Intrapreneurship program
Canada
The VFC Intrapreneurship Program empowers Canadian SMEs with flexible, paid student talent while promoting diversity and innovation.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Venture for Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant include a wide range of innovative activities within several categories.
- Marketing
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Market Research
- Operations & Project Management
- Sales
- Data Analysis & Mathematics
- Design
- Media
- Education
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Intrapreneurship Program, you must meet several criteria including operating within Canada and having a commitment to diversifying talent. Projects must also contribute to the innovation of your organization and develop at least one key skill.
- Operate in any Canadian province or territory
- Have fewer than 500 staff members
- Be interested in diversifying voices and talent at your organization
- Submit a project that contributes to the innovation of your organization
- Ensure your project develops at least one of the following skills: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem-solving
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Small and medium-sized businesses operating in any Canadian province or territory that meet certain criteria are eligible for the Intrapreneurship Program. Eligible companies must also demonstrate a commitment to diversifying voices and talent within their organization.
- Operate in any Canadian province or territory
- Have fewer than 500 staff members
- Be interested in diversifying voices and talent at your organization
- Submit a project that contributes to the innovation of your organization
- Ensure the project develops at least one of the following skills: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem solving
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant include any province or territory in Canada.
- All Canadian provinces
- All Canadian territories
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria ensure that applicants meet eligibility requirements and propose projects that contribute to innovation and the development of specific skills in their organization.
- Operate in any Canadian province or territory
- Have fewer than 500 staff members
- Interest 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 of the following skills: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem-solving
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Submit an application
- Content: Share details about your company and the projects you need support on.
- Implications: Applications are reviewed every 3-5 business days to ensure eligibility and suitability of project opportunities.
- Step 2: Attend Onboarding Webinar
- Content: Participate in a webinar to understand program timelines, expectations, and project development coaching.
- Implications: Gain insights into fostering a healthy environment for underserved communities.
- Step 3: Submit your Project
- Content: Provide the details of your upcoming project for approval.
- Implications: Project is approved within 6-8 weeks and matched with interested students as space becomes available.
- Step 4: Project Kickoff
- Content: Meet your students, go over project details, roles, and expectations.
- Implications: Introduction to communication tools and student support tips.
- Step 5: Weekly Check-ins
- Content: Conduct weekly meetings with Intrapreneurs to track their hours and support project progress.
- Implications: Solidify the group's teamwork through regular check-ins.
- Step 6: Network with Students
- Content: Have a networking coffee chat with each student.
- Implications: Opportunity to build connections for potential future opportunities.
- Step 7: See the Project come to Fruition
- Content: Students present their projects after 7 weeks.
- Implications: Provide feedback directly to the students.
- Step 8: Repeat!
- Content: Submit a new project if eligible without going through initial steps.
- Implications: Continue to work with Intrapreneurs and build an ongoing talent pipeline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Empowering Canada's Small and Medium Sized Businesses through VFC Intrapreneurship Program
The VFC Intrapreneurship Program offers Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises a unique opportunity by providing access to paid, motivated groups of students from underserved communities. These students work on projects for up to 60 hours over seven weeks, enhancing diversity, equity, and innovation within the participating organizations.
Unlocking Innovation and Talent: A Comprehensive Guide to the VFC Intrapreneurship Program
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. However, many SMEs face challenges in accessing the right talent and resources to fuel their growth. To address this gap, the VFC (Venture for Canada) Intrapreneurship Program emerges as a beacon of opportunity, offering a unique blend of talent acquisition, diversity, equity, and innovation. This detailed guide delves into the various facets of the VFC Intrapreneurship Program, elucidating its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and the broader impact on Canadian SMEs.
The Essence of the VFC Intrapreneurship Program
The VFC Intrapreneurship Program is designed to foster a symbiotic relationship between Canadian SMEs and talented students from underserved communities. By subsidizing the students' stipends, the program ensures that organizations can access motivated and skilled talent without financial burdens. These students, referred to as Intrapreneurs, work on specific projects tailored to meet the needs of the participating companies. The program not only accelerates project completion but also enriches the organizational fabric by introducing fresh perspectives and fostering inclusivity.
Key Benefits of the VFC Intrapreneurship Program
- Access to Paid Talent: SMEs can leverage motivated groups of students eager to gain practical work experience. This talent pool can significantly enhance the company's capabilities in areas such as marketing, research, data analytics, operations, and project management.
- Flexibility and Ease of Implementation: The VFC Intrapreneurship Program is designed to be flexible and straightforward, minimizing the administrative burdens on participating organizations. This allows companies to focus on core business activities while benefiting from the Intrapreneurs' contributions.
- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: By supporting students from underserved communities, the program aims to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Canadian workforce. This not only aligns with corporate social responsibility goals but also drives innovation through diverse perspectives.
- Enhanced Skill Development: The program emphasizes the development of critical skills such as communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, and problem-solving. This dual focus on organizational and individual growth ensures that both the companies and students benefit immensely.
Eligibility Criteria for Participating Organizations
To be eligible for the VFC Intrapreneurship Program, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Geographical Location: The organization must operate in any Canadian province or territory.
- Size of the Organization: The company should have fewer than 500 staff members.
- Diversity and Inclusion Commitment: The organization should demonstrate an interest in diversifying voices and talent within its workforce.
- Innovation Focus: The proposed project should contribute to the innovation and growth of the organization.
- Skill Development: The project should aim to develop at least one of the following skills: communication, teamwork, resiliency, analytical capabilities, or problem-solving.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Participating in the VFC Intrapreneurship Program involves a structured yet straightforward application process. Below are the detailed steps:
- Submit an Application: Organizations begin by submitting an application detailing their company profile and the projects needing support. VFC reviews these applications within 3-5 business days to ensure eligibility and appropriate project opportunities.
- Attend Onboarding Webinar: Eligible companies are invited to an onboarding webinar where they learn about program timelines, expectations, and best practices for fostering a healthy environment for underserved students.
- Submit Your Project: Organizations provide a detailed outline of their upcoming project. VFC reviews and approves the project within 6-8 weeks. Once space becomes available, the project is filled with interested students.
- Project Kickoff: The selected students (Intrapreneurs) are introduced to the organization. The kickoff meeting covers project details, team roles, and expectations. Communication tools and student support tips are also shared.
- Weekly Check-ins: Throughout the project's duration, organizations conduct weekly check-ins with their Intrapreneurs to track progress and hours worked. These meetings ensure momentum and teamwork.
- Networking with Students: Organizations or their representatives have networking coffee chats with each student. These interactions are valuable for building future connections and understanding the students' aspirations.
- Project Presentation: At the end of the seven-week period, students present their project's outcomes to the organization. Feedback can be directly shared with the students to enhance learning and growth.
- Continuous Engagement: Once deemed eligible, organizations can bypass the initial steps for subsequent projects, creating a continuous pipeline of talent and innovative project completion.
Types of Projects Eligible for the Program
The VFC Intrapreneurship Program encompasses a broad spectrum of projects across various domains, including:
- Marketing and Communications: Strategies that enhance brand visibility, reach target audiences, and communicate the company's value proposition effectively.
- Human Resources: Initiatives that improve talent acquisition, onboarding processes, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion practices.
- Market Research: Comprehensive research projects that provide valuable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.
- Operations and Project Management: Process optimization projects, logistics improvements, and efficient project management practices.
- Sales: Strategies that drive sales growth, customer relationship management, and sales process enhancements.
- Data Analysis and Mathematics: Analytical projects that leverage data to derive actionable insights, inform strategic decisions, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Design and Media: Creative projects that enhance visual communication, user experiences, and media outreach.
- Education: Initiatives that promote learning, training, and development within the organization.
Supporting Underserved Communities
The VFC Intrapreneurship Program is particularly focused on providing opportunities to students from underserved communities. These communities include:
- BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
- Newcomers to Canada
- Persons with disabilities
- Women studying STEM fields
- Students living in rural or non-urban communities
It is important to note that international students are not eligible for the program due to funding restrictions by the Canadian Government.
Impact and Testimonials
Since its inception, the VFC Intrapreneurship Program has made a significant impact on Canadian SMEs and the students involved. Here’s what Georgie Lubin, President of LûDesign, had to say about the program: "My experience with Intrapreneurship allowed me to realize the great potential of my project and make it a reality. Seven weeks later, the results are concrete and my business' growth is real."
Such testimonials underscore the tangible benefits of the program, not just in terms of project completion but also in fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity within organizations.
Conclusion: Building a Better Canada Through Intrapreneurship
The VFC Intrapreneurship Program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, diversity, and innovation. By providing Canadian SMEs with access to motivated and skilled talent from underserved communities, the program not only addresses the talent gap but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable workforce. For organizations looking to drive innovation and growth while contributing to social good, participating in the VFC Intrapreneurship Program is a strategic and impactful choice.
As the application deadline approaches, SMEs are encouraged to seize this opportunity to unlock new potential, build lasting connections, and make meaningful contributions to their business and the broader Canadian economy.
