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BMO Launch Me Program & Competition

Prepare For Success

Do you have a business idea you are ready to launch or expand?

The BMO Launch Me Program is designed to support students and recent alumni in developing and growing their business ventures. Whether you are in the early stages or looking to scale, this hands-on program provides the guidance and tools needed to build a strong business plan and strengthen your entrepreneurial skills.

As part of the program, participants can apply to the BMO Launch Me Competition by submitting a detailed business plan. Selected finalists will move on to pitch their business ideas live to a panel of expert judges, competing for a share of $130,000 in funding.

Participants can compete for a share of $130,000 in startup funding, awarded across three distinct categories:

  • BMO Women Innovators Competition – Open to women-identifying entrepreneurs
  • BMO Groundbreaker Competition – Open to all current students
  • BMO New Graduate Startup Competition – Open to Humber graduates within approximately two years of graduation
Register for Information Session 

BMO Launch Me Program

Students posing in front of table

Staff watching presentation

Students receiving award

Application Process

BMO Launch Me – How to Get Started

  1. Learn About the Program
    Attend a BMO Launch Me Info Session (strongly recommended) to understand the competition and available resources.
  2. Attend Workshops
    Register for and attend BMO Launch Me Workshops to develop your idea.
  3. Build Your Business Plan and Apply to Compete
    Use insights from the workshops to create your business plan. Submit your completed business plan to enter the competition. Optional: Attend a Q&A session for application support.
  4. Selection Process
    A panel of experts reviews business plans. Finalists will be notified during the first week of February.
  5. Prepare to Pitch
    Optional: Attend a Pitch Workshop to get ready for the live competition.
  6. Competition Day
    Finalists pitch live to a panel of judges. Winners are announced at the end of the event.
Register for Information Session 

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You have a business idea you’re ready to launch and start.
  • You are serious about pursuing this business and are committed to completing the program.
  • You are a current Humber or Guelph Humber student, or an alumnus within approximately two years of graduation.

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.

2025 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.