Hub Incubator Application Process
Applications for the IgniteLab are now closed.
Applications for LaunchLab will open in November.
Application Process:
To participate in the Hub programs, students must apply to each program separately. Applications open approximately 2 months before the program starts, so join our mailing list or follow us on social media so you can be notified.
Each application is unique and includes questions specific to that program. We encourage you to review the preview questions early to allow ample time for preparation. It is mandatory to answer all the questions and submit the brief video pitch.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. After the application due date, the submission form will close, and then all applications will be reviewed. Applicants will be notified about their acceptance status within one week.
Preview of Application Questions
Interest in Entrepreneurship
- What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship?
- Have you previously started or been involved in any entrepreneurial ventures?
- If so, please describe
- 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? Ex. Market research, primary or secondary research, MVP...
- The Wood Centre resides in the Lang School of Business School and Economics. We are striving to be recognized locally and 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?
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 or service in comparison to your competitors?
Financial
- How will your company make money?
- How do you plan to spend the stipend that you receive from the program on your company? ($1000)
Time Commitment
- Are you able to commit to attending each of the 10 two-hour sessions on Thursdays 1-3pm?
- Outside of our sessions, how many hours per week can you dedicate to working on your business idea?
Personal Statement
- Why do you want to join IgniteLab?
- What is the likelihood you will proceed with this company full-time in the future?
- When do you hope to launch your company?
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 your business idea?
- What kind of progress have you made thus far? Ex. market research, primary or secondary research, MVP, etc.
- 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?
Lean Business Model Canvas
- Applicant will be required to fill out a Lean Business Model Canvas.
Competition
- Who are the main competitors of your company? Please explain.
- What differentiates your product or service in comparison to your competitors?
Budget
- How will your company make money?
- How do you plan to spend the stipend you receive from the program? ($3000)
- Applicants will be required to submit a short-one page budget, for more information please visit this website
- Please make sure that the total of your budget equals $3000
Video Submission
- Applicants will be 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!