VentureMatch Project Placements

Real Startup Experience. Before You Graduate.

VentureMatch connects students with innovative Zone Learning startups through flexible, part-time, skill-based project placements. It provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working directly with startup teams and industry professionals.

Students gain hands-on experience working on real startup projects, allowing them to develop practical skills, build professional confidence, and strengthen their resumes before entering the workforce. Startups gain access to motivated student talent who can contribute fresh perspectives and support key projects, helping teams move forward on important business priorities.

How does VentureMatch work?

Apply

Share your skills, interests, and areas of expertise through our application form.

Interview

Selected applicants will move forward to interviews with the startup teams. Each team will submit their top three preferred candidates to the VentureMatch team.

Get Matched

Students are paired with a startup to work on skill-based project that aligns with their interests and strengths.

Pre-Placement Workshops

Become startup-ready by attending interactive workshops that aim to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills.

Placement

Work with a startup for 80 hours and contribute to real-world business objectives. Through this experience you will strengthen your interpersonal skills, build professional confidence, and gain hands-on experience working directly with founders.

Honorarium

Receive an honorarium and add meaningful experience to your resume, helping you stand out and stay one step ahead when you graduate.

Turn skills into real-world experience

Build Experience That Sets You Apart

Waitlist Coming Soon

For Students

Step beyond the classroom and into the startup world. Through this program, students will strengthen their creativity, resilience, and future-focused mindset – building skills that will support their success in any career path.

With VentureMatch, you will:

Gain real-world, résumé-ready project experience
Collaborate directly with startup founders and industry professionals
Develop in-demand professional and entrepreneurial skills
Expand your network within the startup ecosystem
Receive an honorarium upon successful completion
Benefit from flexible work arrangements (on campus or remote)

Accelerate Your Startup While Shaping Future Talent

Apply Now

For Startups

VentureMatch connects startups with ambitious students through skill-based projects. Ventures can gain fresh ideas, extra hands, and creative solutions while supporting the next generation of innovators, all through a flexible, no-cost program.

VentureMatch gives your startup the opportunity to:

Access motivated, skill-ready students
Gain fresh perspectives and innovative solutions
Advance meaningful projects efficiently
Support emerging talent while your startup grows
Benefit from student contributions at no cost – students receive an honorarium, and all that’s required is a simple in-kind contribution letter

Have a question?

Applications for VentureMatch open two to three times per year, depending on the number of applications we receive. Our cohorts follow Toronto Metropolitan University’s semester cycles.

Looking to get involved in a different way? Here are other ways to join our community.