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At the Centre for Entrepreneurship, our goal is to develop and manage programs that impact Mohawk College students, alumni, and the community. By supporting high schools, we hope to inspire our youth to think more entrepreneurially. This page is your source to access programming and events that support your learning outcomes.
Secondary School Business Workshops
We have carefully designed a variety of workshops to introduce and educate your students on concepts related to entrepreneurship. Each workshop below includes an interactive lesson, offered either virtually or in-person, followed by an engaging activity. Although our content is applicable to a wide ranging variety of courses in secondary programs, these workshops have been designed to meet specific curriculum requirements in the following Ontario high school classes:
| Grade | Code | Course |
| 9 | BBI1O | Intro to Business |
| 10 | BBI20 | Intro to Business |
| 11 | BDI3C | Entrepreneurship: The Venture |
| 11 | BDP3O | Entrepreneurship: The Entrepreneuring Person |
| 11 | DC030 | Co-operative Education |
| 12 | BDV4C | Entrepreneurship: Venture Planning in an Electronic Age |
| 12 | BOH4M | Business Leadership: Management Fundamentals |
| 12 | BOG4E | Business Leadership: Becoming a Leader |
Relevant SHSM Programs
- Construction
- Health and Wellness
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information and Communications Technology
- Non Profit
- Manufacturing
Entrepreneurial Leadership
Whether you manage a team or are part of one, leadership is a skill set every strong employee should carry. This interactive workshop focuses on developing leadership skills that focus on creativity, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Learn the difference between leading and managing a team, identify how you can grow as a leader and gain valuable entrepreneurial skills that will push you to be more disruptive in your career. Students develop entrepreneurial characteristics and leadership skills, through innovative thinking, risk optimization and taking advantage of opportunities.
Book Workshop
Presentation Skills
An elevator pitch is a versatile presentation style that is used to create interest in a product, service, business or person. It is a key tool all entrepreneurs use to pitch their ideas, whether it’s to investors or their audience. This workshop teaches students how to craft an elevator pitch and gives students valuable experience presenting. Students get creative designing their own pitches, in teams, as they come up with on-the-spot elevator pitches that target a specific audience.
Book Workshop
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurial mindset is a combination of attitudes, skills and behaviours that support the inclination of an individual to discover evaluate and exploit opportunities. This way of thinking is for both the entrepreneur and those students who are not looking to branch out on their own, or for those program areas where entrepreneurship is not applicable. This model enables students to be more intrapreneurial, or think creatively and be more innovative with the way they approach and solve problems within the workplace.
Book Workshop
60 Min MVP
An MVP is a company’s Minimum Viable Product or Prototype. Designing a prototype allows new products to be tested in the marketplace. Valuable market research is collected and prototypes are refined to satisfy those findings. This workshop challenges students to launch an idea that only focuses on the big picture. In teams, students brainstorm a new business idea and create a Minimum Viable Product in 60 minutes. Students learn basic web design, business communication skills, and encourages students to be innovative and think critically about promoting their business idea. The final product includes a promotional video and a website.
Book Workshop
Business Model Canvas
The Business Model Canvas is a tool that is used to describe, design, challenge and pivot a company’s business model. It is a visual representation of a business plan, and it includes describing a companies infrastructure, value proposition, marketing plan, and financials. Classes work collaboratively, using each of the nine building blocks of the canvas to fill out a Business Model Canvas using an existing brand as the case study.
Book Workshop
Customize Your Workshop
The Centre for Entrepreneurship will create a custom workshop that introduces entrepreneurship to your students!
The Centre for Entrepreneurship is always looking for ways to inspire our students to think entrepreneurially. Our team is prepared to customize any workshop to the needs of your class. Pick and choose different activities and design an interactive workshop that fits your classroom. We will also explore other curriculum and learning opportunities with you and find an entrepreneurship program that aligns with your class’s goals. Work with the Centre for Entrepreneurship team to design a workshop that fits your curriculum needs.
Email Us
Events
Here you will find a list of our upcoming events, made free and accessible to teachers and students.
Centre Snacks Podcast
Launched in November 2021, Centre Snacks is a podcast offering 10-15 minute mini-episodes featuring successful entrepreneurs from the Greater Hamilton Area. Ryan Anderson, Associate Dean of Business and Entrepreneurship at Mohawk College, hosts discussions that support entrepreneurship and small business growth. Season one dives deep into topics like “The Art of Disruption,” “What Makes a Good Idea,” and “How to Avoid Burn Out.” We also sit down 1-on-1 with each guest for an intimate discussion on their journey as business owners.
