VentureLab Cohort
Meet the First VentureLab Cohort: From Side Gigs to Growing Businesses
Whether they're launching side hustles, serving customers, or testing new ideas, students in VentureLab are turning entrepreneurial ambitions into real-world ventures in the program's first ever cohort.
Delivered by the John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise in partnership with the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, VentureLab supports students who are actively building businesses, services, side gigs, or have a business idea they are pursuing. Over six weeks, participants develop practical entrepreneurial skills while applying what they learn directly to their businesses.
The Fall 2026 cohort brings together 18 student entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries, including home goods, veterinary services, home and automotive services, food and beverage, art, and apparel. While some participants are refining early-stage business ideas, many are already serving customers and looking to grow their ventures.
"I’m thrilled to be facilitating this entrepreneurship workshop series on behalf of Business Centre Guelph Wellington (BCGW)! Having spent many years supporting entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into successful businesses, I’m passionate about sharing my experience and helping the next generation of innovators build their entrepreneurial skills.Through these sessions, students will explore everything from recognizing opportunities and developing business ideas to marketing, financial literacy, and creating meaningful impact. I’m excited to inspire new ideas, share practical insights, and help students turn their entrepreneurial ambitions into reality!”
- Kristel Manes, Executive Director, Business Centre Guelph-Wellington
The program is designed for students who are serious about exploring entrepreneurship as a pathway to creating income, solving problems, and building something meaningful. VentureLab is helping to develop the confidence, knowledge, and support needed to move forward.
“I’m incredibly proud of the students who have joined VentureLab and are taking the leap to put themselves out there. Starting a business can be intimidating, especially when it means sharing your work with the world, asking for a sale, and taking a chance on yourself. I have a soft spot for makers and creatives turning their passions into businesses, and I’m excited to see them connect with customers and grow their ventures.
VentureLab is about giving students the confidence, tools, and support to take action and see where their ideas can lead. It’s exciting to welcome 18 students into our first-ever cohort, and I look forward to seeing them grow both their businesses and their entrepreneurial mindsets throughout the program.”
- Alex Mitro, Program Coordinator, John F. Wood Centre
As the cohort works through the program this fall, participants will continue strengthening their businesses while contributing to a growing culture of student entrepreneurship at the University of Guelph.
