"I Have An Idea, But Where Do I Start?" -- Entrepreneurship at Laurier

At Laurier, entrepreneurship isn't one path. It's an ecosystem designed to meet you wherever you are. Where do you start? Right here.

More students than ever are arriving at university as entrepreneurs in the making. Some have bright ideas they want to launch; others see societal problems they just can't ignore. Many don't even call themselves entrepreneurs – they're just curious, creative and motivated to build something of their own.

The Changemakers Hub: For students motivated by purpose

If your idea starts with “this should be better,” the Changemakers Hub is where that instinct becomes action.

This program is built for students who want to tackle real-world challenges – like climate change, mental health or inequality – by creating ventures that are both impactful and sustainable. “The goal is to go beyond awareness and concern to action,” says Laura Allan, Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “It's to build something that actually makes an impact.”

You don't need a polished idea to begin. Many students start by joining a venture team or attending workshops, then growing into leadership roles or launching something of their own. The experience is flexible, but the support is constant.

A defining feature of the Hub is the community of like-minded peers who work together to make a difference. This extends to the alumni, who form a deep mentor network of purpose-driven founders and industry experts who actively guide students. The Hub also offers numerous opportunities for students to learn, gain feedback and get exposure and funding for their ventures through accelerators and competitions.

And the ventures are real – just check out these two, for starters:

• Kuponya Innovations – tackling housing and climate challenges in remote northern communities.
• Earth Suds – reducing single-use plastics through innovative products.

The Hub is also home to Enactus Laurier, where top ventures compete and succeed at the highest level – globally.

Students come in with passion and they leave with proof – that they can build something that matters.

StartUp Lab: For students looking to turn concepts into companies

If you're thinking, “I want to start something – but I need to know if it will work!”, Laurier's StartUp Lab is designed for you.

This is where ideas are tested, challenged, and shaped into viable businesses. The focus isn't just on building – it's on building the right thing. “All you need is curiosity,” says Jason Whalen, Manager of Startup Lab. “The rest can be built.”

Inside StartUp Lab, students move through a structured journey – from early discovery to launching and growing a venture. Along the way, they learn how to define their customer, validate their idea and develop a business model that can succeed beyond campus.

Mentorship is a major part of the experience. A network of experienced entrepreneurs and professionals – 50+ strong – work directly with new students, offering insight that only comes from having done it all before.

There are also opportunities to attend workshops, connect with industry experts and even earn co-op credit while working on your own startup (!). Available on all three of Laurier campuses, StartUp Lab gives students a place to collaborate and build alongside founders.

Ventures that started here include:

• Bartesian – the world's top-selling Keurig – exclusively for cocktails.
• Ponyback – Designed by a woman for women, Ponytail hats feature large back openings that work with all different hair types and styles.

StartUp Lab is best suited for students who want structure, feedback, and a clear path forward – especially those who are serious about turning an idea into a business.

Science Maker Lab: For students who want to upskill and experiment

If your idea is something you can hold, test, or experience, the Science Maker Lab helps you bring it to life. “We build tangible things, but what we really build is capable people,” says Ron Daniels, Program Coordinator.

This is a hands-on environment where students learn how to design, prototype and create – whether that's through 3D printing, CAD, coding or media production. No prior experience is required; the focus is on learning by doing.

The lab is especially valuable for students working toward a physical product. After an idea has been thought through and validated, it works towards becoming a reality, starting with simple prototypes and evolving into more refined builds. The Science Maker Lab supported STIL in developing from idea to viable commercial product and helped Earth Suds by providing them lab space to blend purchased components in and Chemistry students to do the actual formulation in the laboratory.

Students often discover new career paths through the lab. Some have been hired based on the strength of what they've built here, while others have transitioned into entirely different industries after developing technical skills they never expected to learn. From product prototypes to polished media projects, the work created in the lab becomes a powerful portfolio.

The Science Maker Lab is best suited for students who want to learn how to build, experiment and expand on what they're capable of – especially those with ideas that go beyond the screen.

But wait – there's more?!

If you're still exploring, the Laurier Library Makerspace offers a simple way in. It's a welcoming, low-pressure space where students can experiment, learn new skills and create freely with absolutely no experience required.

A place to begin, and a community to grow with

You don't need a perfect idea and you don't need a perfect plan, you just need a place to begin to grow. At Laurier, you're guaranteed to find one, and a whole community of experts and creatives will come with it.