Visit Centre Snacks
MINDSHIFT Entrepreneurship Conference 2022
MINDSHIFT is Mohawk College’s Entrepreneurship Conference. Held annually, this FREE virtual unconference offers pre-recorded workshops, panel discussions, and SURGE’s annual Pitch It To Win It! Pitch Competition. This year we are offering three workshops: The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Funding Your Business with Futurpreneur and Starting a Business in Canada. The panel discussions will showcase four impressive entrepreneurs who share how they have navigated through their entrepreneurial journey. The conference will take place from March 21 – March 23, 2022. Registration is now open! The deadline to register is March 18th at 11:30 p.m. EST.
Here you will find entrepreneurial resources for youth within the greater Hamilton area.
E.R. Monaco Business Writing Competition
This youth program gives high school students the opportunity to enhance their skills through the development of a professional business plan. Our competition isdesigned to challenge your student’s entrepreneurial talents. Top 5 business plans will receive a cash prize for their efforts.
Summer Company
Are you searching for a summer job? Have you ever wanted to start your own business around your passion or skills but are unsure of where to start?The Summer Company program can help turn your vision into reality.Be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with programs and events!
Let’s Connect!
Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?
SURGE is Mohawk’s start-up incubator. SURGE supports current full-time students, part-time students, continuing education students and alumni. Many of our clients run their businesses as side-hustles, launching them full-time upon graduation.
Contact Us
SURGE provides mentorship and coaching to student and alumni entrepreneurs
The SURGE team supports clients through out the business planning process
SURGE connects clients to networks within the Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and K/W area
SURGE clients gain access to different resources that support their business development
Apply Now
The Client Experience
Prospecting clients fill out an application form located on the SURGE website. This application informs the SURGE Team of the business and stage the client is at with their idea. The application is then sent to the SURGE Team for review and next steps. Clients are taken through a series of phases:
Phase 1:
focuses on validating the business idea, working closely with the coordinator of the SURGE program. Clients receive three different tasks to complete before they are able to proceed.
Phase 2:
Clients are now connected to a faculty mentor, enrolled in the SURGE bootcamp and also given the opportunity to compete in the SURGE pitch competition.
Phase 3:
Clients now gain access to resources such as funding opportunities from outside organizations, free workshops and courses, and incubator spaces within different cities.
- Get free coaching to develop your business idea or expand your current business.
- If you are a creative freelancer, get featured and find clients as part ofThe Collective.
- Get access to expert advice from our network partners.
- Get free access to the MaRS Entrepreneurship 101 program.
- Get matched to a community or faculty mentor and introductions to the Hamilton Entrepreneurship Community.
- Personalized help to prepare for external pitch competitions such asLion’s Lair,CNE Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition and OCE Discovery Pitch Competitions.
- Support with applications to accelerators and incubators such as The FORGE, DMZ and Communitech SURGE Mentors
Meet our Alumni
PRELUDIUM
Amanda Ottoni (BMusA) is a musician and entrepreneur living in Dundas, Ontario. Her business, Preludium, is an inclusive music school in the Greater Hamilton Area. After receiving first place in Mohawk’s Pitch it to Win it Competition and being supported by the City of Hamilton’s Starter Company Plus grant, Preludium began operating full time. Amanda now conducts lessons in piano, voice, ukulele, music theory and music history in Preludium’s studio, in student’s homes, and virtually.
Solange Medial Aesthetics
Jenn found her true passion in nursing seven years ago. She fell in love with helping others look and feel their best and approached SURGE to help her grow a cosmetics injection business. With the support of SURGE and her mentors, Jen launched Solange Medical Aesthetics In June 2021 with 10 full-time staff, 8 contracted professionals and her own shop located on Upper James. Rooted in a Parisienne flair, they offer a unique European boutique-style experience and specialize in services such as lash extensions, injections, filler, and other cosmetic procedures.
The Monarch Tea Co.
Katie Cyr is a certified Tea Sommelier and founded Monarch Tea Co. in March or 2014. She specializes in small batch loose leaf tea and online virtual tea tasting events. Through her virtual events, Katie teaches clients everything about tea, how to brew the perfect cup, anatomy of the tea plant, and how to sip tea like a Sommelier. Her interactive tea talks have been taught worldwide in person and online. She’s even been featured in food and beverage publications such as Goodness Me!, LCBO, and UK Tea & Herbal Magazine. In 2021, Katie won first place in SURGE’s Pitch To Win It! Pitch competition & came second place in the FirstOntario 1Awards for small business.
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Accessories, Gifts, Pranks
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SURGE is Mohawk’s start-up incubator. SURGE supports current full-time students, part-time students, continuing education students and alumni. Many of our clients run their businesses as side-hustles, launching them full-time upon graduation.
Contact Us
Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?
