Student Programs
What do you get?
An opportunity to tackle industry-relevant social issues
Career-building and workplace skills training
Mentorship from industry experts and community partners
A stipend for your work in the program
Programs
The world-altering, paradigm-shifting, globally-impactful ideas that shape our future shouldn’t come from closed door meetings in high rise boardrooms. The issues we face today affect everyone; shouldn’t the solutions involve everyone too?
The 2024 Impact Unlimited Hackathon is designed to give TMU students the opportunity to create the change that they hope to see in their city and beyond. The Hackathon will bring together students, SVZ startups, and community partners to explore social enterprises ideas focused on a central topic:
How can we fight poverty through inclusive employment?
The topic will be explored in a Hackathon setting with teams of 2-4 students, and the program will take place over 5 sessions (more information on these sessions below) for which students will receive an honorarium of $325. Winning teams will have the opportunity to gain further mentorship from the SVZ, and move on to the Hult Prize Competition should they choose, competing for the International Hult Grand Prize of $1 Million USD.
The Hult Prize challenges young people to solve the world’s most pressing issues through social entrepreneurship. Every year, one team receives $1 Million USD in funding to make their idea a reality. The Hult Prize is a year-long, global competition: qualifiers take place locally (that’s this program!) from November to February, followed by Nationals between March and May. National winners will reach the incubator/accelerator stage, and travel to the Hult Prize Global Accelerator at the historic Ashridge House outside of London in August 2025 to refine and scale their impact globally before pitching for the $1 Million USD grand prize in September. Learn more about the prize and past winners here (external link, opens in new window) .
| Event | Date | Location |
| Kick-Off Party | November 13th (5 - 7 PM) | SLC Sandbox |
| Application Deadline | November 17th (11:59 PM) | |
| Acceptances Sent | November 18th | |
| Knowledge Workshop 1 | November 19th | The SVZ (KHS045) |
| Knowledge Workshop 2 | November 26th | The SVZ (KHS045) |
| Mentorship Pitches | January 2025 | The SVZ (KHS045) |
| Final Pitch | January 2025 | TBD |
The SVZ will be hosting a launch party for the Impact Unlimited Hackathon on November 13th from 5 - 7 PM at the SLC Sandbox. The event will offer insight into the program, keynote speakers, and a chance to meet others interested in the program and build a team. To participate in the program, at least one member from each team must have attended this event. Applications will open the same day, and will close on Sunday, November 17th. The application is simple and should not take long to complete. Only one application should be submitted for each applying team.
Experience Ventures (external link) , powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary (external link) , enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. EV is funded by the Government of Canada and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide.
- Minimum two TMU students per team
- At least one team member from each applying team must have attended the Kick-Off Event
The honorarium and knowledge workshop portion of the portion is administered through the Experience Ventures (EV) program. A minimum of two students on each team must be registered in this program. Up to two additional students (for a maximum of four) may join the team, however space is limited in the EV program, meaning that participation in this aspect of the program will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Students registered in the EV program must attend all workshops in order to receive the honorarium for the program.
Applications are now open to students who attended the Launch Party on November 13th, and will close on November 17th at 11:59 PM. If you attended the launch party and didn't recieve the link to apply, contact us at socialventures@torontomu.ca.
Ready to get paid to dive into the startup world and solve real-life business challenges? The Social Ventures Zone is hosting a mini business case challenge where you’ll get hands-on experience with startups that need your help to level up their game!
We're challenging YOU to partner with a Social Ventures Zone startup and tackle a specific business challenge they’re facing. In teams, you’ll choose from three powerful tools—SWOT, PESTLE, and Porter’s 5 Forces—to analyze the business, strategize, and present your insights to the startup's founders.
How it works
The Pitch: On November 6th, Startups will kick things off by pitching their business models and sharing current challenges. It’s like speed-dating for ideas—ask questions, take notes, and get ready to choose which startup you’d like to work with. You can find a preview of the challenges here (external link) .
Pick Your Startup: After hearing from the ventures, you’ll rank your top choices. We’ll pair you up with a startup that’s a match for you and your team.
Analyze and Report: Over the next few weeks, your team will deep-dive into the startup’s world. Using either SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s 5 Forces (or a combo!), you’ll analyze what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve.
Porter’s 5 Forces: Explore the competitive landscape and assess threats and opportunities based on rivalry, supplier/buyer power, substitution risks, and barriers to entry.
PESTLE Analysis: Get the big picture by examining Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors that impact the startup.
SWOT Analysis: Zero in on the startup’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to uncover actionable insights for the future.
Why apply?
You’ll gain practical experience, build your resume, and network with innovative founders and fellow students. Plus, you'll be awarded a $500 stipend for your contributions in the program.
What is Experience Ventures?
Experience Ventures (external link) , powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary (external link) , enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. EV is funded by the Government of Canada and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide.