Innovate & Create Entrepreneurship (ICE) Program

Want to be your own boss? Have an idea you’re ready to work on?

In 12 weeks, you will bring your idea down to earth and get ready to launch. Explore business basics, innovation skills, marketing, finances and more with experts and entrepreneurs who can guide your journey. Every session is practical, hands-on, and focused on taking your idea to the next level.

*You may be eligible to count program and business development hours toward your placement requirements if you are a Humber student with a Co-op or WIL Placement requirement

Workshop Schedule

Class 1: Onboarding Session

Meet your cohort, get registered with the Longo CfE, and join a Q&A.

Class 2: Strengths and Values

Complete a Strengths Finder assessment and reflect on how your strengths can support your entrepreneurial goals.

Class 3: The Customer

Learn about understanding the customer, talking to and learning from our customers, and creating a customer avatar.

Class 4: Problem/Solution Fit and Value Proposition

Attend a design thinking crash course and learn about defining the problem, customer needs, and value proposition.

Class 5: The Business Plan and Fundamentals

Learn about Legal Business structures, the BMC, and the Business plan.

Class 6: Market Research

Learn about library research tools and validation for BMC (secondary research) and data collection and analysis (primary research).

Class 7: Marketing 101

Learn about positioning, customer journey, and creating a marketing plan.

Class 8: Finance 101

Learn about cost/revenue structures, pricing methods, and financial forecasting.

Class 9: Storytelling and Pitch Preparation

Learn how to tell your business story and create a 10 slide pitch deck template.

Class 10: Funding the Startup Panel Discussion

Learn how to fund the startup with guest speakers and understand the available resources.

Class 11: Pitch Practice Session

Practice your pitch and receive feedback.

Class 12: Final Pitch

Submit your pitch for a chance to win startup funds.

Program Highlights

Experiential Learning

Bring your venture to life through a practical program designed just for you

Transferable Innovation Skills

Learn the latest innovation tools and approaches like the business model canvas and design thinking

Small Cohort Sizes

All cohorts are capped to maximize opportunity for one-on-one support and collaboration

Community

Build a network of entrepreneurs, experts and advisors to work with

"My experience at the Longo CFE taught me that every business is unique, requiring different approaches to digital marketing I learned hands-on that research is the most important aspect in developing a successful marketing campaign."

- Laura Dockrill

Successful Applicants Attend:

Business Strategy Deep Dives - Work with expert facilitators and industry leaders to delve into the problem you want to solve, determine the viability of your idea, get creative with finding solutions, and develop a model that will support your vision.
Skill Building Workshops – Build and practice the skills needed to move from planning to implementation. Topics include sales, marketing, and more.
Ongoing advising and mentorship will be available throughout the semester.

Who Should Apply?

You have identified a business idea and are in the ideation or early startup phase
You are open to exploring and changing as you work through the program
You are looking for collaborators and advisors
You are serious about pursuing this idea, or an entrepreneurial idea in the future, and are committed to completing the program
You are a Humber Student

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.

Program is eligible to be part of co-curricular activities. Participant must attend all sessions to qualify for CCR certificate.

Program made possible thanks to the support of the Longo Family Foundation.