Iterating
Internship

Internship Program

At a glance

Launched in 2018, the Internship Program gives post-secondary students four months of hands-on experience with startups and small to medium-sized businesses across Canada. Students choose from remote or in-person roles, with full- or part-time options that match their needs and schedules.

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Total placements
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Students placed
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Of participants reported an increase in skills 
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Of participants indicated satisfied or very satisfied with the program
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Employers partnered
0%
of companies said that this work placement has benefitted their organization

Expanding Access

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Of participants self-identified as a visible minority
0%
Of participants self-identified as a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
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Of participants self-identified as LGBTQQIP2SAA+
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Of participants self-identified as a person with disabilities 
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Of students were new to VFC
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Of companies were new to VFC

Innovation

In 2024, we made targeted improvements to accessibility, operational efficiency, and the overall experience for both students and employers.

Automating backend systems: We streamlined workflows and automated employer communications to reduce manual tasks and refocus team time on higher-impact support.

Asynchronous onboarding: We replaced weekly live sessions with recorded modules and a knowledge check, giving employers a flexible, year-round way to onboard while cutting down inbox volume and increasing consistency.

Auditing for accessibility: We conducted a comprehensive audit of all client-facing materials, then clarified instructions, standardized accessibility practices, and improved support for neurodivergent students and those with varying needs.

Anticipating client needs: We shifted from reactive troubleshooting to anticipating student and employer needs. By redesigning communications to answer common questions up front, we cut confusion and improved satisfaction.

Launching a job board: We launched an internal job board to make it easier for students to find and apply to roles. The new system led to a significant increase in postings and engagement from both students and employers.

Upskilling the team: We strengthened our technical capacity by training team members in tools like HubSpot and Zapier, improving program management and enabling better data-driven decisions.

Expanding bilingual service: We increased French-language capacity on the programs team, allowing for more intentional outreach to Francophone employers and students, and expanding the program’s national reach.

“I first learned about Venture for Canada through the Internship Program. As the founder of an early-stage startup, I was looking for funding to bring on a summer intern.

The application process was straightforward and the funding came at a critical time. We were able to bring on Jaimie Frank—who some may know from our Marlow Instagram as ‘Intern Jaimie’!

VFC’s team provided foundational training and connected Jaimie to a startup community. I love that VFC supports employers and helps students explore entrepreneurship—a path that’s often overlooked in university.

Through this experience, I joined the Employer Advisory Council and will be leading a session at the next Fellowship Training Camp.”

Nadia Ladak
Nadia Ladak
Co-Founder and CEO, Marlow
Employer, Ontario

Human-centered Approach

Even while supporting over 2,500 employers and 3,000 students, we stayed focused on what matters: relationships. Our team prioritized meaningful, one-on-one engagement—remembering names, following up personally, and making sure every employer and student felt seen, heard, and supported.

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