StartUp Lab
StartUp Lab is Laurier's incubator in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. We are located in the first floor of Lazaridis Hall. We are dedicated to transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses. As an early-stage incubator, we provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate the difficulties of starting a new venture.
What We Offer
- Mentorship: Connect with experienced mentors who provide guidance tailored to your unique journey.
- Structured Support: Access frameworks and resources that help you build a solid foundation for your business.
- Community: Join a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, sharing insights, challenges, and successes.
Why StartUp Lab?
We believe that great minds deserve the chance to flourish. With our comprehensive support system, you’ll not only refine your business concept but also develop the skills and confidence necessary to bring it to market.
Apply to StartUp Lab
Join us at StartUp Lab and turn your vision into reality. We are happy to help you navigate your venture as an Entrepreneur!
We also welcome applications from individuals passionate about entrepreneurship. If you’re interested in joining an existing venture and contributing with your skills and talents, we invite you to apply as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business idea to apply to the StartUp Lab?
No, you don't need to have a business plan to be accepted into the StartUp Lab. However, at minimum, you must have a clear concept of the problem you want to solve.
Entry is competitive so the more developed your idea is the better.
Who qualifies for the StartUp Lab program?
Laurier students, alumni and members of the community at large are eligible to apply to StartUp Lab. You may have supporting team members from other institutions or from the community.
What resources does StartUp Lab provide for me?
Being a part of StartUp Lab will provide you with access to our vast network of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors who can guide you through the process of building your business. StartUp Lab entrepreneurs have access to our workspace available in Lazaridis Hall.
Events at the StartUp Lab
Lunch & Learns - Winter 2025
These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insights into key entrepreneurial topics while enjoying a meal with fellow innovators and other entrepreneurs that are part of the StartUp Lab program.
Spaces are limited, so please register to the waitlist in advance to secure your spot. You will receive a confirmation shortly after. You can do this by CLICKING HERE and register to the sessions you are interested in:
January 31 – Self-care and Resilience with Paula Ghelman.
February 14 – Media Rediness with Kate Tippin.
March 14 – Interview Techniques with Brendan Herjavec.
March 28 – How to Network with Melise Panetta.
2025 StartUp Lab Pitch Competition
With the generous support of TD Bank Canada, the StartUp Lab is pleased to invite active members in the entrepreneurship ecosystem to the 2025 StartUp Lab Pitch Competition.
The competition will feature a Start-up Expo in the Lazaridis Hall atrium. Evaluators from the ecosystem, partner institutions, faculty, and the greater community will select 5 companies to send to the final pitch round. One company will also be selected as the WLU Student Choice participant.
Finalists will present their 5-minute pitch to a panel of judges for a share in the prizes!
Are you eligible to join? You must:
- Be an Entrepreneur or Startup with less than $100k CAD in revenue/fundraising/earnings.
- Own your intellectual property.
Startups from all industries are welcome!
We will be offering up to $1,000 CAD off-set travel expenses for selected out-of-province participants.
$35,000 CAD in prizes
1st Place: $20,000 CAD
The deadline to submit your application is February 7th. We look forward to having you join us at the 2025 StartUp Lab Pitch Competition!
To submit your application as a Pitch Competitor, you can Click Here.
If you want to attend the event as a Guest of the Event, you can Register Here.
Discover Entrepreneurship Event
We are excited to invite you to our Discover Entrepreneurship Event, where we will explore the exciting world of early-stage entrepreneurship. The sessions will provide valuable insights, practical advice to help you grow your entrepreneurial journey.
This event will take place on Friday, January 17th from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Communitech.
Session Schedule:
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Market Research: Problem? What Problem? - Presenter: Dan Gibson.
- 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM | Intro to Sales - Presenter: Jane Phillips.
- 12:20 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch (Provided)
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Ideation / Design Thinking - Presenter: Harold DeVries.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your venture to the next level, this event is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
To attend, please register at the link below:
CLICK HERE
