Launchbox Programs

LaunchBox programs for the 2024-2025 academic year 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

Build a Business

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. The program requires only 1 to 1.5 hours of workshops every two weeks, with the flexibility to work on your business as much as you like outside of these events.

Get Started

Seed Funding:

$500 for 12 individuals or teams (October 23, 2024).
An additional $500 for 8 individuals or teams (January 17, 2025).

Entrepreneur Awards:

Awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 at the Innovation Showcase on March 19, 2025.

Workshops:

September 25, 5:30-7pm: Identifying your business idea ‍
October 2, 5:30-7pm: Validating the Business Idea Guided Workshop
October 9, 5:30-7pm: Crunching the numbers Workshop‍
Bi-weekly Entrepreneur Roundtables: Every Wednesday 6-7pm

Funding Applications:

First $500 funding application due October 11, 2024.
Second $500 funding application due January 15, 2025.

Entrepreneur Awards:

Application deadline March 10, 2025.

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Project Connect

Gain hands-on experience working on real-world business projects through Project Connect, designed for students looking to enhance their resumes and develop practical skills. Whether you want to apply your unique talents to meaningful projects or balance academic commitments with flexible, part-time work, this program is ideal for you. At the end of the term, you'll receive a one-time $1,000 honorarium upon successful completion of the project and employer approval.

Get Started

5-10 hours per week over 8-10 weeks (approx. 65 hours total).
Attendance at 30-60 minute check-in meetings and group coaching sessions.
Flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments.
Remote work with optional in-person meetings.

November: Students are matched with a business/employer for initial project discussions.
January 13: Work term officially begins.
March 14: Work term officially ends.
March 11: Reflections and Learnings presentations with students and employers.

Industry Challenges: Problem-Solving in Action

Sharpen your problem-solving skills and collaborate in a high-pressure team environment through the Industry 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 of 3-5, with students from any academic program or year.

Compete by presenting your best solutions to a panel of judges, with prizes ranging from $500 to $2,500 for the winning teams. The challenge takes place over 24 hours, starting with 9 hours of team work (10am-7pm) followed by presentations and winner announcements the next day (1-2 hours).

Get Started

‍Fall 2024 Challenge: Saturday, November 16 (all day); presentations on Sunday, November 17 at 12pm.

‍Winter 2025 Challenge: Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 8.