Seeking entrepreneurs: 'Rapid Launch' turns to Instagram

All it takes is 15 seconds to step into startups at the University of Toronto with a new program seeking entrepreneurs from any academic background.

There are plenty of ways U of T students can dig into entrepreneurship on campus – whether through their programs of study or any number of the University’s incubators and accelerators – and the latest requires no degree prerequisites or previous startup experience.

Rapid Launch, the U of T Career Centre’s new pilot program, recognizes that – with 100,000 Canadians starting a small business every year – entrepreneurship is increasingly a career path of choice for students from all programs and levels of experience. Which is where the 15 seconds comes in.

Rapid Launch is now accepting 15-second Instagram and Youtube video applications from students and recent alumni (within two years of graduation) who have a great business idea but need a little hands-on guidance to get it started. In five bi-weekly sessions, they’ll learn how to make their business ideas a reality.

The deadline to submit a video is Monday, November 11.

The Career Centre’s director of student career exploration and education, Heather Kelly, explains this new opportunity for student entrepreneurs.

Who should apply to Rapid Launch?
Rapid Launch is designed for “wantrapreneurs”– that is, students and recent graduates who have a product or service-based business idea but aren’t sure how to get started. It’s for any student or recent graduate, from any discipline, who wants to be their own boss either now or after graduation.

Why is the Career Centre offering Rapid Launch?
Small business is the backbone of Canada’s economy. It’s imperative that we put this on students’ radar as a viable option.

In today’s market, job seekers and employees need to have an entrepreneurial mindset. Employers value it and job seekers benefit. Rapid Launch participants will walk out of this program with a clear sense of how to launch a business – and an understanding of how to navigate today’s tough job market. Entrepreneurial thinking is key!

At the Career Centre, we also know that students learn through experience.  Rapid Launch is practical and hands-on, enabling students to learn in a fun, dynamic environment, and apply what they’ve learned in the real world.

As we move forward with Rapid Launch, we are excited to be working with our entrepreneurial partners on campus. We are offering something unique – Rapid Launch is for any student or recent grad, with any idea, from any discipline. It truly is entrepreneurship for everyone.

What kind of things will students learn in the five sessions?

The program is built around helping students and recent graduates create a powerful plan for their business while at the same time building some of the skills they’ll need to be successful. We’ll cover customers, competition, marketing, finances and being your own boss. A full course outline is available on our website. (Read more about Rapid Launch on the Career Centre's website.)

Current students will also earn a notation on their Co-Curricular Records.

What are you looking for in student/recent graduate applications via Instagram and YouTube?

We want students/recent graduates to tell us about their business idea, why it inspires them, and what being their own boss means to them. Find full instructions on our site under 'How to Apply.' (Read more about How to Apply)