MB 8017: Entrepreneurial Experience
This highly experiential and interactive capstone enables students to explore entrepreneurship by testing and refining a business idea using lean startup methodology. Designed for those interested in launching a new venture or furthering an existing one, the course provides practical tools for validating business models, engaging with potential customers, and preparing a venture for market. No prior business idea is required.
Students gain direct insight from experienced entrepreneurs and venture capitalists affiliated with Toronto Metropolitan University and have the opportunity to apply to one of the university’s 10 Zones, each offering tailored support and resources to help shape real-world initiatives from the ground up.
Term offered: Spring/Summer
Offered in the Spring/Summer term, the course is structured around four intensive three-week sprints. During each sprint, student teams conduct customer interviews to test key assumptions within their business models and receive guidance from a mentor affiliated with one of TMU’s Zones. At the end of each sprint, teams deliver an in-class presentation summarizing their findings and receive feedback through facilitated peer discussions. This capstone provides students with a dynamic environment to build entrepreneurial skills and explore the viability of new business ventures.
Course requirements
To be eligible for the Entrepreneurial Experience Capstone (MB 8017), students must have completed and passed all seven core courses by the Spring/Summer term, or have an approved plan of study with only one remaining core course to be completed in the following Fall term.
All students enrolled in MB 8017 must complete both MB 8128 and MB 8125 to ensure they have the foundational skills and knowledge needed for the Entrepreneurship Capstone. These courses support students in developing a viable business idea, applying lean startup methodology and forming well-rounded capstone teams:
MB 8128: Starting Your Startup
This foundation module is designed to stimulate the student's interest in entrepreneurship. Utilizing case studies, articles, videos and presentations, students will begin by learning from prominent entrepreneurs who have demonstrated commitment, passion, risk-taking, strategic thinking and implementation, with the ability to develop core competencies as they create and grow their successful enterprises.
Term offered: Winter
MB 8125: Developing Your Startup
This experientially based course will empower students to use 21st-century entrepreneurship techniques to work on their own business idea. This course focuses on the practical aspects of the startup and management of a new venture. Students will undertake a major field exercise with early adopters to investigate product fit and likely business models. The fieldwork is finalized in the classroom through facilitated peer discussion.
Term offered: Winter
Entrepreneurial success stories
Zone Learning
Zone Learning at TMU is a network of innovation and entrepreneurial incubators that prepares students for the evolving demands of the 21st-century workplace. Whether students are looking to grow an idea, gain hands-on experience or collaborate with like-minded peers, Zone Learning offers a supportive and dynamic environment. By joining the network, students become part of a vibrant community of innovators, creators and change-makers who are committed to shaping meaningful futures.
- Digital Media Zone (DMZ)
- Biomedical Zone
- Clean Energy Zone
- Design Fabrication Zone
- Fashion Zone
- iBoost
- Legal Innovation Zone
- Science Discovery Zone (SDZ)
- Social Venture Zone (SVZ)
- Transmedia Zone