Submit Applications for NEXT36 Entrepreneurial Training Program (Canada)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The NEXT36 is an eight-month entrepreneurial training program for Canadian undergraduate students, master’s students, and recent graduates who want to develop and launch high-impact startups. The program selects 36 promising young entrepreneurs each year and provides intensive training, mentorship, resources, and connections to help them build and scale innovative ventures.

About the NEXT36 Program

Founded to accelerate the growth of Canada’s most promising young entrepreneurs, NEXT36 brings together students and recent graduates from across the country to develop entrepreneurial skills and turn innovative ideas into high-impact businesses. The eight-month program combines practical startup development with a world-class curriculum delivered by leading entrepreneurs and faculty from top institutions. Participants gain the knowledge, guidance, and networks needed to move their ventures from early-stage ideas toward launch and growth. What Does NEXT36 Offer? Participants receive a range of training, mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, including: - Intensive eight-month entrepreneurial training. - A world-class curriculum led by experienced entrepreneurs and faculty. - Training in strategy, innovation, entrepreneurial finance, and marketing. - Guidance on navigating the global economy. - Personalized mentorship from experienced founders. - Access to NEXT Canada’s extensive alumni community. - Opportunities to connect with investors and industry leaders. - Free office space. - In-kind products and services from program partners. - Access to resources such as cloud hosting and legal support. - A collaborative environment for developing and launching startups. Key Areas of Training The NEXT36 curriculum focuses on the core skills young entrepreneurs need to develop sustainable and high-impact ventures.

Training areas include:

- Business strategy - Innovation - Entrepreneurial finance - Marketing - Global business and economic opportunities - Startup development - Venture growth and scaling Who Can Apply? The program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the program’s Canadian student or recent graduate criteria.

Eligible applicants include:

- Canadian undergraduate students. - Canadian master’s students. - Recent graduates in Canada. - Students and graduates from any academic discipline. - Individuals who already have an early-stage venture. - Individuals who are looking to start a new venture. Applicants do not necessarily need to have an established startup. The program can also support participants who are at the stage of developing a new entrepreneurial idea. What Types of Entrepreneurs Can Benefit? NEXT36 is designed for promising young entrepreneurs who want to build high-impact startups and develop the skills required to turn ideas into scalable ventures. The program may be particularly useful for applicants who: - Have an innovative business idea. - Are developing an early-stage startup. - Want to launch a new venture. - Need guidance from experienced founders. - Want to strengthen their business and financial skills. - Are looking to connect with investors and industry leaders. - Want access to an entrepreneurial community and startup resources. Why Participate in NEXT36? NEXT36 provides more than classroom-based entrepreneurial training. Participants receive practical support while developing their ventures and gain access to experienced entrepreneurs, investors, industry professionals, and a strong alumni network. The combination of mentorship, training, office space, partner resources, and networking opportunities can help young founders overcome common challenges involved in launching and scaling a startup. Frequently Asked Questions What is the NEXT36? NEXT36 is an eight-month entrepreneurial training program designed for Canadian undergraduates, master’s students, and recent graduates who want to develop and launch high-impact startups. How many entrepreneurs are selected each year? NEXT36 selects 36 undergraduate and recent graduate students each year from across Canada. How long is the NEXT36 program? The program runs for eight months and combines entrepreneurial training, mentorship, networking, and practical startup support. Who is eligible for NEXT36? Canadian undergraduate students, master’s students, and recent graduates from any academic discipline can apply, whether they already have an early-stage venture or are looking to start a new one. Do I need to already have a startup? No. The program is open to applicants with an early-stage venture as well as individuals who are looking to start a new venture. What subjects are covered in the program? The curriculum focuses on areas including strategy, innovation, entrepreneurial finance, marketing, and navigating the global economy. Does NEXT36 provide mentorship? Yes. Participants receive personalized mentorship from experienced founders and gain access to NEXT Canada’s broader alumni community. Does the program provide startup resources? Yes. Support includes free office space and in-kind products and services from program partners, including resources such as cloud hosting and legal support. Can students from any academic discipline apply? Yes. Eligibility is open to Canadian students and recent graduates from any academic discipline. Conclusion NEXT36 provides Canadian students and recent graduates with an intensive eight-month platform to develop entrepreneurial skills, launch high-impact startups, and build connections within Canada’s startup ecosystem. Through training, personalized mentorship, alumni access, investor connections, office space, and partner resources, the program helps promising young entrepreneurs turn ideas and early-stage ventures into scalable businesses. For more information, visit NEXT Canada.