Back in action, we're introducing a new group of students eager to explore their business ideas through our practical founder-based program. We're supporting 10 students with diverse educational backgrounds, all ready to dive into the entrepreneurial process.
About LaunchPad Lab
LaunchPad Lab is an immersive 8-week program designed for students’ budding business ideas. In 8 weeks, LaunchPad Lab offers guidance, essential entrepreneurial skill development, pitching skills, and an immersive entrepreneurial experience within a community of ambitious peers and mentors. Participants are given a stipend of $1000 for completing LaunchPad Lab, which helps them take time away from other accountabilities like part-time jobs or invest in their ideas.
LaunchPad Lab Student Highlight: Karina Chow's Evolution with Link and Learn at LaunchPad Lab During Cohort Fall 2022
Meet Karina Chow, a Marketing major with a minor in Sociology at Mount Royal University. Before joining the 8-week LaunchPad Lab program, Chow and her co-founder Kevin created Link & Learn (linkandlearn.ca).
Before joining the LaunchPad Lab program, Chow reflected that the financial strain she had faced to operate Link and Learn independently "was a very stressful time." She had been operating her business for a few months and had made a profit since day 1, but joined Lab to help make her business an even better fit for her customers and learn how to grow it. With LaunchPad Lab’s stipend of $1,000 upon finishing the program, Karina and other student participants can focus on their business and be exposed to a network of mentors and fellow student entrepreneurs – alleviating financial strains.
Originally from an arts background with a major in sociology, Karina Chow transitioned to a marketing major two years ago. The reason, Chow shared, was that she was unfamiliar with “ starting a business." But this did not stop her; it encouraged Chow to learn the ins and outs of running a business for Link and Learn – to grow its potential during her time in LaunchPad Lab.
"I was walking, and I saw that there was the Innovation booth… hosted by Diana," Chow reminisces about her first encounter with the Institute as the experience profoundly impacted her. She vividly recalls engaging with Diana Grant-Richmond, the Associate Director of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, discussing her uncertainties regarding the direction of her business, Link and Learn. Following their conversation, Karina Chow and Diana Grant-Richmond collaborated to brainstorm the potential direction of Chow’s entrepreneurial journey with the help of the Institute.
Reshaping Challenges to Opportunities
Chow’s inspiration for creating Link and Learn goes back to her roots. Chow grew up with people who struggled in school and was motivated to find a way to help them succeed. Furthermore, Chow was a swim teacher and music teacher; in these roles, she realized that "not one [school] curriculum fits all."
Chow drew inspiration from her beginnings and started Link and Learn to provide a tailored education in a personalized, one-on-one environment for students with special needs and those aiming for advanced learning. Chow believes that every student has the potential to succeed with the right educational tools.
Joining the LaunchPad Lab initially overwhelmed Chow, but it became a profound learning journey. LaunchPad Lab taught Chow to take ideas and break them down into simple and measurable goals to achieve them. Chow shares one piece of Diana's advice that struck a chord with her: "Everybody is still learning… as long as you’re open to learning, it’s the most important value you can have to run a business.”
Driven by the urge to address educational challenges, Karina Chow honed her skills for the JMH LaunchPad Competition by practicing 5-minute mock pitch speeches and more. The LaunchPad Lab program helped Chow gain the confidence to articulate her ideas to a larger audience during her time in the program.
Pioneering for Student Development
Karina Chow achieved a significant milestone in March 2023 when Link and Learn secured $10,000 from connectFirst Credit Union at the JMH LaunchPad Pitch Competition. Pitching her business to an audience of 300 people, Chow describes the win as a "surreal" and vivid moment still etched in her memory.
Chow aspires for Link and Learn to gain recognition in Calgary and hopefully across Canada – a go-to destination for parents and students seeking an environment where students can truly flourish in their educational journey. Moreover, her vision extends to equipping Link and Learn participants with the tools and skills they need for independent and self-sustained study methods, fostering their academic autonomy.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs or those eyeing LaunchPad Lab? "Just do it! Start with any idea, and LaunchPad Lab is the perfect place to refine and pivot that idea."
Appreciation
The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship would like to take this moment to thank the RBC Foundation and the Cathy & Bruce Williams Fund for their continuous support of LaunchPad Lab. Because of the RBC Foundation and the Cathy & Bruce Williams Fund, the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship can provide opportunities and nurture student potential, such as Karina Chow’s at MRU.
Join Us!
Join us at LaunchPad Lab and connect with an ecosystem of passionate individuals– It’s time to turn those ideas into reality. Interested in pitching your business idea? The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is recruiting students with business ventures to join us at the JMH LaunchPad Competition this Winter 2024. Check out our website to learn more about how you can take part in the JMH LaunchPad Competition 2024!