
Intrapreneurship program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Fellowship program offering paid work experience to diverse students
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2023
- Closing date : September 24, 2023
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
The Intrapreneurship Program aims to support Canadian small and medium-sized businesses by offering paid talent from underserved communities to work on innovative projects in areas such as marketing, data analysis, and project management. Eligible companies must operate within Canada, have fewer than 500 employees, and be committed to diversifying their workforce. The program provides students with up to 60 hours of project work over 7 weeks, enhancing their skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Financing terms and conditions
The Intrapreneurship Program provides funding to organizations through fully paid student work placements, facilitating project completion without financial burden on the organizations. The program aims to make diverse and equitable talent accessible to Canadian businesses while offering practical work experiences to underserved students.
- Funding covers a stipend for students working on projects, eliminating payroll costs for organizations.
- Students commit to 60 hours of project work over a 7-week period, all funded by the program.
Activities funded
Eligible projects for this grant focus on innovation and skill development across various organizational functions. These activities aim to enhance capability in key areas while providing valuable work experience for students from underserved communities.
- Marketing projects that encompass strategy development, campaigns, and market analysis.
- Communications initiatives to improve internal and external messaging and brand positioning.
- Human Resources projects focused on talent management and organizational culture enhancement.
- Market Research projects involving data collection, consumer analysis, and competitive insight.
- Operations and Project Management tasks aimed at improving processes and project execution.
- Sales projects targeting new market penetration and customer engagement strategies.
- Data Analysis and Mathematics assignments involving data processing and statistical analysis.
- Design activities focused on creative production and user experience enhancement.
- Media projects including content creation and media strategy implementation.
- Education programs that support learning, curriculum design, and pedagogical methods.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Intrapreneurship Program is determined by specific requirements related to the company's operations and project focus.
- Operate in any Canadian province or territory.
- Have fewer than 500 staff members.
- Interested in diversifying voices and talent at the organization.
- Submit a project that contributes to the innovation of the organization.
- Ensure the project develops at least one out of five skills: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem-solving.
Who is eligible?
Eligible entities must be small and medium-sized businesses operating within Canada, having less than 500 employees, and showing a commitment to diversify their workforce and innovate within their operations. Additionally, proposed projects should aim to develop at least one of the following skills: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem solving. Underserved communities, including BIPOC individuals, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, women in STEM fields, and students living in rural or non-urban areas, are prioritized for engagement.
Eligible expenses
The eligible projects for this grant aim to enhance organizational innovation and provide valuable work experience for underserved communities in Canada. The projects cover a diverse range of areas, allowing students to develop critical skills and contribute meaningfully to the participating organizations.
- Marketing projects that focus on strategy and execution.
- Communications projects to enhance internal and external messaging.
- Human Resources projects for developing inclusive policies and practices.
- Market Research projects involving data collection and analysis.
- Operations & Project Management projects to optimize efficiency and productivity.
- Sales projects that strategize market expansion and revenue growth.
- Data Analysis & Mathematics projects that leverage statistical tools and techniques.
- Design projects focusing on product or brand development.
- Media projects that engage with digital and traditional platforms.
- Education projects aimed at enhancing learning tools and resources.
Eligible geographic areas
This program is available to businesses regardless of their specific location, given they operate within Canada. It aims to foster innovation and diversity across all provinces and territories.
- Canadian provinces.
- Canadian territories.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Intrapreneurship Program grant focus on ensuring alignment with the program’s objectives of fostering innovation and skill development within Canadian organizations.
- Contribution of the project to the innovation of the organization.
- Development of at least one of the following skills through the project: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem solving.
How to apply
1
Submit an Application
- Provide details about your company and the projects needing support.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Your application will be reviewed within 3-5 business days.
2
Attend Onboarding Webinar
- If eligible, attend the webinar to learn about program timelines and expectations.
- Receive project development coaching.
3
Submit your Project
- Share details of your project for review and approval.
- Projects are filled as space becomes available with interested students.
- Approval process takes 6-8 weeks.
4
Project Kickoff
- Meet your students and discuss project roles and expectations.
- Utilize communication tools and student support tips provided.
5
Weekly Check-ins
Conduct weekly check-ins with the students to track project progress and hours.
6
Network with Students
Have coffee chats with each student to foster connections for future opportunities.
7
See the Project Come to Fruition
- Receive project presentations from students after 7 weeks.
- Provide direct feedback to the students.
8
Repeat
Once eligible, submit new projects without repeating steps 1 and 2.
Additional information
The grant program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada by providing paid talent from underserved communities to work on innovative projects.
- Applications are reviewed every 3-5 business days.
- Eligible projects must contribute to the innovation of the organization.
- Projects should develop at least one of the following skills: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem solving.
- Eligible Canadian organizations must have fewer than 500 staff members.
- Projects can span across various categories such as Marketing, Communications, Human Resources, Market Research, Operations & Project Management, Sales, Data Analysis & Mathematics, Design, Media, and Education.
- Students commit to 60 hours of project work over 7 weeks.
- The program is designed to support BIPOC, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, women in STEM fields, and students living in rural/ non-urban communities.
- International students are not eligible due to funding restrictions.
- The grant is funded by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative Program.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Intrapreneurship program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Intrapreneurship program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Intrapreneurship program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Intrapreneurship program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Intrapreneurship program?
Who is eligible for the Intrapreneurship program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Intrapreneurship program?
Where is the Intrapreneurship program available?
Are women eligible for the Intrapreneurship program program?

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