Dreams come true for new grads’ mobile apps and digital publishing ventures

Three teams of new graduates are going into business with a little help from the Queen’s Centre for Business Venturing. Its “Dare to Dream” internship program provides critical resources to help new graduates turn their entrepreneurial plans into reality.

Many Commerce and MBA students who develop business plans as part of their studies face a dilemma upon graduation. They can take full-time jobs to pay the rent and/or repay student loans and sacrifice, or postpone, the opportunity to bring their business plans to fruition. Or they can pursue their entrepreneurial dreams while finding other ways to make ends meet. The “Dare to Dream” internships are designed to make it possible for graduates to pursue the latter course, by not only covering living expenses, but also providing office space and access to an invaluable Queen’s network of contacts.

Each internship provides funding up to $15,000. Students who are about to graduate apply for the internships and are selected based on the strength of their business opportunity, plan of action and passion for their ventures. The three-month internships enable the winners to work extensively with select faculty and contacts at Queen’s School of Business and the Centre for Business Venturing.