2026-27 Call for Funding Proposals for Student Groups that Support Creative Entrepreneurship on Campus
Application Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026 at 9 a.m.
Apply here
The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) invites OCAD University student groups with a mandate to support entrepreneurship on campus to apply for funding for student-led initiatives that strengthen and expand the creative entrepreneurship ecosystem at OCAD U.
This funding is intended to help student groups create opportunities for entrepreneurship skills development, community building, and revenue-generating activities for students and recent alumni, while reducing barriers to participation for equity-seeking individuals.
Funding Available
Student groups may request up to $1,000 in funding.
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for:
- Student-led initiatives that provide entrepreneurship skills development
- Activities that foster a community of entrepreneurs on campus
- Programming that creates revenue-generating opportunities for students and recent alumni
- Initiatives that reduce or minimize systemic barriers for equity-seeking individuals to participate in entrepreneurship activities
Ineligible Activities
Funding cannot be used for:
- Large capital investments
- Retroactive initiatives
- Bursaries or prizes for individuals
- Exhibitions
- Creation or production of artistic works
- Research projects
Proposal Requirements
Submit one PDF proposal that includes:
- Project Description (Maximum 250 words)
- Describe:
- What you are planning to do
- How you will do it
- How the initiative supports entrepreneurship activities
- Detailed Budget
- Provide a detailed breakdown of how you will use the funds.
- Timeline
- Outline the key dates and milestones for your project.
- Expected Impact (Maximum 250 words)
- Describe:
- What the funding will allow you to accomplish
- How the initiative will benefit the OCAD U community
- The outcomes you expect to achieve
Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants must submit a report within two weeks of completing their activities, or by June 18, 2027 at 9 a.m., whichever comes first.
Reporting will include:
Participant feedback collected through a survey
A short impact report developed in collaboration with CEAD
Photos and/or video documenting the initiative
The report should summarize outcomes such as:
- Number of participants
- Revenue generated (where applicable)
- Community impact and engagement
- Funded groups must also acknowledge CEAD's support in promotional and marketing materials where appropriate.
Need Feedback Before Applying?
Student groups are encouraged to consult with Andrea Rodriguez before submitting a proposal. Book an advising session via the talent network or write to entrepreneurship@ocadu.ca
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: November 6, 2026 at 9 a.m.
- Funding Must Be Spent By: May 31, 2027
- Final Reporting Deadline: June 18, 2027 at 9 a.m. (or within two weeks of project completion, whichever comes first)
How to Apply
To apply, please complete this application form by November 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM
