Transform Your Idea Into a Thriving Business

Whether you’ve always dreamed of starting a business or recent circumstances have pushed you toward entrepreneurship, leapIN gives you the essential tools, guidance, and confidence to move forward. Our collaborative, high-energy environment is designed to help you learn, grow, validate your ideas, and launch your startup with clarity and momentum.

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100+ Companies Launched

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36+ Expert-Led Workshops

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15 Spots Per Cohort

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$3,000 in Funding Per Business

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We Live By The Lean Startup Approach

Two individuals sit at a table with laptops and notebooks, engaged in conversation.
In a classroom setting, an individual stands near a whiteboard covered in notes, gesturing towards a projected screen displaying text, while others sit at desks with laptops.

The program teaches new business owners how to create businesses that connect with customers through:

Customer-Focused Development – Learn to solve real problems and fulfill genuine desires.

Iterative Experimentation – Design, test, and validate your business assumptions.

Evidence-Based Decision Making – Use real data to guide your business choices.

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Your LeapIN Experience

Funding

Up to $3,000 per business to help with launch or growth.

Skill Development

36+ curated workshops from industry experts.

Expert Guidance

Bi-weekly progress check-ins with LEAP Junction business advisors.

Professional Services

Access to a network of business service providers.

Networking

Connections with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry professionals.

Demo Day

Opportunity to showcase your business to the community.

Dedicated Workspaces

Inspiring office and meeting space for the duration of the program.

Co-op Credit

Eligible students can use this program as their Summer co-op term (contact coop@fanshawec.ca to confirm eligibility).

How the LeapIN Works

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The program follows a proven two-phase approach:

Phase 1: Finding a Problem Worth Solving
  • Fundamentals of evidence-based entrepreneurship
  • Lean methodology and business model canvas
  • Experimentation frameworks
  • Customer problem identification
Phase 2: Finding a Solution Worth Building
  • Customer discovery and problem validation
  • Financial modeling
  • MVP and prototype design
  • Experimentation
  • Pitching and storytelling

Plus specialized workshops covering:

  • Business fundamentals (legal, taxation, finance)
  • Marketing and sales strategies
  • Leadership and networking
  • Health and wellness for entrepreneurs
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Discover What the LeapIN is all about

What Our Alumni Have Achieved

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Margi Gothi
Nails by Margi
Meet Margi Gothi, the founder of Nails by Margi, a business specializing in customized and premade...
Tammi
Tammi Chen
TATA Games Studio
Meet Tammi Chen, one of the founders of TATA Games Studio. Combining their passion for creativity...
Dennis
Dennis Ho
Wheel Easy
Dennis studied Motive Power Technology at Fanshawe College and has taken some entrepreneurship...
More Success Stories

Program Details

Who Can Apply

  • Must be a current or former Fanshawe College student
  • Must be eligible to work in Canada
  • Must commit to attending a minimum of 90% of program sessions
  • Must be willing to dedicate 35+ hours weekly to your business and program activities
  • Must have reliable technology to participate
  • Must attend bi-weekly business advisor sessions

What We Look For in You

  • Commitment to moving your idea forward
  • Basic understanding of your industry
  • Initial market research
  • Potential demand for your product/service

How Funding Works

Each business receives a $3,000 stipend paid in three installments:

  • Week 4: $1,000 starting bonus to run initial experiments
  • Week 10: $1,000 mid-program payment
  • End of program: $1,000 final payment

Note: This stipend is considered income, not a grant, which is why participants must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

Business/Idea Eligibility

  • Any legal idea for a physical/digital product or service
  • Can be for-profit, social enterprise, or non-profit
  • Early-stage ideas and businesses under 1 year old

Program Commitments

leapIN is an immersive, hands-on experience designed to help you make meaningful progress on your business. Here’s what participation looks like:

Program Dates
May 4 – July 29, 2026

Weekly Schedule
Full-time, Monday–Wednesday
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Work Outside of Sessions
Plan for approximately 20 hours per week beyond class time for customer interviews, assignments, testing ideas, and building your business.

Location
Most programming takes place in person at LEAP Junction (Room F1043), our dedicated coworking and startup space at the Oxford Street Fanshawe College campus.

Blended Learning
Some sessions may be delivered virtually or in a hybrid format depending on the week’s activities and guest speakers.

Technology Requirements
A laptop or tablet is required. Accommodations can be arranged if access to a device is a barrier.

Coaching Support
Participants are expected to attend bi-weekly one-on-one sessions with their assigned business advisor for personalized guidance, accountability, and next steps.

Application Process

Applying to leapIN is straightforward. We’ve designed the process to help you clearly explain your idea and show us who you are as a founder.

Step 1 — Prepare Your Video Pitch

Create a short video introducing yourself and your business idea.
We strongly recommend recording your video first, it will make the written application faster and easier to complete.

Step 2 — Submit Your Online Application

Complete the application form and upload your video or share a link. Most questions ask for standard information about you, your business, and your goals.

Step 3 — Selection Interviews

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a conversation with our team to explore your idea and fit for the program.

Step 4 — Join the Cohort

Successful applicants receive an offer and begin leapIN in May.

Key Dates

Applications Close: March 13, 2026

Application Decisions Sent: March 20, 2026

Selection Interviews: March 23 – April 3, 2026

Cohort Confirmed: Mid-April 2026

Program Runs: May 4 – July 29, 2026

Video Pitch

As part of your application, you must submit a short video pitch introducing yourself and your business or idea. Don’t worry about making it highly produced. We value clarity and authenticity far more than polished editing.

Download our Application & Video Pitch Guide for content to include, tips, and best practices.

Download the Guide

Take The Leap!

Applications for cohort 10 are open!

Apply for the 2026 Cohort 
Attend Info Session

Applications open until March 13 • Only 15 spots available

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Want to Learn More?

Watch our Information Webinar!

Get an inside look at the program, meet the team, and hear answers to frequently asked questions.

Contact Us