Fellowship Academy

You’ll feel right at home if:

• You’re curious about startups, small businesses, and building a career that doesn’t follow the traditional path.
• You’re figuring out what’s next and want clarity, structure, and support to get there.
• You’ve led something before. Maybe it was a team, a project, or a side hustle. You know how to take initiative and learn as you go.
• You want to grow alongside people who get it — the kind who are ambitious, curious, and wired for growth.
• You care about doing work that matters. You’re motivated by purpose, and you want to make an impact in your community, in your career, and beyond.
• You’re ready for your next chapter (even if you don’t know exactly what it looks like yet).

You’ll learn how to think and act like a startup leader. From navigating failure to pitching ideas, framing problems, and experimenting fast, you’ll develop the kind of mindset startups are built on. You’ll sharpen how you communicate, own your story, understand your audience, and work with AI like a pro. Whether you’re leading a team or launching a new idea, you’ll leave this program startup-ready — with the clarity and confidence to back it up.

Many Fellows go on to become leaders at early-stage startups or small businesses. Others carve their own path — launching ventures, growing freelance or consulting practices, or stepping into purpose-driven roles in the nonprofit and social impact space. No matter the path, they carry the skills, mindset, and confidence built here. You’ll find VFC alumni at companies like Stripe, Wealthsimple, Shopify, Beauceron Security, #paid, Relay, and Clearco — just to name a few.

Not in the traditional sense, we’re not a placement agency. But we will equip you with the skills, mindset, and network to step confidently into Canada’s startup world.

Our Fellows often land roles they didn’t even know were possible. The VFC network plays a big part–with 500+ founders, startup leaders, and mentors in your corner, you won’t be doing this alone.

You’ll build practical skills, make meaningful connections, and leave startup-ready. The rest? You’ll have the confidence to own it.

You can expect to spend around 10 hours per week for 8 weeks. That includes live sessions, personal reflection, small group work, and staying connected to your cohort, even when life feels full.

You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be present. Come as you are, show up with intention, and be open to the kind of growth that happens when you give something your full attention. We’ll meet you there.

Totally fine. The program is designed for working professionals and recent grads alike. As long as you can commit ~10 hours/week and attend the live sessions, you’re good to go.

The program fee is $650 CAD.

This includes 60+ hours of curriculum, live sessions led by startup leaders, in-person events in Vancouver, and access to one of Canada’s most trusted startup communities — with 500+ alumni who will support you long after the 8 weeks are over.

Vancouver is one of Canada’s fastest-growing startup hubs—and it’s home to dozens of partner employers, active alumni, and our on-the-ground team. It’s easy to access by flight and makes a great home base for our in-person sessions.

Nope! But you will need to be in Vancouver for two in-person sessions. We welcome applicants from across Canada, but you’ll need to arrange travel to Vancouver for the two mandatory in-person events.

Totally okay. This program is about exploring that path with intention. Whether you end up joining a startup, working at a small business, or starting something of your own, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and skills that transfer anywhere.

Nope. We welcome Fellows from all fields and disciplines. What matters most is your mindset — not your major. If you’re curious, coachable, and ready to grow, you’re in the right place.

This is about developing you, not working for someone else. You’ll learn foundational startup skills, clarify your career direction, and connect with a national network — all while being supported by a cohort of peers doing the same.