## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](/) 2. Markdownify 3. Node 4. [OCAD University's creative entrepreneurs receive $18,000 through the 2026 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs](/markdownify/node/4376) April 20, 2026 # OCAD University's creative entrepreneurs receive $18,000 through the 2026 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs ![An illustration of a mountain under the Northern lights](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2025-10/seed-fund-header.jpg.webp?itok=rewvTwCH) Illustration by Nasrin Etesami rgb(255,255,255) OCAD University's **RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD)** is proud to award **$18,000** in support of OCAD University's creative entrepreneurs through the **2026 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs**. Now in its **sixth year**, the Seed Fund provides vital early‑stage support to students and recent alumni as they develop, validate, and grow their creative business ideas. This year, more than 30 applicants took part in a rigorous review and validation process. Finalists were also invited to participate in a **half‑day roundtable mentorship program**, gaining hands‑on guidance from industry professionals while learning alongside their peers. ### **The recipients of the 2026 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs** - **$6,000 \| First Prize** [**Investie**](https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fca%2Fapp%2Finvestie%2Fid6754786909&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963625943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FqN2lHQTycVl6XvIgvH%2FxKGoSYcM4ifHQgBsTfhygXc%3D&reserved=0 "https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fca%2Fapp%2Finvestie%2Fid6754786909&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963625943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FqN2lHQTycVl6XvIgvH%2FxKGoSYcM4ifHQgBsTfhygXc%3D&reserved=0") (Lily Li and Kamil Jolasun) A financial education platform that helps people build money confidence by getting paid to learn about personal finance. - **$5,000 \| Second Prize** [**Vayence Inc.**](https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vayence.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963666571%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zXskdz30%2BT8Vm%2FR2oweoF2XoVX%2Br1s8k4AQV591P4LA%3D&reserved=0 "https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vayence.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963666571%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zXskdz30%2BT8Vm%2FR2oweoF2XoVX%2Br1s8k4AQV591P4LA%3D&reserved=0") (Marzuq Vohra and Vienna Doria) An innovative venture developing a comforting, tactile product, a hug when you need it, designed to support emotional wellbeing. - **$4,000 \| Third Prize** [**Myselfment**](https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmyselfment.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963684136%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=geGm87psXNyDJiu%2F90WLHuNPNRS7QGBZTNiQuynMSzc%3D&reserved=0 "https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmyselfment.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963684136%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=geGm87psXNyDJiu%2F90WLHuNPNRS7QGBZTNiQuynMSzc%3D&reserved=0") (Sara Rashighi and Amin Zeinalizadeh) A self‑development brand creating practical tools for personal growth, beginning with the **Self Journey** card deck, designed to help individuals navigate life transitions such as breakups, graduations, layoffs, and relocations with confidence. - **$2,000 \| Brampton Arts Organization Award** [**Chlos**](https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchlos.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963704479%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yYg2RWkddFGRh3%2BBdXB2oTngWCw9RRXh6C%2FQC4oiV6k%3D&reserved=0 "https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchlos.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963704479%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yYg2RWkddFGRh3%2BBdXB2oTngWCw9RRXh6C%2FQC4oiV6k%3D&reserved=0") (Chloe Lorenzo) A garment and accessory rental business supporting creatives with flexible, accessible fashion solutions. - **$1,000 \| Ample Labs Award** [**I CAN'T HEAR YOU**](https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.icanthearyou.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963722068%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=i6JRXLqzMBXfgkgWKcFBJ%2FpSf%2BC%2BOEqxpAe9LUsS9i0%3D&reserved=0 "https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.icanthearyou.ca%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cghazal.vakilzadeh%40ocadu.ca%7C5fe777625a6142d26a6c08de9b2b6b55%7C06e469d12d2a468fae9b7df0968eb6d7%7C0%7C0%7C639118807963722068%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=i6JRXLqzMBXfgkgWKcFBJ%2FpSf%2BC%2BOEqxpAe9LUsS9i0%3D&reserved=0") *(Emily Akerman by Roberto Gonzales Sosa)* A social enterprise that uses illustrated zines, posters, captioned videos, and ASL interpreters to transform real Deaf experiences into art that teaches empathy and builds inclusive spaces. ### **Jury** Recipients were selected by a jury of industry professionals with expertise spanning design, media, entrepreneurship, and social impact: - **Ahmad El Sarraff**, Founder & CEO of A77; multidisciplinary designer, consultant, and strategist with a cross‑sector approach to innovation, research, and youth‑led impact - **Scott Nihill**, Development producer and creative strategist; founder of Embreate, with experience across educational media, immersive tech, and early‑stage creative ventures - **Tammy Yiu Coyne**, Co‑founder of Partial, an entrepreneur and designer supporting emerging artists through innovative rental and purchase models ### **Mentorship Roundtable** As part of the 2026 Seed Fund, finalists participated in a half‑day mentorship roundtable with professionals across branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, technology, and social impact: - **Christine Lieu‑Guzauska,** Founder of CL Designs and host of the *Brand Party* Podcast - **Daniel Francavilla**, Marketing strategist, serial founder, and OCAD U professor - **Jaymin Luces‑Mendes**, Founder of Toni Marlow Clothing, expert in business strategy and product management - **Serena Peruzzo**, Technologist and entrepreneur, co‑founder of 1RG - **Shilbee Dhalla‑Kim**, Passion coach and educator supporting changemakers and social enterprises Finalists received tailored feedback, peer learning opportunities, and practical insights to support the next phase of their entrepreneurial journey. CEAD extends its sincere thanks to the **RBC Foundation, Brampton Arts Organization, Ample Labs, and the John Dobson Foundation** for their continued support of creative entrepreneurship at OCAD University. [**Learn more about the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD)**](http://www.ocadu.ca/cead) ## Other Recent News [### 2026-27 Call for Funding Proposals for Student Groups that Support Creative Entrepreneurship on Campus 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. November 6, 2026 ](/news/2026-27-call-funding-proposals-student-groups-support-creative-entrepreneurship-campus) [### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027. October 30, 2026 ](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists) [### Call for Vendors: BAM! Holiday Art Market 2026 OCAD University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is excited to partner again with Wychwood Barns to offer a curated group of OCAD U students and recent alumni the opportunity to share a vendor table at the BAM! Holiday Art Market. October 26, 2026 ](/news/call-vendors-bam-holiday-art-market-2026) Related Stories ## Related Stories [### 2026-27 Call for Funding Proposals for Student Groups that Support Creative Entrepreneurship on Campus 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. November 6, 2026 ](/news/2026-27-call-funding-proposals-student-groups-support-creative-entrepreneurship-campus) [### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027. October 30, 2026 ](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists) [### Call for Vendors: BAM! Holiday Art Market 2026 OCAD University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is excited to partner again with Wychwood Barns to offer a curated group of OCAD U students and recent alumni the opportunity to share a vendor table at the BAM! Holiday Art Market. October 26, 2026 ](/news/call-vendors-bam-holiday-art-market-2026)