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A new program that pairs University of New Brunswick MBA students with entrepreneurs looking to transform their ideas into a business reality was officially launched at UNB Fredericton during the fall semester.
The Activator Program is an initiative of UNB’s Faculty of Business Administration and International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (IBEC). It is designed to help MBA students earn a concentration in entrepreneurship while getting experience working on real-life start up ventures. Students are matched with a mentor and a client.
Members of UNB’s Board of Governors, the Faculty of Business Administration, students and donors were on hand for the official launching of the program. Premier Shawn Graham also attended and offered words of encouragement to the students and praised IBEC for developing the program.
“The UNB Activator Program is about strengthening relationships between the University of New Brunswick and the business community,” said Premier Graham. “It gives our brightest and best MBA students the chance to get real-world experience. Through the innovation and creativity of programs like this, I am confident that, together, we will achieve our goal of a self-sufficient New Brunswick.”
The Dean of UNBF’s Faculty of Business Administration shares this sentiment.
“This program is really a win-win situation for all parties involved,” said Dan Coleman. “Students get real-world experience and the guidance of a seasoned mentor, clients get a plan and valuable advice for getting their business started, and the province gets entrepreneurs who will contribute to the sustainability of the province.”
Activator clients work alongside their MBA team leader and an experienced business mentor to create a business plan, perform market analysis and venture valuations, and construct prototypes.
At the end of the eight-month program, students pitch the business ventures, on behalf of their clients, to a panel of judges in hopes of securing seed funding.
The Activator Program began in September with thirty students and four entrepreneurs.
“The program is still in its infancy, but so far we’re seeing great potential,” said Karen Murdock, Director of IBEC. “This program is like no other in the country and it is thanks, in no small part, to the tremendous support of the donors who recognize the importance of an entrepreneurial environment in New Brunswick.”
The donors who sponsored the startup of the Activator program were the John Dobson Foundation, Malley Industries, and the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency.
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