Entrepreneurial Cohort
What is the Entrepreneurial Applied Studies Cohort?
The Entrepreneurial Applied Studies Program provides students with the opportunity to develop, launch, test, or refine a business idea while integrating academic learning with real-world experience. Students work under the guidance of an Entrepreneurial Business Advisor, participate in structured entrepreneurial programming, and engage in hands-on business development.
Through a combination of mentorship, professional development, and project execution, students gain valuable insights into business strategy, innovation, and market research.
Why Participate?
Turn Your Idea Into Reality – Get structured support to develop and refine your business concept.
Gain Hands-On Experience and Skills – Work on a real business project, participate in entrepreneurial programming, and apply classroom learning.
Receive Expert Mentorship – Learn from industry professionals and business strategists.
Expand Your Network – Connect with business leaders, startup incubators, and funding sources.
Earn Academic Credit – Receive recognition for your entrepreneurial efforts on your academic transcript while enhancing your resume.
This program is ideal if you have a business idea and want to further develop your project.
Program & Time Commitment
Students complete 120 hours of work over the semester, divided into key sections:
- Mentorship & Business Advising (5 hours) – Work with an experienced entrepreneurial mentor.
- Entrepreneurial Development (20 hours) – Participate in university-supported entrepreneurial training programs.
- Entrepreneurial Consultation (5 hours) – Meet with Agility Entrepreneurial Strategist.
- Project Development (90 hours) – Conduct market research, create a business plan, and refine your project.
Entrepreneurial Business Advisor (5 Hours)
Students must secure a business mentor/advisor from a relevant organization, Economic Development Lethbridge, Tecconnect, or a self-selected mentor with approval from the Applied Studies Instructor
Business Advisor qualifications & expectations:
- The advisor meets with the student at least three times per semester
- Participate in a Mentorship Monitor Visit with the student and Applied Studies Instructor
- Complete an Entrepreneurial Performance Evaluation assessing engagement and professionalism
- Help students streamline or improve their business model, navigate options, and set business goals
- Cannot be a family member of the student
Entrepreneurial Development Program (20 Hours)
Students must engage in an Agility Program or an alternative entrepreneurial initiative, such as:
Trailblazing or Trailblazing 2.0
Cover Your Assets (or another micro-credential)
Pitch Competition
STEM Fusion Conference
Prototype Development in the Innovation Zone
Poster Presentation at an applicable Conference
Entrepreneurial Consultation (5 Hours)
Students must meet with the Agility Entrepreneurial Strategist for consultation on:
Business progress, funding opportunities, and professional development
Product development support through the Innovation Zone
Project Development (90 Hours)
Students will dedicate the majority of their time to developing and refining their business projects.
Key Deliverables:
Business Plan Development
Market Research & Industry Analysis
Lab to Market or Lab2Market Discover/Validate (NSERC Stipend Available)
Winter Semester (Optional): Launchpoint Pitch Competition
Monthly Assignment Option (Choose One):
Informational Interview
Reflection on Entrepreneurial Consultation
Research Consultation with a Librarian
Registration Process
Log into MyExperience and book an appointment with an Applied Studies Instructor
- Sign in as a “student” by using your ULethbridge credentials (username and password).
- Go to “Book Appointments”.
- In the “Applied Studies” tab, there is an appointment module. Select “Book by Appointment Type” and then select the type that works best for you (“Applied Studies Inquiry”).
- The next available appointments are displayed on the right side of the screen. Please, select the best time that works for you.
- You should receive a confirmation email shortly after.
Students must secure a business mentor/advisor from a relevant organization, Economic Development Lethbridge, Tecconnect, or a self-selected mentor with approval from the Applied Studies Instructor
Business Advisor qualifications & expectations:
- Meets with the student at least three times during the semester
- Participate in a Monitor Visit with the student and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Instructor
- Complete an Entrepreneurial Performance Evaluation assessing engagement and professionalism
- Help students streamline or improve their business model, navigate options, and set business goals
- Cannot be a family member of the student
Engage in a conversation with an Academic Advisor to ensure that the Applied Studies course fits into your program planning guide. They can provide guidance on how the course aligns with your degree requirements and academic goals.
Submit your applications by the following deadlines. Contact an Applied Studies Instructor if you have any questions about these deadlines.
| Fall | September 15 |
| Winter | January 15 |
| Summer | May 15 |
Secure an employment/volunteer opportunity that will provide 5 hours of advising on your business at a minimum. The business advisor needs to support you in the Applied Studies course and be willing to complete evaluations and participate in a monitor visit (virtual or in-person).
You will fill out the application to be approved by your business and verify their information. Confirmations and course registration will be sent out once both application forms are completed.
Unsuccessful applications will need to be resubmitted.
To help with your application, please feel free to use this Word document to collect information.
Secure a University of Lethbridge Professor as your Academic Supervisor for your Disciplinary Credit course. Discuss the course proposal and the Academic Plan with them before submitting. The Course Proposal is needed for registration, while the Academic Plan can be submitted in the first four weeks of the course. Share information about Supervising an Applied Study to help explain how they can support your course.
It is essential to seek out a subject matter expert: someone whose research agenda is related to the general thesis you will explore as part of your academic plan. Work with your Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Instructor to plan a proposal well in advance of the course registration deadline to develop a request. This will include an academically relevant theory and/or principle that you want to connect to a professional environment. Good planning and organization are key to a successful request!
Consult with your Academic Supervisor and WIL Instructor about the Course Proposal before submitting it. Fill out the application and then a copy will be sent to your Academic Supervisor and the Department/Area Chair for approval. Confirmations and course registration will be sent out once both application forms are completed.
Unsuccessful applications will need to be resubmitted.