The University of New Brunswick’s summer accelerator program—whose alumni include mental-health awareness clothing line Wear Your Label and energy storage solution Stash Energy – has opened applications for its fifth season.  

The Summer Institute is a three-month-long acceleration program that helps entrepreneurs launch their startup. The J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship began the program in 2014, and organizers are hoping the 2018 cohort will be the most ambitious yet.

“We’re looking for entrepreneurs that have a global mindset,” said program manager Melissa Erin O’Rourke in a statement. “We want folks that have an idea for a great product or service and are motivated to grow their business beyond our borders.”

Originally focused on helping businesses at UNB, the program has broadened its scope and accepts entrepreneurs of all interests, educations, and locations.

“We recognize that it’s often entrepreneurs outside the university community that are ready for what an accelerator has to offer and we want to open our doors to everyone,” said O’Rourke.

Sonya Burrill, who took her company Tilia Essential Oils through the Summer Institute this year, said the program was invaluable to her growth as an entrepreneur.

“In a few short weeks, the program took me from having an idea in the lab to managing my own company,” she said. “It was exhilarating, stressful, and worth it for the amount of progress that was made.”

 The Summer Institute will be held at UNB on April 28 to July 20. Applications, which are available here, are open to all aspiring entrepreneurs and close Feb. 5.