CEC impact | Conestoga Applied Research

Home About Programs Apply Impact CEC news Contact

Discover the impact of the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective in empowering students to develop entrepreneurial skills, launch startups, and flourish in the entrepreneurial ecosystem through collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

Five Year Impact Report

Dive into our celebratory five year impact report and witness the transformative journey we've embarked on. Click the link below to delve into our story of innovation, growth, and impact.

Access the report here

Checkout our video series, testimonials, and impact stories below to hear firsthand from our program alumni.

Gig Lab

Venture Lab

Sales Lab

Testimonials

Field & Co | Gig Lab

"I decided to apply to Gig Lab because I was freelancing when I first graduated from school and it was kind of just like, really unsuccessful, because I didn't have a proper plan in place. I didn't have any supports or a mentor. And I was just kind of flying by the seat of my pants and doing whatever I wanted to do. So when I found the opportunity for Gig Lab, I wanted to apply because I wanted to be able to have some accountability and get a plan in place to be able to restart my freelance business in a strategic way.” -Kate Bradfield, freelance founder

Ezok | Venture Lab

“My time at the Conestoga Venture Lab has been an enlightening journey, filled with invaluable lessons on validation, networking, and leveraging professional data sources to accurately gauge my market size. The mentors, experts in their respective fields, came together periodically to refine and sharpen my investment and commercial pitches. They provided me with numerous opportunities to present my product, fostering a supportive environment that encouraged local initiatives. Coming from another country, this experience was particularly transformative for me, as it introduced me to opportunities I was previously unaware of. The Conestoga Venture Lab not only equipped me with the tools necessary for success but also broadened my perspective, making it an integral part of my entrepreneurial journey." -Henrique Bilbao, founder, Ezok

Erin Pickles | Sales Lab

“This is such an incredible program and I encourage anyone, experienced or new to sales, to seize this opportunity for not just your career growth and development -–but your personal growth too!”  -Erin Pickles

Digital simulations for meat plant safety training

The Virtual & Augmented Reality Lab and the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab worked with VG Meats to create digital simulations for meat plant safety training.

Fabbulist connects melanin women with beauty services

Melanin women are significant consumers of beauty services, but the industry isn't built for their specific needs. It is difficult, and at times, almost impossible, to find appropriate hair, make-up and skincare services nearby. Enter Fabbulist, an online platform that helps melanin women find beauty stylists that truly get their hair type and skin tone

Erin Pickles leans into tech sales

Taking a leap of faith, Erin joined the first Sales Lab cohort despite some reluctance as to whether sales was the right path for her. She was a dedicated single mom with experience in customer service, but tech sales would be a whole new world.

MORE CEC IMPACT