Launchbox programs offer Acadia students a unique opportunity to develop essential entrepreneurial and professional skills. Whether you're looking to start your own business, explore innovative ideas, or grow as a leader, our programs provide hands-on experience in problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Find events happening in the upcoming weeks and opportunities to volunteer with us as an Innovation Ambassador.
Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with our program, open to all Acadia students regardless of background or experience. Whether you have a business idea or are just curious, you'll gain practical experience in a supportive, risk-free environment, with access to funding, mentorship, and peer support.
Mentorship
You will be matched with a mentor who you will be meeting with on a regular basis. Sessions will include ideation, problem-solving, expert advice, and set action items that you will follow up on with your mentor.
Workshops
You will be completing entrepreneurial training throughout the program to help you build your business
Seed Funding
$500 for 10 individuals or teams (Fall Semester)
An additional $500 for 10 individuals or teams (Winter Semester)
Entrepreneur Awards
Awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 presented at the Innovation Awards Banquet in March.
Sharpen your problem-solving skills and collaborate in a high-pressure team environment through these Innovation Challenges. This is a great opportunity to enhance your resume with case competition experience, a highly valued skill for future job prospects. Work individually or in teams. Compete by presenting your best solutions to a panel of judges, with a range of prizes for the winning teams.
Real-World Experience
You’ll research, design, and pitch innovative solutions to meaningful problems while developing teamwork, communication, and leadership skills
Professional Networking
You’ll connect with community partners, mentors, and judges throughout the event. Top teams win up to $2,000 in prize money
Outcomes & Recognition
You will walk away with enhanced soft and hard skills, expanded networks, and a great addition to your resume or portfolio
Design and lead community-based projects that create measurable impact. Through the Community Impact Fund, you can apply for up to $500 to support initiatives like mental health campaigns, youth programming, sustainability efforts, cultural awareness events, or early-stage social enterprises. Whether you're developing an honours project with real-world application, planning a campus event, or launching a grassroots initiative, this program helps you turn your idea into action with funding, mentorship, and hands-on support.
Project Funding
There is $4,000 available in frunding through small grants.
What’s Eligible
Projects that create positive impact in the Annapolis Valley, County of Kings, or broader community.
Community events
Course-based initiatives or honours projects
Pilot programs for social enterprises or non-profits
Grassroots ideas by individuals or informal groups
Outcomes & Support
You’ll receive mentorship, feedback, and the chance to gain real-world experience in leadership, budgeting, and project design. Upon completion, you will submit a short reflection and report to help share the story and impact of the work.
A flexible, volunteer opportunity where you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting entrepreneurship programs, events, and outreach. As an Ambassador, you’ll help shape the energy and impact of Launchbox by welcoming others, spreading the word about upcoming events, supporting projects behind the scenes, and bringing your unique ideas and energy to the table. Whether you’re interested in marketing, leadership, event planning, or just learning something new, this is a space to develop your skills, try new things, and be part of something exciting.
What You’ll Do
As a volunteer you will be supporting events, and promoting opportunities. You might assist with event setup, welcome guests, share Launchbox updates on social media, or capture photos and videos during activities. You’ll also have the chance to grow your own skills with support from Launchbox staff and mentors.
Time Commitment
The volunteer role comes with flexible hours with approx. 2–5 hours/week. Some time will be spent attending events, team check-ins, or working on personal or group projects. You will be excepted to attend some of the major Launchbox events during the semester.
To Apply
Send us your resume, a short cover letter introducing yourself and telling us why you’re interested in the role, and any past work, creative projects, or reference.
A welcoming and fun way to get involved on campus and in the community. Social Circle is all about creating spaces to belong, meet new people, and share meaningful experiences. Whether you’re looking to relax with friends, explore different cultures, give back to your community, or just try something new.
Community Wellness Events
Hosting engaging social gatherings that promote mental well-being and foster community connection.
Connecting Students
Utilizing social media to connect students with the Wolfville community, for instance to volunteering roles.
Collaborations
We’ll collaborate on events with different groups in Wolfville, actively uplifting their voices and contributions.
Community-Led Events
Giving young adults and Valley residents the opportunity to share their expertise or gain new skills by offering event planning support.
Learning Based Events
Through dedicated events, we enable community members from diverse cultures to teach skills and share their unique heritage.
Event-driven fundraising
Directly supports Social Circle and provides donations to essential community initiatives like Acadia Food Cupboard and Acadia Foodsharing.
Gives Acadia students direct access to real entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that, and are here to help. Through in-person office hours, students can drop in for one-on-one conversations, ask questions, get feedback, and explore ideas in a low-pressure, supportive environment. Whether you’re stuck on a business challenge, want help building a plan, or just want to know how someone else got started, this is your chance to learn from someone who’s done it.
Who’s It For?
All students are welcome! No matter your background, major, or level of experience. You don’t need a pitch deck or polished plan, just curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
Keep an Eye on Our Schedule
Different entrepreneurs will have open office hours throughout the year, bringing unique backgrounds and expertise. Follow Launchbox on social media to stay up to date on who is in residence.
This program matches you with local employers, nonprofits, and community organizations for short-term, paid work experiences. Whether you want to build your resume, explore a career path, or apply your skills in a real-world setting, this flexible, part-time program is designed to fit into your student schedule.
How it Works
Submit your resume and intorduce yourself and the kinds of opportunities you are looking for.
Learning Outcomes
Every placement is focused on both professional development and community contribution. You'll strengthen your communication, time management, and teamwork all while gaining industry-specific experience that helps you stand out.
Expectations & Commitments
You will be excepted to meet regularly, stay responsive (48-hour reply window), and submit a final report submitted with your employer to receive payment
The Entrepreneur Awards are given out annually at the Innovation Awards Banquet. This special evening is all about celebrating student innovation. You’ll join fellow student changemakers, university leaders, and community supporters for a buffet dinner, live pitch presentations, and awards to student entrepreneurs and innovators just like you.
Apply to Be Recognized
All students with new business ideas and existing ventures are inviting to pitch! Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or further along, your effort and progress should be recognized. The top presentations are invited to pitch again at the Banquet.
Why You Should Attend
Even if you’re not pitching, this is a great chance to celebrate with the Launchbox community, be inspired by student stories and ideas, network with local business leaders, professionals, and potential employers, and see what’s possible when students take the lead.
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