eCo-op Overview
eCo-op will allow aspiring entrepreneurs to work towards their business idea full-time for a semester instead of working in a traditional co-op role with an Algonquin College employer partner. Students will be required to have a business plan before applying to the program and will work through various activities throughout the term to help them make their start-up dream a reality.
The program is predominantly an unpaid opportunity for students. You will grow the value of your business – we consider this your compensation. There are, however, other funding grants that may be available for your business idea through federal, provincial, and local governments and agencies.
What makes an ideal student candidate?
Algonquin College is committed to fostering a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship in all of its learners. With the changing nature of work, employers are looking for people who are not just skilled in their profession, but are also innovative, creative, and can solve problems.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee has worked to develop a set of competencies, based on existing frameworks and literature, that can support such a mindset with the purpose of providing a starting point for thinking about how an Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) Mindset will impact learners at the College.
Student Eligibility
Students from any Algonquin College co-op program can complete an Entrepreneurship Co-op during any of their work terms. Students may decide to apply for permission to complete more than one eCo-op work term if they wish to further develop their business venture.
eCo-op students can choose to start a new business or continue to run a business they already own.
Application Process
Students wishing to complete an entrepreneurship co-op work term must begin the process by completing an eCo-op application.
Part of the application form requires the student to identify a mentor and submit a business plan. If you do not have a mentor, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre will make every attempt to provide one for you. If a mentor cannot be found for you, you will be required to find your own. A mentor is required.
You will also have to submit a business plan as part of your application. More on that below.
Equal Consideration Date:
- Summer 2024 – Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Students who apply to eCo-op on or before the equal consideration date have the advantage of having their application looked at first. If you apply after the equal consideration date, eCo-op may be full. Available spots will be offered to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants will receive an offer through HireAC. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Identifying a Mentor
Your mentor will be someone who is experienced in the industry and is willing to support you for the duration of the eCo-op work term.
The student and mentor will maintain regular contact throughout the work term and meet regularly. Your mentor will participate in the evaluation and feedback components throughout the work term. For example, assist the student in completing the personal learning plan, participate in the mid term review, and complete an end of term evaluation.
There are many different ways to find a mentor. Here are a few of our Industry partners that provide excellent tools and resources for you to consider:
Crafting a Business Plan
Students are required to submit a business plan as part of their application. This can be one you have drafted earlier, or a one-page Business Model Canvas outline to start.