Side Hustle Expo

Welcome to the Side Hustle Science Fair, a transformative event hosted by the Mount Royal University Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and SAMRU! Transforming Wyckham House into a vibrant hub of creativity and commerce, join us on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. 

 

Apply Program details

 

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Win cash prizes

Win a share of cash prizes to fuel your side hustle or invest in further development. Compete for cash prizes in categories like Best Overall, Most Creative, and the influential Audience Favourite

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Promote your hustle

Leverage a dynamic platform to showcase your side hustle to the MRU community and beyond. Whether you're into baking, coding, or crafting, this is your moment to shine.

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Sell your products

Sell directly to attendees. This hands-on experience lets you engage with potential customers and gain insights into the dynamics of real-world business

Experience Side Hustle Expo

  1. Diverse Participation and Showcase: Expect a dynamic showcase where student entrepreneurs set up trifold displays featuring various products and services. From delicious treats to innovative websites, participants will actively market their creations to the MRU community and beyond. The option to sell products or services adds a real-world business dimension, providing students with practical exposure.
  2. Friendly Competition and Prizes: Embrace friendly competition as judges, including faculty and industry experts, evaluate each side hustle based on creativity, viability, and overall appeal. Winners not only gain recognition but also cash prizes. Categories include Best Overall, Most Creative, and the influential Audience Vote.

  3. Q&A Session and Networking: Engage in a Q&A session with judges to discuss your business model, strategy, and vision. Beyond competition, the fair is a networking hub, fostering connections with potential customers, collaborators, and mentors.

    This event also serves as a networking hub. Connect with potential customers, collaborators, and mentors, fostering a supportive ecosystem beyond the event.


Program details

 

Session info

Join us on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Vendors can expect to be present from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm for a 3-hour immersive experience.

Program requirements

  • Open to all MRU students in degree-granting programs, the fair invites participants with side hustles ranging from baking to coding, marketing to crafting. This is your moment to showcase the breadth of your entrepreneurial prowess.

Apply to Side Hustle Expo

Applications for Side Hustle Expo close February 4th

Apply

After you apply

Successful applicants are required to attend a preparatory session on February 7th, in Slate Innovation Lab (EB 3121) and will receive an email invite. This session equips participants with a thorough understanding of event expectations and a comprehensive overview of the Science Fair. A document containing potential judges' questions will be provided, ensuring participants present their ventures confidently.

Participants must bring a (self-provided) tri-fold board (see example) on February 7th, describing their business. It should include:
  • Company Name
  • Your Name
  • Description of your product or services. Why people might want it, costs, etc.
  • Examples of product/service
  • Contact information for the business/student - Instagram/website, etc. 

Participants will gain exposure and support from the Institute. Our committed department assists students in refining their products and ideas, providing guidance to enhance their entrepreneurial journey.

Participants receive a curated list of post-event resources following the fair, including funding opportunities and business development programs. An updated program card outlines Institute offerings, ensuring the momentum extends beyond the event day