2025 Mentorship Program for Creative Entrepreneurs: Call for Participants

2025 Mentorship Program for Creative Entrepreneurs: Call for Participants

Application Deadline (Extended!): Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 am EDT

Application Instructions (pdf)

Click here to apply!

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is launching a mentorship program for creative entrepreneurs. Running from June to December 2025, this initiative is designed to empower early-stage creative businesses across a spectrum of disciplines—including visual art, cultural production, design fields, media production, social enterprise, technology-enabled services and more. Through mentorship, the program aims to bridge the gap between ideas and successful business ventures.

Understanding that each creative entrepreneur’s journey is unique, the program emphasizes personalized mentor-mentee pairings. Participants will be matched with mentors whose expertise aligns closely with their specific goals and challenges. In addition, participants will be able to connect with other creative entrepreneurs, gain important skills, and access the CEAD’s co-working space.

This mentorship program is a great opportunity to turn a business idea to reality with support and mentorship from peers and industry experts.  Looking for additional support? Email ahong@ocadu.ca with the subject “Mentorship Program”.

This initiative is generously supported by the City of Toronto’s Business Incubation and Commercialization program.

PROGRAM FEATURES & WHAT TO EXPECT

Over the course of seven months from June – December 2025, participants will have access to a variety of mentorship and skills building opportunities to support the launch of their businesses. In addition to tailored matching to an industry professional who will provide ongoing mentorship to address self-identified challenges and goals, the program includes:

• An in-person program kick off - A ½ day event to meet other participants, your mentor, and set goals together (Thurs. June 26, 2025)
• Weekly drop-in peer work sessions at the CEAD (from July - November)
• Regular check-ins with a mentor (from June/July – November 2025)
• An in-person wrap up event (November 2025)
• Access to workshops on topics relevant to your business development
• Wrap up reporting including a short reflection and update on your business development (December 2025)

The program is structured to progressively build the skills and knowledge essential for launching and sustaining a successful business in the creative industries. To participate, you are committing to attend the in-person programming, connecting regularly with your mentor, and submitting a report upon completion of the program.

BENEFITS

This program gives aspiring creative entrepreneurs:

• Access highly specialized 1-on-1, small group, and peer mentorship to help you develop and launch your business
• Access to co-working space at the CEAD (115 McCaul, 3^rd Floor)
• For those who qualify, be well positioned to apply for the next round of OCAD’s Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs (Fall 2025)

ELIGIBILITY

• Current OCAD U students, or recent alumni from any program of study who have graduated in 2020 or later
• Be developing an initial stage business with commitment to launch by 2026
• If your business idea involves personnel from outside OCAD U, then one co-founder must meet the above qualification – this will be your lead applicant