Fellowship Program

• Program Orientation: April 18, 2024
• Training Camp: May 13 – June 1, 2024

The $2,400 participation fee can be paid upfront or in two instalments.

• Instalment 1: $1200 (due upon program acceptance)
• Instalment 2: $1200 (due spring 2024)

Concerned about financial barriers? We have grants available to support you!

Fellowship grants are available! If you have financial barriers to participating, apply for one of our grants.

We have 2 different awards, and we will be awarding grants for the 2024 cohort. In 2023, 30 were awarded.

Read more about the Grant criteria and application process here!

We offer applicants the opportunity to apply and get accepted in the Fall or Winter. The processes and requirements are the same but have different deadlines.

Winter admissions are typically more competitive, so we recommend applying early to secure your spot.

The final step in the admissions process is Selection Events.
Finalists participate in a workshop, solve a group challenge, and present their solutions to a panel of judges.
This is your opportunity to meet VFC community members like Alumni, partner startups, and staff.

Selection Events are 4-5 hours.
Successful candidates will be invited to ONE of the following events:

Spring Admissions Selection Events:

– March 12th & 14th, 2024

Spring Selection events will be VIRTUAL and hosted via Zoom.

1. I’m graduating this year; can I apply for the Fellowship Program?
   Yes! Our Fellowship Program is for new grads who have graduated between Fall 2019 and Spring 2024.
   
   
2. I’m not yet eligible to work in Canada. Can I apply for the Fellowship Program?
   The Fellowship Program does require you to be eligible to work in Canada as you have to be available to start searching for work.
   
   
3. What do the Selection Events entail? Are they all virtual?
   Our Selection Events are 100% virtual. It is a 4 hour event, where we observe finalists as they face ambiguity in a complex group challenge — and along the way, bulk up your interview skills while networking with a handful of inspirational startup, business, and impact leaders — our volunteer judges!
   
   
4. What is included in the Fellowship fee?
   The Fellowship fee gives you access to professional development opportunities including 1-1 job coaching, job search support, career specific training, monthly live professional development sessions for a year and an intensive 3-week training camp. You also gain access to the network of other fellows and alumni along with bi-weekly access to Founders and Entrepreneurial Leaders. You will have the chance to attend exclusive networking events with startups, and search for opportunities on our exclusive job board.
   
   
5. When does job coaching begin?
   You are matched with a coach and your coaching begins as soon as the program kicks off in April 2024!
   
   
6. Is Training Camp mandatory? Do I have to attend in-person?
   Yes, Training Camp is a mandatory and crucial part of the Fellowship Program. It is 3 weeks of in-person, intensive, entrepreneurial training and exposure that takes place at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. It is a great opportunity to build relationships with the other Fellows and fully immerse yourself in an entrepreneurial environment. We have travel stipends available for folks traveling further than 500 kilometers to Kingston, Ontario!
   
   
7. What do I have to pay for during Training Camp?
   During Training Camp, we cover accommodations for Fellows. You are responsible for most of your meals and travel expenses to Kingston, Ontario – we do have travel stipends available for folks traveling further than 500 kilometers to Kingston, Ontario (details to come)!
   
   
8. When can I apply for financial support?
   Once you are accepted in the Fellowship Program, you are able to apply for financial support. We have over $65,000 available to help Fellows with the cost of the program if you apply and are awarded a grant.
   
   
9. Who should I reach out to with any other questions?
   We would love to chat and answer any questions you may have! Feel free to reach out to the Fellowship Admissions team at fellowship@ventureforcanada.ca.