Entrepreneurial Co-op

Entrepreneurial Co-op (eCo-op) 

Looking to explore a new business idea? Want to turn your passion into your own venture? Interested in exploring paths to bring an idea to the market? If so, eCo-op could be the perfect fit for you.  

Entrepreneurial Co-op, or eCo-op, is a UBC Science Co-op program initiative to allow our Co-op students to pursue entrepreneurial pathways and help students start their own businesses while receiving the benefits of being part of the Co-op program. It is an opportunity to experiment, build business knowledge, explore the market, and develop competencies valued in the industry. 

There are several options you can pursue for your eCo-op term:

•    Develop your own product design
•    Provide a service to clients or customers
•    Work individually or with partners to develop a business venture

As an eCo-op student, you will be part of an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports and propels students to succeed. UBC Science Co-op partners with Innovation UBC to provide you with the following benefits:  

•    Access to mentors, entrepreneurs, and a professional network
•    Potential connections to fellow eCo-op students to learn from their experiences

You as the eCo-op student will make all final decisions and retain full responsibility for all business plans and actions related to the venture.  

To obtain a passing grade for your Co-op term, you must complete the requirements of the Co-op program decided between you and your Co-op coordinator. 

How the program works: 

Step 1: Be part of the UBC Science Co-op Program: apply to the Co-op program, meet the requirements, and be accepted into the Co-op program 

Step 2: Expression of Interest: submit an eCo-op Application Form and set up an appointment with your Coordinator to discuss your idea and interest regarding eCo-op. Develop and submit a clear timeline for your enterprise upon discussions with your Co-op Coordinator. 

Step 3: Find a Mentor: find a mentor or advisor for your eCo-op term; the UBC Science Co-op program can help you connect with Innovation UBC in order to enable this.
 
Step 4: Register the eCo-op: once the above requirements are fulfilled, you will be registered as an eCo-op student and our office will enrol you into a Co-op course on Workday.  

Step 5: Complete the Co-op Term Requirements: like any other Co-op student, an eCo-op student will complete the following:

• Learning Objectives and Goal Setting Form: create clear goals and timelines for the work term
• Co-op Check-In Meeting (CCM): your coordinator will discuss your progress with you and your mentor midway through the eCo-op work term
• End of Work Term Assignment: complete a presentation; you must receive a passing grade based on the evaluation criteria provided to you
• eCo-op Student Experience Questionnaire: complete this form at the end of your placement term as part of your final grade. This can be filled out in Scope under "My Forms"

Tips for a successful eCo-op term:

• Develop clear value propositions and SMART goals
• Interact regularly with your mentor/advisor, and your Co-op Coordinator to evaluate progress
• Attend workshops, seminar, and speaker series to develop awareness of your industry, market, customer, competitors and opportunities, and build a strong foundation for a successful business venture
• Network with industry professionals, customers, professionals and other eCo-op students
• Look for funding and learning opportunities by working closely with Innovation UBC
• Follow the guidelines provided by your Coordinator

Application Form

Outstanding Entrepreneurial Co-op Award

An annual $5,000 award is offered to Science Co-op student(s) in recognition of exceptional performance in their Entrepreneurial Co-op business ventures. Recipients must demonstrate meaningful progress toward venture growth, operational leadership, and a long-term entrepreneurial outlook. All Science Co-op students participating in Entrepreneurial Co-op work terms will be considered for this award, with up to four recipients selected each year.

Award Criteria