Saint Mary’s University is hosting a new program through the Spark Zone that supports student entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas into reality.
The program, Sandbox Ignition, is providing over $50,000 in start-up funding to post-secondary students to support the launch of new businesses or community projects. The program also provides student entrepreneurs with the training, resources, and entrepreneurship ecosystem connections needed to move their ideas forward.
“Providing student entrepreneurs with a bit of financial support can be a determining factor in their success in moving their ideas from concept to reality,” says Jason Turner, manager of skill development and training for Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre. “During the best of times, it can be challenging for students to find the start-up capital they need to begin a business, let alone during a pandemic. This will be an important program for many young entrepreneurs this summer.”
Launching the program in the middle of a pandemic makes Sandbox Ignition a unique experience for all participants. The three-month program is entirely virtual and allows participants to provide weekly updates to capture their successes, failures and milestones. Students will use TikTok to share their weekly progress with the world, gaining storytelling experience, and traction for their products.
“It’s important for student entrepreneurs to have the appropriate connections and learn from people who have been in their position once before,” says Turner.
The program identified a 20-person roster of entrepreneurs, business faculty, and members of industry across Nova Scotia to mentor and provide advice to the students. The program begins June 8 and ends on August 31, 2020.
Saint Mary’s University is a proud partner of the Spark Zone, a Nova Scotia sandbox that fosters enthusiasm for entrepreneurship among post-secondary students across the province. The Spark Zone is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity to see their ideas become a real product or social innovation without fear of failure.
