Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship

The Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship is a philanthropic initiative dedicated to financially supporting the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs. The program provides $5,000 awards to students enrolled in recognized Canadian universities and colleges who are actively running a business, launching a social enterprise, or leading projects with tangible real‑world impact. By easing financial pressures, the scholarship enables recipients to focus on learning, building, and growing their ventures while continuing their studies.

The scholarship is aimed at post‑secondary students across Canada who demonstrate clear entrepreneurial spirit. Eligible applicants typically show initiative, leadership, creativity, and community involvement, and must be operating an active business or venture in Canada. The program recognizes both commercial and social entrepreneurship, from startup businesses to impactful community projects and social enterprises.

The core funding vehicle is the Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship, sometimes presented as the Entrepreneurial Excellence Scholarship. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to March 31 through an online form hosted on the official website. Applicants must provide information about their studies, their business, and a short essay or video describing their entrepreneurial vision. Submissions are reviewed by a dedicated Thomas Foundation selection committee, which chooses recipients based on alignment with the program’s values and entrepreneurial criteria.

The scholarship is offered in memory of Todd Thomas, an entrepreneur and mentor whose legacy of generosity and values‑based leadership guides the program. A board including Peter Thomas, Rita Thomas, Deanna Delyea, Erin Holm and others oversees the foundation’s activities and ensures that scholarship recipients reflect core values such as kindness, integrity, creativity and compassion. Donors, sponsors and community partners contribute to the fund, allowing the foundation to continue awarding scholarships that help young entrepreneurs turn ambition into opportunity.