SURGE provides mentorship and coaching to student and alumni entrepreneurs
The SURGE team supports clients through out the business planning process
SURGE connects clients to networks within the Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and K/W area
SURGE clients gain access to different resources that support their business development
Apply Now
The Client Experience
Prospecting clients fill out an application form located on the SURGE website. This application informs the SURGE Team of the business and stage the client is at with their idea. The application is then sent to the SURGE Team for review and next steps. Clients are taken through a series of phases:
Phase 1:
focuses on validating the business idea, working closely with the coordinator of the SURGE program. Clients receive three different tasks to complete before they are able to proceed.
Phase 2:
Clients are now connected to a faculty mentor, enrolled in the SURGE bootcamp and also given the opportunity to compete in the SURGE pitch competition.
Phase 3:
Clients now gain access to resources such as funding opportunities from outside organizations, free workshops and courses, and incubator spaces within different cities.
- Get free coaching to develop your business idea or expand your current business.
- If you are a creative freelancer, get featured and find clients as part ofThe Collective.
- Get access to expert advice from our network partners.
- Get free access to the MaRS Entrepreneurship 101 program.
- Get matched to a community or faculty mentor and introductions to the Hamilton Entrepreneurship Community.
- Personalized help to prepare for external pitch competitions such asLion’s Lair,CNE Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition and OCE Discovery Pitch Competitions.
- Support with applications to accelerators and incubators such as The FORGE, DMZ and Communitech SURGE Mentors
Meet our Alumni
PRELUDIUM
Amanda Ottoni (BMusA) is a musician and entrepreneur living in Dundas, Ontario. Her business, Preludium, is an inclusive music school in the Greater Hamilton Area. After receiving first place in Mohawk’s Pitch it to Win it Competition and being supported by the City of Hamilton’s Starter Company Plus grant, Preludium began operating full time. Amanda now conducts lessons in piano, voice, ukulele, music theory and music history in Preludium’s studio, in student’s homes, and virtually.
Solange Medial Aesthetics
Jenn found her true passion in nursing seven years ago. She fell in love with helping others look and feel their best and approached SURGE to help her grow a cosmetics injection business. With the support of SURGE and her mentors, Jen launched Solange Medical Aesthetics In June 2021 with 10 full-time staff, 8 contracted professionals and her own shop located on Upper James. Rooted in a Parisienne flair, they offer a unique European boutique-style experience and specialize in services such as lash extensions, injections, filler, and other cosmetic procedures.
The Monarch Tea Co.
Katie Cyr is a certified Tea Sommelier and founded Monarch Tea Co. in March or 2014. She specializes in small batch loose leaf tea and online virtual tea tasting events. Through her virtual events, Katie teaches clients everything about tea, how to brew the perfect cup, anatomy of the tea plant, and how to sip tea like a Sommelier. Her interactive tea talks have been taught worldwide in person and online. She’s even been featured in food and beverage publications such as Goodness Me!, LCBO, and UK Tea & Herbal Magazine. In 2021, Katie won first place in SURGE’s Pitch To Win It! Pitch competition & came second place in the FirstOntario 1Awards for small business.
Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?
SURGE is Mohawk’s start-up incubator. SURGE supports current full-time students, part-time students, continuing education students and alumni. Many of our clients run their businesses as side-hustles, launching them full-time upon graduation.
Contact Us
SURGE provides mentorship and coaching to student and alumni entrepreneurs
The SURGE team supports clients through out the business planning process
SURGE connects clients to networks within the Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and K/W area
SURGE clients gain access to different resources that support their business development
Apply Now
The Client Experience
Prospecting clients fill out an application form located on the SURGE website. This application informs the SURGE Team of the business and stage the client is at with their idea. The application is then sent to the SURGE Team for review and next steps. Clients are taken through a series of phases:
Phase 1:
focuses on validating the business idea, working closely with the coordinator of the SURGE program. Clients receive three different tasks to complete before they are able to proceed.
Phase 2:
Clients are now connected to a faculty mentor, enrolled in the SURGE bootcamp and also given the opportunity to compete in the SURGE pitch competition.
Phase 3:
Clients now gain access to resources such as funding opportunities from outside organizations, free workshops and courses, and incubator spaces within different cities.
- Get free coaching to develop your business idea or expand your current business.
- If you are a creative freelancer, get featured and find clients as part ofThe Collective.
- Get access to expert advice from our network partners.
- Get free access to the MaRS Entrepreneurship 101 program.
- Get matched to a community or faculty mentor and introductions to the Hamilton Entrepreneurship Community.
- Personalized help to prepare for external pitch competitions such asLion’s Lair,CNE Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition and OCE Discovery Pitch Competitions.
- Support with applications to accelerators and incubators such as The FORGE, DMZ and Communitech SURGE Mentors
Meet our Alumni
PRELUDIUM
Amanda Ottoni (BMusA) is a musician and entrepreneur living in Dundas, Ontario. Her business, Preludium, is an inclusive music school in the Greater Hamilton Area. After receiving first place in Mohawk’s Pitch it to Win it Competition and being supported by the City of Hamilton’s Starter Company Plus grant, Preludium began operating full time. Amanda now conducts lessons in piano, voice, ukulele, music theory and music history in Preludium’s studio, in student’s homes, and virtually.
