Many students are heading back to class after the winter break today, and Toronto’s MaRS Discovery District for those with entrepreneurial ambitions to do the same.
It’s opened up registration for its Entrepreneurship 101 program, a non-credit course for those who want to start their own business. The free-of-charge program features lectures once a week and connects students online with a LinkedIn group. Those who can’t make it to downtown Toronto to see the lectures in person can watch them online. Polar Mobile CEO Kunal Gupta is kicking off this year’s curriculum. He’ll be sharing his experience of running a mobile app company that was founded in 2007 and has seen its apps, created for top media brands, downloaded more than 10 million people.
Entrepreneurship 101 culminates in a one-day pitch competition in May that sees top businesses involved in the program address a room full of investors and a panel of judges with a 10-minute presentation. One winner walks away with $10,000 to put towards their business. Last year’s winner was Henry Chong, founder of Revelo LIFEbike, a company that’s designed a more portable bicycle for the urban commuter.
Entrepreneurship 101 launches its eighth year on September 26, 2012. For more information and to register, visit: marsdd.com/ent101
The program is also a great gateway for entrepreneurs into the rest of MaRS’ resources to foster business growth.