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BMO Launch Me Entrepreneurship Program & Competition

Prepare For Success

The BMO Launch Me Program is designed to help students and recent alumni prepare for success in the BMO Launch Me competition. Complete a series of skill building workshops to prepare your business idea for launch, and submit your work for a chance to win funds. The first round of the competition is a business plan submission. Chosen finalists will move on to the finals with a five minute pitch to a panel of judges.

In total, students and alumni have the opportunity to win a portion of $130,000 in funding for their startups! The funds will be distributed in three categories:

  • BMO Women Innovators Competition: For women-identifying entrepreneurs
  • BMO Groundbreaker Competition: For all current students
  • BMO New Graduate Startup Competition: For Humber graduates (within ~2 years graduation)

Please note: All workshops to be held in-person and/or virtually.

BMO Launch Me Program

Students posing in front of table

Staff watching presentation

Students receiving award

Application Process

Application Details

  • Attend BMO Launch Me Information Session (Highly Recommended)
  • Register to attend the BMO Launch workshops
  • Apply learning gained in the workshops to create your business plan
  • Complete business plan and submit it to participate in the BMO Launch Me Competition (Competition applications open October 2nd- October 22nd)
  • Attend an optional Q&A session
  • Competition applications are reviewed by a panel of experts to select finalists
  • Finalists selected will be communicated with in the first week of February
  • Attend an optional business pitch workshop to prepare for the live pitch
  • Finalists selected will pitch their ideas live in the BMO Launch Me Competition on March 20, 2025
  • Winners are announced at the end of the BMO Launch Me Competition on March 20, 2025

Who should apply?

  • You have identified a business idea and are in the ideation or startup phase
  • You are open to exploring and changing as you work through the program
  • Seed funding of up to $15,000 could seriously impact your venture development
  • You are serious about pursuing this business and are committed to completing the program
  • You are a Humber or Guelph Humber student or alumni within ~2 years of graduation

The Longo CfE is industry agnostic, and ideas from all faculties are encouraged.

Humber College’s Code of Conduct outlines individual and community expectations regarding student actions and behaviour. All ideas, submissions and presentations should demonstrate respect for others and promote well-being and safety in alignment with Humber policies.

Note: BMO Launch Me participants can participate in the Longo Family BYOB and Longo ICE workshops. Winners of the BMO Launch Me Competition are not eligible to compete for funding in the Longo Family BYOB program nor the Longo ICE program.

2024 BMO Launch ME Program Winners

The Longo CfE was proud to host the Live Pitch and Celebration Event that allowed finalists to compete for a combined total of $130,000 in cash prizes.
The event took place on March 21st 2024, and was filled with live music, good eats, and innovative ideas!

View the 2024 Winners 

Workshops

Students and alumni who submit their interest will be accepted into the program. These workshops will prepare you to compete in the BMO Launch Me Competition. We will work through the key components of a business plan through a series of practical, hands-on workshops. After working with our facilitators and mentors, you will have all the building blocks you need to assemble a great plan! Workshops will focus on:

Icon of hands togetherProblem/Solution Fit and the Value Proposition

Market Research & Customer Discovery

Marketing & Sales

Financials

Icon of a person giving a presentationBusiness Operations

Program is eligible for Co-Curricular Record activities. Participants must attends all sessions to qualify for CCR. Pitch competitors are not eligible to add BMO Launch Me to their CCR.

Equity and Diversity Statement

The Longo CfE’s dedication to promoting diversity in our teams includes a commitment to ensuring every cohort accurately reflects our community, welcoming folks of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races and ages, and actively creating space for marginalized change-makers and under-represented disciplines.

All creators, entrepreneurial thinkers, and leaders are encouraged to apply.