Nicol Internships

The Nicol Entrepreneurial Institute oversees paid internships that provide students with the skills and experience they need to launch and grow their own companies. Carleton undergraduate and graduate students from all faculties are able to apply for these internships. The Nicol Internships align to Carleton University’s mission to foster successful students as well as its mission to enhance our community and economy through entrepreneurship.

The endowment to support Nicol Internships was established at Carleton University by the Wesley and Mary Nicol Charitable Foundation, now the Wesley M. Nicol Foundation, in August 2011. It was the vision of Wes Nicol that Carleton University provide funding and support for student internships that will promote and instill the highest spirit of entrepreneurialism at the University. Being named a “Nicol Intern” would therefore recognize the academic achievements of the student recipients and their potential as entrepreneurs and future business leaders.

The mandate of the program has been expanded to invite potential Nicol Interns from the vast number of current and future entrepreneurs across campus. Student entrepreneurs are also encouraged to take advantage of the programs and resources at Carleton University’s Innovation Hub. The Innovation Hub can assist students with their ventures in many ways including the preparation of a high-quality Nicol Internship application, access to mentors and access to other resources that support startup success.

Nicol Internships are valued at $8000 and are awarded at $4000 per term over two consecutive terms.

Carleton is honoured to partner with Bruce Nicol and the Nicol family to continue supporting student entrepreneurs and to develop new opportunities for learning and innovation. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support of the Wesley M. Nicol Foundation and all that has been made possible through their family’s ambitious vision.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a full-time Carleton University student during the terms in which they apply for and receive payments as a Nicol Intern.
• Applicants must be a resident of the Province of Ontario.
• Applicants must be actively working to launch and grow a registered or incorporated company in Ontario.
• Nicol Internships are provided to applicants who can clearly describe the problem solved by their company’s offer, can present their business model, and can demonstrate an early-stage product or service prototype that is ready for market testing.
• Applicants must have a specific plan showing how the Nicol Internship funds will be used to advance their company goals and must report on how those funds were spent.
• Applicants are encouraged to make best use of the Innovation Hub team prior to and during their time as a Nicol Intern.  Applicants are also encouraged to make good and appropriate use of AI in the design and development of their business.

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