Iterating
Intrapreneurship

Intrapreneurship Program

At a glance

Launched in May 2024 with support from ESDC’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) initiative, the third round of our Intrapreneurship Program gives students from underserved communities a flexible, paid way to gain work experience, fully virtual and designed to fit around school.

Over seven weeks, participants get work-readiness training, collaborate in teams, and tackle real-world challenges from Canadian startups and small businesses.

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Total placements
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Students placed
0%
Of participants reported an increase in entrepreneurial skills 
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Of participants were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied 
+33%  
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Employers partnered
0%
Of employer partners said that this work placement has benefitted their organization
0%
of companies are under 10 employees

Expanding Access

0%
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+
0%
Of participants self-identified as a person with disabilities 
0%
Of students were new to VFC
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Of project partners were new to VFC
“We’ve worked with Intrapreneurship students from VFC since the beginning, and they’ve shaped everything, from our marketing to sponsorship strategy to programming decisions. Having diverse youth at the table hasn’t just made our work more inclusive, it’s made it stronger. Their perspectives push us to think differently.”
Jessica Flynn
Founder & CEO, You Power Project

Innovation

The power of the pause.

Before launching the latest round of the Intrapreneurship Program, we paused on purpose.

Amid efforts to scale and streamline, we used that moment to step back, reflect, and make clearer, more intentional decisions about where to focus next.

Informed by student and employer feedback, operational lessons, and team reflection, we rolled out several changes in 2024 to create a smoother, more supportive experience for everyone involved.

What we changed

Increased efficiency: We automated key workflows, like application review and email scheduling, to reduce manual work and free up time for student and employer support.

More student touchpoints: Weekly check-in emails helped students stay engaged, informed, and accountable throughout the program.

Stronger employer relationships: We offered one-on-one midpoint check-ins to all project partners, not just new ones, to strengthen relationships and improve feedback loops.

Improved onboarding: We redesigned Orientation Day to better set expectations around commitment, deliverables, and project ownership—helping students feel more prepared from the start.

Targeted financial support: We introduced a $250 bursary for high-performing students, nominated by their project partners.

Centralized resources: We created dedicated Notion dashboards for students and partners, a single hub for program dates, documents, and key information.

“The Intrapreneurship Program was a life-changing experience. It provided me with the knowledge, tools, and support I needed to launch a successful new product that has brought significant value to my company and its customers.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams within the context of a larger organization.”

Terrence Dai
Terrence Dai
Project Manager, Evo-In-Motion Technology
Employer, British Columbia
“The Venture for Canada Intrapreneurship Program has greatly increased our organization's hiring capacity. Students get hands-on experience running a youth program—from idea to wrap-up. That kind of internship is rare in our sector. It builds leadership, conflict resolution, and management skills.”
Kristy Chaisson
Program Director, Kids On Track Association of Edmonton – Kids on Track Association of Edmonton

Top Project Type: Marketing

In 2024, marketing stood out as the highest-impact project type for many small businesses.

Startups without in-house expertise leaned on students for their fluency with emerging platforms, modern content strategies, and data-informed social campaigns.

Employers reported measurable gains in brand awareness and lead generation, proof that fresh perspectives can drive real results for lean teams.

Internship