and environmental problems. It is through this mission that we empower a new generation of business leaders committed to community engagement and a sustainable future. We instill in our students a sense of social responsibility and leadership, character-building values that help develop citizenship. We help to bring ideas to life!