Do you have the drive and ambition to solve real-world problems and launch bold ideas? Waterloo's new $10,000 Entrepreneurship Entrance Award may be for you!
The award recognizes students who have exceptional entrepreneurial potential and provides a unique first-year experience to help students grow as innovators, founders, and problem-solvers.
Approximately 50 students will receive the $10,000 award and gain access to special experiences, including programs, workshops, mentorship, and events to help them explore new ideas and build entrepreneurial skills.
Financial support
Receive $10,000 to support your first-year studies and be eligible for an additional $10,000 Enterprise Co-op Award to help start your own business during a co-op work term if you're accepted into the Enterprise Co-op program.
Mentorship in residence
Live, collaborate, and innovate in the Entrepreneurial Living-Learning Community (LLC), a residence floor which offers community-building experiences, pitch prep, networking events, and more.
Exclusive first-year experience
Starting in your first term, you'll learn from Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business professors, alumni founders, and mentors while becoming part of a community that encourages innovation and collaboration.
Questions about the award
How do I apply?
Once you've applied to Waterloo, you can find the Entrepreneurship Entrance Award application on the Awards and Financial Aid tab in the applicant portal.
The application will ask three questions about your experiences, interests, and potential as an entrepreneur. There is a 150-word limit for each question.
- What sparked your interest in entrepreneurship, and what steps have you taken to pursue it?
- Tell us about a problem you care about solving and have started to solve. Why does this issue matter, and what kind of solution(s) are you or would you like to build?
- Describe a goal, project, or idea that didn’t work out the way you expected. How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
There are no "right" answers. We're looking for students who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, ambition, and a genuine interest in creating impact through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Important dates
- December 15, 2026: Application form becomes available in the applicant portal
- February 15, 2027: Application deadline
- March 2027: Recipients are notified
Who should apply?
The Entrepreneurship Entrance Award is intended for students who are excited about turning ideas into action and creating meaningful impact. You’re encouraged to apply if you:
- Are interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, startups, or creating new solutions to real-world problems.
- Have demonstrated initiative by pursuing a project, launching an idea, leading a club or activity, or identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Enjoy solving problems, learning from experience, and exploring new possibilities.
- Are curious, motivated, and eager to connect with mentors, founders, and other entrepreneurial-minded students.
- Want to become part of Waterloo's entrepreneurial community while earning your undergraduate degree.
You do not need to have started a business or launched a company to be considered. We welcome applications from students at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, including those who are just beginning to explore entrepreneurship.
Am I eligible for other scholarships if I receive this award?
You're eligible to also receive a President's or Merit Scholarship along with this award. Recipients will normally not be awarded other entrance scholarships along with this award.
How do I apply to the Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community?
If you receive an Entrepreneurship Entrance Award, we encourage you to live in the Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community (LLC), located at United College, one of Waterloo's on-campus residences. You'll benefit from the special programming offered through the LLC and live with other students interested in exploring entrepreneurship.
- Fill out the New Student Residence Application before June 8, 2027.
- Rank United College as your preferred residence.
- When completing the residence application form, select Yes from the dropdown menu asking if you're interested in joining a Living Learning Community.
- Indicate your interest in the Entrepreneurial LLC.
Are international students eligible?
Yes. In fact, international students can receive the Entrepreneurship Entrance Award along with the $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship.