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2026 Founders Program Application

Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship
 

Entrance into the Founders Program is awarded to full-time students starting second-year in Sep 2026 at Western University or an Affiliated University College.

Founders students are an integral part of the Morrissette Institute team. Founders are entrepreneurship ambassadors and help to promote and represent entrepreneurship within their faculty while helping to build the entrepreneurship community on campus. Students who have a strong entrepreneurial passion and see entrepreneurship as part of their future career path are encouraged to apply. 

As part of the program, Founders will receive a dedicated mentor, exclusive networking and learning opportunities, a tuition award as well as the opportunity to take on a leadership role within a committee such as marketing, events, community, advisory and building. Through the committees, Founders lead and run their own initiatives and events within the community.  

Applications will be assessed based on entrepreneurial passion and commitment to the community. 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). 

At the end of each year, all Founders will be re-assessed based on their participation in the program and engagement with the community in order to continue in the program for Years 3 and 4. In addition, students must maintain full-time status, have an average of over 70% and complete coursework on Western's campus (i.e. students can not be on exchange as part of the program) to remain as part of the program.
 

* You must be starting second-year as a full-time student in September 2026 with an average of over 70% to be eligible.


All applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 22, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
8. Planned year of study in Sep 2026

Note that this award is only available to students starting second-year in Sep 2026. *This question is required.
9. Do you have AEO status? *This question is required.
14.

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.
15.

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.
16. I agree to participate in all established Founders Program activities, educational and events (both virtual and in-person). *This question is required.
17.

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