On Friday, Carleton University celebrated its partnership with the Ontario government, the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College to help student entrepreneurs in Ottawa learn business skills, access mentorship opportunities and gain hands-on experience to start and grow a business.
The province is investing $2-million to support the institutions in their commitment to entrepreneurship through the $20-million Campus-Linked Accelerators (CLA) program. The CLA program builds on world-class innovation and entrepreneurial programs at campuses across the province.
The academic institutions have partnered to create the Capital Entrepreneurs Project, a venture to encourage and cultivate entrepreneurship among people aged 19 to 29. The program aims to make Ottawa the best place to start and grow a business through the development of a common brand, educational standards, enhanced outreach and continued support of youth-led companies.
First announced last fall, the Ottawa collaboration will support job creation and economic development opportunities.
Quotes
“This collaborative program puts students first, said Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte. It will provide support to launch and grow youth-led businesses, strengthen Ontario’s ecosystem for young entrepreneurs, and enhance the educational and training experiences of our students. We expect the main outcomes to be more jobs for youth and a more competitive Ontario.” — Roseann O’Reilly Runte, President, Carleton University
“We want to build the most entrepreneurial postsecondary system in North America. That’s why we’re pleased that academic institutions, like Algonquin College, University of Ottawa and Carlton University are working to make that happen through the Campus-Linked Accelerator program. They are helping nurture our business visionaries and igniting their entrepreneurial spirit, helping them to succeed and to expand our economy.” — Bob Chiarelli, MPP, Ottawa West-Nepean
“Through the Capital Entrepreneurs program, we can engage more students and youth in hands-on entrepreneurial opportunities, says Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. Algonquin is proud of the way we open our doors to the Ottawa community, and we thank the government for supporting our efforts. We look forward to working with Carleton University and the University of Ottawa to grow the innovative spirit and mindset within our community.” — Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College
“The support of the CLA program to the Capital Entrepreneurs program enhances the uOttawa investment in our Entrepreneurship Hub programs. This regional partnership complements the entrepreneurship strengths of three postsecondary institutions. Together with Invest Ottawa, we are committed to driving creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement for our youth, our students and our region,” — Allan Rock, President, Ottawa University
This was originally posted in the Carleton University Newsroom.