Business students participating in an Entrepreneurial Work Term are expected to develop an entrepreneurship plan, and then run their own business ventures, while receiving mentorship and support throughout the course of their work term. The concept here is that an Entrepreneurial Work Term (EWT) can be substituted for a Co-op work term with an employer.
Students participating in an EWT are required to complete the same components as students would in traditional work terms, in order to receive credit. It would be possible for students to spread an EWT over the course of two semesters to give them more time and opportunity to work on the development of their business. Students currently operating an established business would be eligible to complete an EWT, provided that they establish how they plan to expand, or further develop, the operations of the existing business and how the experience will enhance their entrepreneurial skills. In addition, during the course of their degree program, students would be permitted to dedicate three work terms to their entrepreneurial effort, be it with their existing business, or to explore a new venture. The core of that decision would be based on the capacity of additional terms to provide new learning experiences for the student. Students can partner with other Co-op students to launch a business venture through an EWT, however each student will be evaluated separately. Each student's personal contribution will be the basis for their final assessment. Although it is not mandatory, EWT students are encouraged to prepare themselves for venturing by completing the following courses prior to (or in conjunction with) their EWT:
Business 265 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management.
These courses will help students lay the groundwork for running their own business, however students are also encouraged to participate in further courses related to Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
How do I apply to complete an Entrepreneurial Work Term?
Students that are accepted and enrolled in the Business Co-op Program are eligible to apply to complete an EWT. When submitting your Work Term Application on Moodle, you must indicate that you wish to complete an EWT. Following that, you will be contacted by the Co-op Office to arrange a personal interview to discuss your business idea.
*Please note that all reasonable business ideas will be considered, however only those with the most potential for student learning and entrepreneurial skills development will be accepted.