Solange Medial Aesthetics
Jenn found her true passion in nursing seven years ago. She fell in love with helping others look and feel their best and approached SURGE to help her grow a cosmetics injection business. With the support of SURGE and her mentors, Jen launched Solange Medical Aesthetics In June 2021 with 10 full-time staff, 8 contracted professionals and her own shop located on Upper James. Rooted in a Parisienne flair, they offer a unique European boutique-style experience and specialize in services such as lash extensions, injections, filler, and other cosmetic procedures.
The Monarch Tea Co.
Katie Cyr is a certified Tea Sommelier and founded Monarch Tea Co. in March or 2014. She specializes in small batch loose leaf tea and online virtual tea tasting events. Through her virtual events, Katie teaches clients everything about tea, how to brew the perfect cup, anatomy of the tea plant, and how to sip tea like a Sommelier. Her interactive tea talks have been taught worldwide in person and online. She’s even been featured in food and beverage publications such as Goodness Me!, LCBO, and UK Tea & Herbal Magazine. In 2021, Katie won first place in SURGE’s Pitch To Win It! Pitch competition & came second place in the FirstOntario 1Awards for small business.
Are you ready to be an entrepreneur?
SURGE is Mohawk’s start-up incubator. SURGE supports current full-time students, part-time students, continuing education students and alumni. Many of our clients run their businesses as side-hustles, launching them full-time upon graduation.
Contact Us
SURGE provides mentorship and coaching to student and alumni entrepreneurs
The SURGE team supports clients through out the business planning process
SURGE connects clients to networks within the Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and K/W area
SURGE clients gain access to different resources that support their business development
Apply Now
The Client Experience
Prospecting clients fill out an application form located on the SURGE website. This application informs the SURGE Team of the business and stage the client is at with their idea. The application is then sent to the SURGE Team for review and next steps. Clients are taken through a series of phases:
Phase 1:
focuses on validating the business idea, working closely with the coordinator of the SURGE program. Clients receive three different tasks to complete before they are able to proceed.
Phase 2:
Clients are now connected to a faculty mentor, enrolled in the SURGE bootcamp and also given the opportunity to compete in the SURGE pitch competition.
Phase 3:
Clients now gain access to resources such as funding opportunities from outside organizations, free workshops and courses, and incubator spaces within different cities.
- Get free coaching to develop your business idea or expand your current business.
- If you are a creative freelancer, get featured and find clients as part ofThe Collective.
- Get access to expert advice from our network partners.
- Get free access to the MaRS Entrepreneurship 101 program.
- Get matched to a community or faculty mentor and introductions to the Hamilton Entrepreneurship Community.
- Personalized help to prepare for external pitch competitions such asLion’s Lair,CNE Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition and OCE Discovery Pitch Competitions.
- Support with applications to accelerators and incubators such as The FORGE, DMZ and Communitech SURGE Mentors
Meet our Alumni
PRELUDIUM
Amanda Ottoni (BMusA) is a musician and entrepreneur living in Dundas, Ontario. Her business, Preludium, is an inclusive music school in the Greater Hamilton Area. After receiving first place in Mohawk’s Pitch it to Win it Competition and being supported by the City of Hamilton’s Starter Company Plus grant, Preludium began operating full time. Amanda now conducts lessons in piano, voice, ukulele, music theory and music history in Preludium’s studio, in student’s homes, and virtually.
Solange Medial Aesthetics
Jenn found her true passion in nursing seven years ago. She fell in love with helping others look and feel their best and approached SURGE to help her grow a cosmetics injection business. With the support of SURGE and her mentors, Jen launched Solange Medical Aesthetics In June 2021 with 10 full-time staff, 8 contracted professionals and her own shop located on Upper James. Rooted in a Parisienne flair, they offer a unique European boutique-style experience and specialize in services such as lash extensions, injections, filler, and other cosmetic procedures.
The Monarch Tea Co.
Katie Cyr is a certified Tea Sommelier and founded Monarch Tea Co. in March or 2014. She specializes in small batch loose leaf tea and online virtual tea tasting events. Through her virtual events, Katie teaches clients everything about tea, how to brew the perfect cup, anatomy of the tea plant, and how to sip tea like a Sommelier. Her interactive tea talks have been taught worldwide in person and online. She’s even been featured in food and beverage publications such as Goodness Me!, LCBO, and UK Tea & Herbal Magazine. In 2021, Katie won first place in SURGE’s Pitch To Win It! Pitch competition & came second place in the FirstOntario 1Awards for small business.
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Step 2
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Step 2
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