2025 Founders Program Application

Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship

Entrance into the Founders Program is awarded to a full-time second-year entrepreneurial student at Western University or an Affiliated University College.

The award recipient must desire to be entrepreneurial in their chosen field. Students who demonstrate high engagement with entrepreneurship activities at Western University are encouraged to apply. A total of 12 students will be selected every year for the Founders Program.

* You must be returning as a full-time second-year in September 2025 with an average of over 70% to be eligible. Award recipients are expected to participate in all established Founders Program activities and events, both virtual and in-person, as well as participating in Founders Committees. The time commitment of this program is approximately 15-20 hours per month. The program runs over eight months, from September to April each school year.

Award value: $20,000 (CAD) distributed over three years. This monetary award will offset a student's tuition costs.

Year 2, Value: $5,000 (CAD),
Year 3, Value: $5,000 (CAD), and
Year 4, Value: $10,000 (CAD).

This award and commitment will continue into Years 3 and 4 provided that the student maintains participation in the Founders Program, maintains full-time status, and has an average of over 70%. Participation requires you to do your coursework on Western's campus.

All applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

1. First Name *This question is required.

2. Last Name *This question is required.

3. Student Email *This question is required.

4. Student Number *This question is required.

7. Program *This question is required.

8. Planned year of study in Sep 2025

Note that this award is available to second-year students only. *This question is required.

Video Essay (5 Minutes Max.)

In a short video, describe your interest in entrepreneurship, including the following:

How you developed an entrepreneurial spark?
What does entrepreneurship mean to you and what are you passionate about with respect to entrepreneurship?
What specifically about entrepreneurship intrigues you to pursue it?
How will you add value to the entrepreneurship community at Western?

[Upload Video Instructions]
Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and provide us the URL link in the text box below.
*This question is required.

10.

Please attach a letter of recommendation.

Our preference would be to receive a written recommendation on your behalf from an entrepreneur or entrepreneurial leader.

However, we will also accept letters from previous/current managers, colleagues, coaches, counsellors or professors. Please avoid selecting family members or close friends for this task.

*This question is required.

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11. Essay Answer (250 words maximum)

Describe your current or past entrepreneurial activities with any achievements or milestones. *This question is required.

12. Essay Answer (250 words maximum)

Describe how the Founders Program will help you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams and/or advance your current entrepreneurial career.

What drives you to apply for this scholarship and how will it help you reach the next level?
*This question is required.

13.

I understand that there will be a time commitment of 15-20 hours per month with this award, which includes committee work and participation, and assistance with Morrissette Entrepreneurship events and programs.

*This question is required.

14. I agree to participate in all established Founders Program activities, educational and events (both virtual and in-person). *This question is required.

15.

I understand that I must maintain in-person, active participation in the Founders Program, continue to be registered as a full-time student and maintain an average of 70% to be eligible for the Year 3 ($5,000) and Year 4 ($10,000) additional award. At the end of each year, the selection committee will review your engagement and determine if you have met the requirements set up by the program.

*This question is required.

16. How did you hear about the Founders Program? *This question is required.

17. Optional: Sign up for the Morrissette Entrepreneurship newsletter, and stay up-to-date on all things entrepreneurship at Western.