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The idea of developing a business enterprise while going through university is a goal for some students. Recognizing this desire to embark on entrepreneurial activities, the Co-op Office seeks to support students interested in completing an entrepreneurial co-op work term.

Co-op students who wish to pursue their own business venture can complete an entrepreneurial work term to meet the requirements of a co-op work term. The Co-op Office will provide information, support and advice for students wanting to consider an entrepreneurial co-op work term.

Student Eligibility

Students from any MSVU co-op program can complete an entrepreneurial work term during any of their three co-op work terms. Students may decide to apply for permission to complete more than one entrepreneurial co-op work term if they wish to further develop their business venture.

Students may choose to pursue a business they already own and/or operate or begin a new business venture. Your business does not need to make a profit in order to be approved as an entrepreneurial co-op work term. You will be assessed according to your development as an entrepreneur, your entrepreneurial skill development and your ability to identify venture-related goals.

Application Process

Students wishing to complete an entrepreneurial co-op work term begin the process by arranging a meeting with a co-op coordinator to discuss their business venture and the process for requesting permission to complete an entrepreneurial work term. Students should initiate this meeting at least four months (one semester) prior to the scheduled co-op work term.

Students wanting to pursue an entrepreneurial work term will submit the Entrepreneurship Co-op Work Term Application Form to the Co-op Office.

Part of the application form requires the student to identify a mentor and submit a business plan.

Identifying a Mentor

The mentor will be someone who is experienced in the industry and is willing to act as a sounding board for the duration of the entrepreneurial co-op work term.

The student and mentor will maintain regular contact throughout the work term and meet regularly. The 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 work site visit, and complete an end of term evaluation.

Crafting a Business Plan

Students are required to submit a business plan as part of their application. At a minimum, the business plan needs to include the following sections:

  • Title page
  • Table of contents
  • Executive summary
  • Proposed business
  • Market analysis (include subheadings such as: customer profile, market size, competitor analysis, and marketing mix)
  • Operational plan (include subheadings such as: suppliers, inventory, sales, equipment, location and permits & regulations)
  • SWOT analysis
  • Financial information (include subheadings such as: projected income statement for years 1-3 and assumptions)

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