Seven universities in Atlantic Canada are co-ordinating efforts to support student entrepreneurs  by hosting virtual workshops.

Five virtual workshops for all entrepreneurs and three virtual fireside chats are being hosted by participating institutions. Students across all campuses can attend for free.

The fireside chats, called Women Leading Startups, are in partnership with the Canadian Ecosystem Gathering and aim to provide support and inspiration.

The chats will introduce students to women who have founded high-growth startups and allow them to network in a safe and dedicated virtual space.

In a statement, Florian Villaumé, director of the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship at Memorial University in St. John’s, said the pandemic has provided an opportunity to reach more students through virtual events and by co-ordinating efforts between universities.

“With the support of Propel and Canadian Ecosystem Gathering, we are collectively investing in the future of student-led startups,” he said. “This collaboration will create a strong connection between entrepreneurial students across the region, thus making the foundation of the Atlantic Canada startup ecosystem stronger.”

Two of the workshops, How do I entrepreneur? and Stayin’ Lean, are supported by Propel, an online accelerator for technology startups.

The post-secondary institutions participating include:

Cape Breton University
Dalhousie University
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Mount Saint Vincent University
Saint Mary’s University
University of New Brunswick
University of Prince Edward Island

Jeff Larsen, executive director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Dalhousie, said: “By working collaboratively, we are able to expand our networks and reach to allow students, academics and community members exposure to the markets, opportunities and experiences that exist outside their home institution.”

The next event is called Stayin' Lean and will occur at 12.30 pm AST on Oct. 8. You can find details here.