ONSIDE + Campus2Market Discover Program

ONSIDE, with Dal Innovates, is delivering Campus2Market Discover, a unique program designed for people with a business idea! Join the ONSIDE + Campus2Market Discover Program! ONSIDE, in collaboration with Dal Innovates, is proud to deliver Campus2Market Discover, a unique program designed for people with a business idea across Atlantic Canada. If you graduated outside of Atlantic Canada, you are still more than welcome to apply! However, only people who graduated within Atlantic Canada will receive a certificate at the end of the program. This is not your typical workshop — it’s an immersive experience where ideas meet action. Over three days, you’ll explore the fundamentals of building a venture, from identifying real-world problems to crafting a compelling pitch. Learn, collaborate, and innovate alongside a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs. You must be in Halifax for the duration of this program, as 2/3 of the days will be in-person. Schedule Friday, March 13 | 12:00–1:30 PM (Online via Zoom)

• Kickoff: introductions, program overview, and networking

Saturday, March 14 | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (In Person)

• Design Thinking & Problem Framing: develop empathy for your users and define meaningful, impactful problems.
• Business Model Canvas: map out your solution, target audience, and business strategy with Bernice Williams, the Founder of Intentional Connection!
• Customer Discovery: conduct interviews and validate your idea with real users

Sunday, March 15 | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM (In Person)

• Pitch Development: craft your story and communicate your idea with clarity and confidence. Receive expert guidance from Rashmi Prakash - Founder of Aruna Revolution, who has been on Dragon's Den!
• Pitch Practice & Working Session: refine your presentation with expert feedback
• Final Pitch Session & Next Steps: present your 1–2 minute pitch, compete for cash prizes, and explore opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Eligibility

• Graduates from the past five years of a university or college
• Current post-secondary students (Undergrad, Master’s, or PhD)

Who Will Benefit Most?

• Early-stage entrepreneurs ready to grow their ideas
• People who are currently working on their undergraduate degree or have graduated in the last 5 years from any university level (Bachelor's, Undergrad, PhD, etc.)
• Individuals with a business idea they haven’t launched yet
• Founders with initial customers seeking structure, strategy, and growth

Why Join?

• Gain hands-on experience in innovation and entrepreneurship
• Test and de-risk your business idea before launching
• Learn the skills and mindset needed to turn ideas into impact
• Expand your network with current and future entrepreneurs
• Compete in a pitch session for cash prizes

Build your skills. Test your ideas. Expand your network. Campus2Market Discover is more than a program — it’s your first step toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and making a real-world impact.