$2.4 million for internships and student entrepreneurs

Carleton University is receiving nearly $2.4 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to create internship and entrepreneurial opportunities for graduates and graduate students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Carleton is receiving up to $1,430,000 through FedDev Ontario’s Graduate Enterprise Internship initiative, which will be used to place 100 recent graduates and graduate students in small- and medium-sized enterprises and startup businesses within STEM sectors.

Some graduates will be placed in firms in the Ottawa region that have less than five employees. This will provide them with a rewarding experience, exposing them to all sides of the business.  Participating companies benefit from enhanced productivity and innovation of these highly-skilled and talented graduates.

However, it is not always enough to connect Carleton students and graduates with job opportunities. This funding encourages students and graduates to consider careers as entrepreneurs where they can apply their knowledge and ideas by starting and managing their own businesses. Therefore, another contribution of up to $945,000 through FedDev Ontario’s Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative will enable Carleton to partner with the University of Windsor and award commercialization fellowships to STEM graduates and graduate students across southern Ontario. 

Carleton University fosters a rich entrepreneurial environment through a number of initiatives. All Carleton students, regardless of their field of study, can take a minor in entrepreneurship. In 2011, the university launched a unique program called Carleton Entrepreneurs that offers participants access to specialized expertise and support to help them turn their business ideas into successful ventures.  Carleton also offers the Technology Innovation Management master’s program.

The university continues to introduce new entrepreneurship academic programs through the Sprott School of Business and the Faculty of Engineering and Design. By working closely with the community, Carleton has helped spin off more than 150 different businesses since 2009 with more than $5 million from various funding and university-driven activities invested in entrepreneurship.