Experience Ventures program brings 152 new experiential learning opportunities for students in Atlantic Canada 

Saint Mary’s University’s Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre is the Regional Lead Atlantic Canada partner in Experience Ventures, an experiential learning program bringing a remarkable 152 new entrepreneurial placement opportunities to Atlantic Canadian students. Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. Experience Ventures is funded by the Government of Canda and is delivered nationwide in partnership with post-secondary institutions. 

Through this partnership, students in Atlantic Canada can apply for experiential learning opportunities, connecting students directly with businesses, enhancing their skillsets and network and gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience. 

There are five diverse placement opportunities, including Hackathons, Challenges, Project Experiences, Student-in-Residence, and Interdisciplinary Team Projects. During each placement, students work on real-world challenges, gaining hands-on experience while earning honorariums. Business partners get access to fresh thinking and the next generation of talent.  

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. “Experience Ventures gives them the chance to gain invaluable hands-on experience by working with real businesses on real challenges. We are thrilled to partner with the Hunter Hub to bring these placements to Atlantic Canada.”  

Key Details: 

  • 152 placements, five types of programs. All include paid honorarium.   

  • Projects run from October 2024—February 2025.  

  • Students and businesses apply through Experience Ventures at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

  • Companies provide in-kind support.  

  • Students and companies go through an onboarding process and participate in one of five types of entrepreneurial thinking placements.   

  • The application deadline for businesses interested in the next round of placements is November 15 and spaces are limited.  

  • Students can sign up on an interest form to be informed about upcoming opportunities. 

 For deadlines and details on all 152 placement opportunities, please visit our website.

Students, please contact: paige.bigelow@smu.ca  

Businesses, please contact: denise.benison@smu.ca