StartMeUp
StartMeUp (SMU)
StartMeUp (SMU) is a project designed to spark and support a culture of entrepreneurship at Toronto Metropolitan University, and aims to start and expand ventures while offering co-curricular development opportunities to its members. We offer a series of events and initiatives equipping participants with a variety of educational content, resource consultations and opportunities for collaboration and meaningful connections for innovation & new venture creation.
Mentoring
In addition to the 65+ events, workshops and available funding consultations, a comprehensive mentorship program is delivered to participants on demand with free, modular and high-touch activities to empower first time entrepreneurs. Mentors receive personal and professional development to help them build mutually transformative relationships with every entrepreneur they work with.
Ideation stage
Entrepreneurs undergo a needs assessment and receive customized support. The program targets participants in the ideation phase to help validate their idea, work towards a scalable business model and learn from their findings so they can build smarter. Mentors pull from a knowledge bank of 10+ cornerstone entrepreneurship education topics provided by REI. They also coach participants to develop soft skills such as pitching or professional communication. We believe that validated learning drives progress regardless of the success or failure of the ideas.
The ecosystem
SMU is enabling Ryerson students to seize experiential learning opportunities. Since helping launch and grow the Digital Media Zone (DMZ) in 2010 (awarded the #1 University-based accelerator in the World in 2018), SMU continues as the conduit for students and their ventures applying to any of Ryerson’s ten on-campus incubators. SMU works to infuse the Ryerson ecosystem and Toronto start-up community with collaborative innovation for economic development.