Western student entrepreneurs won’t be lounging on the beach all summer long, thanks to efforts by Propel, the university’s campus business incubator.
On Thursday, Propel – previously BizInc – launched the Propel Summer Incubator (PSI) program via a tradeshow format in which seven student-run ventures showcased their products and branding.
PSI provides seed funding, mentorship and a co-working space for high-potential student entrepreneurs. Each of the seven businesses qualified for the program will receive $7,500 of funding and access to WSS 2130, the designated Propel co-working space, throughout the summer.
“Propel is committed to providing youth with practical entrepreneurial experience,” said Ian Haase, Western’s Entrepreneurship director. “The PSI program allows this to happen in a very concentrated, real-world environment over the summer months, which is invaluable as these new entrepreneurs develop their businesses here in London.”
According to Haase, the most valuable part of the program will be the formal mentorship from Western alumni entrepreneurs.
“We are very fortunate to have a number of highly qualified and experienced alumni entrepreneurs on board,” he said. “Our start-ups are in very good hands this year entering this program.”
The seven businesses that constitute the first cohort of PSI include ShiftVR, Tutor Hero, Everest, Zonedin, NoR Apparel, Jacked Scholar and Ezzy Lynn.