We have programs for everyone! Choose the one that suits you.
Our programs are for all levels and all types of businesses – from commercial to social enterprises and everywhere in between. Whether you are:
- an early explorer interested in learning about developing an idea
- an aspiring or budding entrepreneur with a grand idea
- a solopreneur needing that initial support,
- a growing business (including SMEs), or
- a student looking for work-integrated learning opportunities –
– we have programs and activities that you can join!
If you are interested to get to know more about entrepreneurship and basic steps to start, or get inspired and learn about real-life challenges successful entrepreneurs overcame, attend one of our sessions or workshops below:
Regular Information Sessions to start your journey:
- What we’ll cover:
- Details on what does it takes to be an entrepreneur
- Self-assessment on entrepreneurial characteristics
- Information on COIE programs and activities
- Q&A Period
- Learn more about our Information Sessions and check out upcoming ones Introductory Startup Workshops to learn about startup steps:
- Developing your business idea
- Market assessment
- Basics of marketing
- Operations setup
Speaker Series bringing you experts and successful entrepreneurs to inform and inspire
- Our speakers and events include:
- Successful Entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneur Panels
- Entrepreneurship Experts
Interested in developing solutions to challenges that can lead to a sustainable business concept using Design Thinking and Lean methodology?
Register for one of our Design Sprints/Weekend Challenges!
- Design Sprints engage you in developing ideas and solutions to challenging problems of the world using design thinking and lean methodologies
- They are intense, hands-on, team-oriented and thoughtfully-mentored weekend programs
- Participants will:
- work together to identify the root problem and explore solutions using human-centered design and lean methodology, or
- work together with engineers and developers to build and pitch strategies and digital solutions for an originally, or
- collaboratively hatching an idea focusing on SDG solutions
- Participants pitch to an expert judging panel and winners receive awards and certificates of recognition
- Activity is eligible for the Centennial Leadership Passport
Incubation Experience Programs to work with you in developing your idea and business model using Lean Launchpad® and Agile methodologies
- A 10-week program to collaborate and build solutions to pressing social or business challenges and invoke the participation of students, entrepreneurs, designers, creative thinkers and the community
- Real-world, experiential learning through weekly workshops and team discussions on turning a great idea into a great company
- The program uses the Lean LaunchPad® developed by Steve Blank in 2011, introduced at Stanford University, Columbia Business School and UC Berkeley and currently taught in more than 200 universities worldwide
- The method is core to the U.S. National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program, which is the standard for commercializing science in the U.S. and applied in a variety of sectors, including non-commercial areas such as Hacking for Defense and for Diplomacy
- Participants validate that they have created a repeatable, scalable business model through the combination of experiential learning with the three building blocks of a successful lean startup:
- Alexander Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas,
- Blank’s Customer Development Model and
- Agile engineering
- Participants also receive support through one-on-one mentoring throughout and after the 10-12-week period to address challenges and start operations
Our next Incubation Experience program will start mid-April 2024!
Are you thinking of freelancing or considering self-employment/solopreneurship? Attend our Rapid Start Entrepreneurship Basics workshop series and start working on your idea!
Rapid Start Programs provide initial set-up support to your business
- Weekly interactive workshops cover the key steps of establishing a new business idea from concept development to market assessment, marketing, sales, operations and financials, supported by general mentoring sessions during and after the workshop series
- Additional sector-specific workshops enrich the programming delivered by industry and subject matter experts
Are you operating a small- to medium-size enterprise (SME) and looking to accelerate your business and increase your profitability?
Apply to our Business Innovation and Transformation Program!
Below are the streams offered in this program:
- Business Model Design and Customer Development Stream
- Experiential program for developing an actionable strategic roadmap and building the business for early-stage enterprises
- Innovation and Growth Strategy Development Stream
- Business advisory program for Business Model Innovation, strategy design and deployment for growth based on the need of individual local businesses
- Digital Strategy and Solutions Stream
- Advisory program for organization transformation, innovation and productivity (digital strategy transformation, data-driven decision-making, process, system and organization optimization & restructuring)
- Market Readiness Stream
- A go-to-market strategy development program for technology commercialization
This program supports your business’ growth and profitability and is available for:
- Small- to medium-sized businesses with 2-499 employees
- Operating in the Greater Toronto Area for two years
- Looking for growth through development and commercialization of innovative, new or improved products, services or processes
Programs for Work-Integrated Learning
Our core programs are available to all Centennial students to take as their work-integrated learning option, including internship and field placement. They can participate in these programs, as well as support the coordination and delivery of the various programs and activities of COIE!
Core programs include:
Rapid Start Programs provide initial set-up support to your business
- Weekly interactive workshops cover the key steps of establishing a new business idea from concept development to market assessment, marketing, sales, operations and financials, supported by general mentoring sessions during and after the workshop series
- Additional sector-specific workshops enrich the programming delivered by industry and subject matter experts
Join our General Mentorship Program – for those who have attended at least one of our Information/Orientation sessions and have a potential idea
- 45-minute session arranged based on availability
- We will match you based on expertise requested