Canada’s startup ecosystem depends on the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.
Fellowship Program
In a job market marked by rising employer expectations and fewer clear entry points, the program equips Fellows to thrive in entrepreneurial environments—whether inside early-stage companies or through future ventures of their own.
Through a 12-month experience grounded in hands-on learning, personalized coaching, and a strong peer community, Fellows build the skills, clarity, and confidence to land roles with and contribute meaningfully at fast-moving Canadian startups.
Expanding Access
We continued to expand our definition of entrepreneurship to encompass impact within existing organizations. Rather than focusing solely on venture creation, the program encouraged participants to explore intrapreneurial roles in startups and small businesses to shape meaningful, values-aligned careers.
Equity and access remained central. In addition to financial support like grants and travel stipends, Fellows were invited to reflect on their personal motivations and workplace aspirations. The curriculum challenged traditional hustle-and-grind norms, encouraging a redefinition of success that centred sustainability, self-advocacy, and long-term career ownership.
Sessions on compensation, pay negotiation, and inclusive leadership provided Fellows with practical tools to navigate professional environments and to advocate for equity from within.
Cohorts became increasingly diverse, welcoming international students and talent from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Training Camp featured a lineup of diverse speakers, including intentional inclusion of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Sessions like Not Business as Usual: Indigenous Entrepreneurship challenged colonial definitions of entrepreneurship and success.
Innovation
In 2024, we introduced several key innovations—each grounded in participant feedback, labour market shifts, and a commitment to long-term sustainability.
Responding to AI: We redesigned Selection Events to address the rise of AI-generated applications. The updated format and evaluation rubric prioritized natural leadership, proactive thinking, and authentic self-expression, helping us surface candidates ready to step up and lead, not just look good on paper.
Sustainable Training Model: We embraced a “rinse and repeat” approach to delivering our core curriculum. Instead of micro-improvements to content, we focused on providing proven material in a responsive and engaging way.
Career Clarity & Skill-Building: We expanded exposure to startup roles and embedded more practical career planning tools throughout the program. Real-world storytelling helped Fellows navigate uncertainty and clarify their next steps.
Graduation Criteria: We updated graduation requirements to reflect current job market realities. Instead of tying success to job placement, we focused on active engagement, attending sessions, searching for roles, and contributing to the community.
Coaching Model: We shifted to a participant-led coaching approach. Fellows came prepared with clear goals and priorities, setting the tone for proactive engagement. This model helped them build self-direction—an essential skill in uncertain, entrepreneurial environments.
“I was really hoping that VFC would provide me with more guidance and clarity for my next steps and it definitely did!
I found myself continually getting out of my comfort zone and, often, genuinely surprised myself. It gave me the confidence to apply for the roles I was seeking, while helping build such a great community of like-minded young professionals.”
Leadership MINDSET
This year, we reimagined how we identify and support emerging changemakers.
We embedded leadership traits directly into selection rubrics and prioritized real-time problem-solving over AI-enhanced answers. The shift helped us surface candidates ready to step up, not just stand out.
Throughout the program, from Selection Events to Training Camp, we created space for Fellows to lead, reflect, and grow. The structure reinforced our core belief that leadership is a mindset shaped through practice, ownership, and community.