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Talent Development Program

Early Start-Up Labs

Build today’s innovators for tomorrow’s economy through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience.

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The Early Start-Up Labs is a 16-week hybrid talent incubator designed to equip Black post-secondary students across Toronto and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) with the tools, experiences, and networks to lead in Canada’s innovation economy. 

Presented by the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) with the support of Scotiabank, Technation Canada, and the York University Co-op & Career Centre, the Early Startup Labs program combines entrepreneurial training, project-based learning, and four-month paid placements with diverse-led start-ups and small businesses.

As a participant, you’ll be paired with a reputable, vetted employer and supported throughout your placement with wraparound care, professional mentorship, and bi-weekly entrepreneurship sessions. You’ll leave with verified work experience, a professional network, and a certificate of completion — and the confidence to navigate innovation-driven workplaces and contribute to the future of Canadian business and technology.

BEA pairs co-op students from York University with reputable, revenue-generating businesses ready to invest in the next generation of talent. As an employer partner, you’ll gain a motivated, supported hire — and the opportunity to contribute to a more equitable and skilled workforce in Southern Ontario.

Paid Co-op

Wage Subsidies

Length

16

weeks

Mode

Hybrid

Early Start-Up Labs

How to apply

Who should apply?

For Students
This program is ideal for Black post-secondary students in the GTHA who are ready to gain real, paid experience inside a start-up or small business and want the mentorship, training, and support to hit the ground running from day one.

For Host Employers
This program is ideal for revenue-generating business owners and start-up founders in Southern Ontario who are ready to bring on motivated emerging talent, strengthen their team, and invest in the future of their community.

Application steps

1

Complete the online application form to express interest in participating or hiring a student for a 16-week placement

2

Employers and students will be invited to connect with the program team to walk through next steps and confirm alignment

3

Final candidates and host employers participate in interviews and placement confirmation for the 16-week cycle

Upcoming session

Session dates:

Fall 2027 Cohort

Registration starts:

April 1, 2027

Last day to register:

July 31, 2027

Join the waitlist

Topics of study

Learn how ideas grow inside organizations and how to lead from within. Explore the fundamentals of business lifecycles and innovation frameworks that power Canada’s evolving business landscape.

Format: Live virtual sessions

Build professional identity, clarify career goals, develop pitch skills, and navigate workplace environments with confidence. 

Format: Live virtual sessions

Gain hands-on experience with digital tools, AI, and emerging technologies that drive modern work. Develop problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership skills needed for today’s innovation economy.

Format: Live virtual sessions

Apply what you learn through paid co-op placements with startups and small businesses. Strengthen communication, teamwork, and resilience while working alongside industry professionals, shaping the future of work.

Format: Paid co-op placement (hybrid, 16 weeks)

Build confidence, clarity, and leadership through one-on-one and group mentorship. Participants are matched with experienced professionals who provide career guidance, feedback, and real-world insight, supporting both personal growth and workplace success throughout the program.

Format: Ongoing mentorship sessions (virtual)

Learnings

Beyond the classroom

When you complete Early Start-Up Labs, you leave with the experience, connections, and confidence to take your next step with purpose.

Hands-on workshops and projects

Real experience with real companies from BEA alumni and partners

4-month placements in startups and businesses

A Career Fair for all interests and goals

Program & Application FAQ

Learn more about the program or get in touch with us for other enquiries.

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The Early Start-Up Labs Program is a 16-week hybrid talent incubator designed to prepare Black-identifying youth (ages 18–28) for Canada’s innovation and digital economy. It provides participants with wraparound support, essential digital literacy, and practical, hands-on learning experience within innovation-driven workplaces.

The program runs for 16-week cycles (example January to April or September to December). This is a full-time commitment, with participants completing a minimum required total of 560 hours.

The program is delivered via a hybrid model. It includes virtual professional development workshops delivered, required in-person events, and a paid placement. All elements run concurrently over the 16 weeks.

The placement period runs for the entire 16-week duration. During this time, students dedicate approximately 35 hours per week to the paid placement with the host employer and approximately 5 hours per week to paid professional development/mentorship delivered by BEA.

We welcome applications from Black-identifying youth between the ages of 18 – 28 who are currently enrolled at York University. We are looking for motivated students ready to gain experience and develop professionally in innovation-driven workplaces.

You will develop essential digital and workplace skills through structured virtual workshops, attend professional in-person events, and participate in a paid work placement at an innovation-driven workplace. This hands-on learning focuses on talent development and real-world project contributions.

Yes, all hours of participation are paid. This includes the time spent on your paid placement with the host employer and the dedicated professional development and mentorship time delivered by BEA. The total required time is a minimum of 560 hours.

The program is structured to help you build a professional network, develop a strong portfolio of practical skills, and explore direct career pathways. Working with your host employer and the BEA ecosystem opens doors to future opportunities and full-time employment.

For York University students interested in co-op with the BEA, apply through the York University Co-op & Career Centre website https://www.yorku.ca/career-ready/. For Host Employers interested in hiring co-op students, complete this form: https://wkf.ms/4vFT0L1.

The program’s primary goal is to address youth unemployment and workforce exclusion by closing the skills gap, create access to work-integrated learning opportunities for Black-identifying students in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By cultivating future-ready pathways for Black talent, this program provides students with the professional readiness and networks needed to contribute to and succeed in Canada’s evolving tech and digital sectors.