Brock students have the opportunity to test the waters as an entrepreneur while earning credit for their degree.
Interest in the University’s Entrepreneurship Co-op semester has grown each year as the unique Co-op experience gains traction among students, says Dana Tonus, Manager of Employer Relations and Special Initiatives for Brock Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE).
“It’s exciting to see students taking the opportunity to start their own business and inspire the next generation of leaders,” she says.
The Entrepreneurial Co-op Internship was designed to offer students enrolled in their current Co-op program the opportunity to develop and launch a business idea with the support of Brock’s CCEE team and the Brock LINC.
Following the standard collaborative structure, students are supported throughout their semester with workshops, mentoring and coaching from the Brock LINC and have access to programs such as Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship and Haltech’s Start Me Up! The experience allows students to explore entrepreneurship with the support of the university and community startup resources.
Students in all cooperative programs from departments across the university are encouraged to apply.
“The learning, growth and development that takes place throughout the semester is incredible,” says Tonus. “Even if a student decides that an entrepreneurial career isn’t right for them, the dual semester will help them develop many competencies and skills that are highly valued by employers and will benefit them throughout their careers.”
With program growth support, including additional funding, students enrolled in the program now have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,000 Entrepreneurship Co-op Awards. The Spring/Summer Entrepreneurship Co-op Awards winners are Vincent Von Rose, CEO of Faers, a gender-biased accessories and clothing line for LGBTQ+ youth, and Emma Kairys, who has worked on an e-commerce retail store.
“The Entrepreneurship Co-op program has helped me grow my business by giving me the time to focus specifically on my business rather than trying to align school with it,” says Kairys. “It is incredible to receive this award. It will allow me to do more promotion for my business and create better content to show clients.”
Interested students can still apply for an Entrepreneurship Co-op work semester for the fall semester. To learn more about co-op credit opportunities, contact [email protected]
