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|openingDateJanuary 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 24, 2023
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
This grant is available to companies operating in any region within Canada. Eligible organizations are not restricted by province or territory but must comply with the overall program criteria.
- All Canadian provinces.
- All Canadian territories.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
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
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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this program:
- Step 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.
- Step 2: Attend Onboarding Webinar
- If eligible, attend the webinar to learn about program timelines and expectations.
- Receive project development coaching.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Project Kickoff
- Meet your students and discuss project roles and expectations.
- Utilize communication tools and student support tips provided.
- Step 5: Weekly Check-ins
- Conduct weekly check-ins with the students to track project progress and hours.
- Step 6: Network with Students
- Have coffee chats with each student to foster connections for future opportunities.
- Step 7: See the Project Come to Fruition
- Receive project presentations from students after 7 weeks.
- Provide direct feedback to the students.
- Step 8: Repeat
- Once eligible, submit new projects without repeating steps 1 and 2.
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
Fellowship 2025: Empowering Canadian Intrapreneurs
The Fellowship 2025 program seeks Canada's top entrepreneurial graduates, offering them a unique opportunity to engage in intrapreneurship projects that foster work experience while promoting diversity and accessibility. By partnering with operating Canadian businesses, this initiative provides practical, hands-on experience for students from underserved communities, positively impacting their professional paths and the organizations they support.
In-Depth Insights into the Fellowship 2025 Program
The Fellowship 2025 program is a distinctive initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders by fostering entrepreneurial skills among graduates across Canada. The program is meticulously designed to break down barriers and enhance diversity within the Canadian workforce by focusing on students from underserved communities. The program harnesses the power of intrapreneurship—enabling students to work on real projects that contribute to the innovation and growth of participating organizations.
In its search for the top 65 entrepreneurial graduates, Fellowship 2025 invites applications from those eager to make a meaningful impact through their innovative ideas and projects. The objectives are threefold: to enrich the students' professional experiences, to support Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to increase workplace diversity. Specifically, VFC Intrapreneurs will engage in projects that span across marketing, data analytics, operations, and more, supported by detailed onboarding and ongoing mentorship throughout the program's seven-week duration.
Each student in the program commits to 60 hours of project work, providing SMEs with the opportunity to benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative solutions without bearing direct financial costs, as students receive a stipend funded by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative Program. This program commitment not only ensures that students gain vital hands-on experience but also effectively supports the partnering organizations in tackling specific business challenges.
Eligible businesses are those operating within Canadian provinces or territories, employing fewer than 500 staff members, and possessing a keen interest in diversifying their workforce. By submitting a proposal centered on project innovation—aligned with developing skills in communication, teamwork, analytical capabilities, and problem-solving—businesses can benefit from a seamless integration process. The streamlined application and project submission procedures allow companies to focus on what matters most: driving their initiatives forward and fostering an inclusive workplace environment.
Central to Fellowship 2025 is its mission to support underserved students from communities such as BIPOC, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, women in STEM fields, and students from rural or non-urban areas. By providing these individuals with meaningful work experiences, the program actively contributes to creating a more equitable and accessible Canadian workforce.
The project's success is evidenced by the active contribution of over 662 Canadian organizations to date. Each cycle ends with a demonstration of the students' contributions, reinforcing the tangible impact and growth achieved by participating businesses. The program's success stories, such as that of LûDesign, highlight how intrapreneurship can translate innovative visions into concrete, business-wide advancements. Recipients of this opportunity regularly report remarkable developments and sustainable business growth, affirming the transformative potential of this program.
Ultimately, Fellowship 2025 promises not only a brighter, more equitable future for Canada's workforce but also vital support for the nation's enterprises, ensuring both students and organizations reach their full potential. By nurturing this pipeline of diverse, talented individuals, Fellowship 2025 embodies a commitment to building a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive business landscape across Canada.
