Venture for Canada’s 2022 Fellowship launches its 8th cohort

Venture for Canada (VFC) is excited to announce the launch of applications for its 8th Fellowship Cohort. 

Link to application.

The Fellowship Program supports recent post-secondary grads and startups across Canada. The program is designed for ambitious, curious graduates looking to invest in the training, support and network they need to successfully launch their entrepreneurial careers. 

In 2022 the Fellowship Program will offer an expanded training stemming from the renowned European Commission’s EntreComp Framework, and job support program, including individualized job search coaching, job-readiness training, access to Fellow Alumni mentorship, direct connections to VFC’s growing network of startups across Canada through networking events and introductions, a job board with the latest jobs and access to a monthly speaker series featuring Canadian leaders like John Stackhouse, Irfhan Rawji  and Tabatha Bull.

2022 Fellows will return to Venture for Canada’s flagship three-week Training Camp in Kingston, Ontario, hosted in collaboration with the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.

Additionally, through the Fellowship, VFC connects startups across Canada with ambitious, entrepreneurial entry-level talent. In 2021, Venture for Canada has already partnered with over 108 startups to enhance their hiring practices, talent pool, and pipeline. 8 out of 10 partners would recommend the VFC Fellowship to another startup.

“As Canada recovers from the pandemic, it is more important than ever for young Canadians to develop entrepreneurial skills in order to rebuild the economy and address Canada’s most pressing challenges,” said Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada.

“The Fellowship Program has an established track record of helping recent graduates launch their careers through entrepreneurial work experiences, training, and community support, and we are excited about the opportunities for the future 2022 cohort.”

VFC’s Fellow Alumni Community includes +380 community and startup leaders and entrepreneurs and leaders. Alumni include Charlie Feng, Co-Founder of Clearbanc; Lucia Gallardo, Founder of Emerge, named MIT’s 35 Innovators Under 35; Michael Warshafsky, Co-Founder & CTO of Y-Combinator and backed company Goodkind; and Jeannette Stock, named in Bay Street Bull’s 2018 Power 50. Moreover, 88% of Alumni strongly agree that the VFC Fellowship accelerated their career.

With the goal of improving accessibility to the Fellowship, Venture for Canada is pleased to offer an enhanced and expanded needs-based bursary of up to $3,000 for Fellows who have faced financial and systemic barriers. The Removing Barriers Awards are made possible by the generosity of private donors. Learn more about our fundraising efforts here

“Jobs, as we know them, are being significantly disrupted by technology, and new ways of doing business are emerging,” said Gina Patterson, Director of Programs at Venture for Canada. “This change in our economic and social fabric is something that we deeply care about. Our goal is to provide bright young Canadian talent with the entrepreneurial skills they will require to lead the future of work in Canada.”  

Recent graduates seeking startup work opportunities, entrepreneurial skill development, and growing their professional network should apply to the Fellowship Program. To be considered for the next intake and be among the first to secure a spot in the Fellowship before spots fill up, applicants should apply by October 1st. There will be a further intake period in November and throughout early 2022.


About Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is a national charity that accelerates the careers of Canadian youth by providing immersive learning opportunities at Canadian startups and small businesses. The Venture for Canada Fellowship Program accelerates the careers of recent post-secondary graduates by providing practical work experience at startups, access to solid peer networks, and entrepreneurial skills training. For additional information, please visit VFC’s website: https://ventureforcanada.ca/about-us.  Or email fellowship.admissions@ventureforcanada.ca

-30-