The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a $250,000 investment in the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) for its core funding. The centre plays a vital role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship at Memorial University, serving as a launchpad for students from all faculties and schools who are interested in starting and growing businesses.

This support will enable MCE to:

• Enhance delivery of core programming, including startup coaching, LearnLaunch, Illuminate, Student-in-Residence, and a mentorship program.
• Increase outreach through its Student Ambassador Program, further embedding entrepreneurship across the university community.
• Expand its capacity through the addition of a client success coordinator.

MCE is a key contributor to the province’s start-up ecosystem. The centre provides foundational training, mentorship, access to funding, and an entrepreneurial community to both undergraduate and graduate students. Its programming supports the early development of companies and helps build a pipeline of highly qualified people and ventures that align with the province’s innovation priorities.

To date, MCE graduate companies have collectively generated nearly $14 million in revenue, created over 200 full-time equivalent positions, and raised just over $58 million in venture capital. From an initial intake of 20 students in 2015, the MCE now provides programming to over 300 students interested in entrepreneurship each year. It had hosted 207 entrepreneurial work terms providing in-depth experiential learning, and their workshops are regularly sold out.

This investment by the provincial government leverages almost $600,000 from other sources.

The Research and Innovation Fund Program provides non-repayable contributions to non-commercial entities for the development and implementation of research and development and innovation projects to support economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal is to support highly qualified people, research, innovative programming and infrastructure and encourage a strong start-up community and entrepreneurial support network through which research ideas, business innovation, and early stage supports maximize opportunities for innovators and advance provincial economic growth and diversification goals.

Quotes
“The Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship plays a critical role in cultivating the next generation of innovators and business leaders in our province. By supporting students from all disciplines and helping them turn ideas into viable ventures, MCE is strengthening our economy and positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence. We are proud to support their continued growth and success.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“This renewed investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the potential of our students and the impact of entrepreneurship in Newfoundland and Labrador. It allows MCE to continue empowering emerging founders with the skills, support, and community they need to build bold, innovative ventures – right here at home.”
Amy Burridge
Director (interim), MCE

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Research and Innovation Fund

Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship

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