How does it work?
The program includes two pathways; the cohort will be completed online between September and March; alternatively, students can complete the program at their own pace but must finish while they are enrolled in classes at NAIT or one of our partnering post-secondary institutions. Each step of the process will determine if your business idea will be successful, get support and buy-in from your customers and guide you to a business launch, all with minimum risk and no cost. You’ll receive activities to complete every week, guidance and mentorship from experts within the Mawji Centre, and training from guest speakers at various steps of the journey.
Phase 1
Move from ideation and problem identification through to market research and refining your business model. At the end of phase 1, you will pitch your idea to a group of business leaders in a student pitch competition.
Phase 2
Move from creating, testing and revising your minimum viable product, to developing marketing and financial plans. At the end of phase 2, you will showcase your business at Strut Your Stuff, A Mawji Centre Business Showcase, and should you choose, launch your company.
Benefits of participating:
- Evaluate your idea and business model
- Test your assumptions
- Evaluate the competitive landscape
- Work on your pitch
- Design a minimum viable product and get feedback
- Create financial and marketing plans
- Show off what you’ve created
To apply, you must:
- Have a legal business idea that you’re interest in exploring
- Be enrolled in at least one course at NAIT or one of our post-secondary partners
- Be physically located in Alberta
The program will run over two terms, from September to March. The time commitment will vary based on your business idea and weekly assignment.