I E N L

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International Education Newfoundland and Labrador (IENL) is industry association advancing international education in the Province. Since 2012, International Education Newfoundland and Labrador (IENL) has acted informally as the network for communication and activities on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador’s international education and training sector.

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Entrepreneurship

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Entrepreneurial Support

Why Start a Business in Newfoundland & Labrador

In recent years, Newfoundland and Labrador has seen a strong focus from government to maximize the support available to all. As a result of this effort, all students in NL have been able to start businesses easier than ever before.

 

Whether you’re building a tech startup, launching a social enterprise, or creating a service business, NL offers comprehensive resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help you succeed.

International students and graduates are encouraged to explore entrepreneurship as a pathway to permanent residency and career success in the province.

Strong Support Network

Access multiple incubators, accelerators, and mentorship programs specifically designed for student entrepreneurs

Funding Opportunities

Grants, competitions, and investment programs available to help you launch and scale your business

Education & Training

Free workshops, courses, and programs teaching business fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills

PR Pathway

Entrepreneurship can support your permanent residency application through various immigration programs

Support Organizations

Organizations Helping Students Start Businesses

Learn about some of the key organizations supporting student entrepreneurs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Genesis

Genesis helps build amazing companies. As Newfoundland and Labrador's pre-eminent innovation hub, Genesis is known for its flagship incubator program, Enterprise, which began more than 20 years ago. Since its inception, Genesis has expanded its programming to support start-ups from the ideation stage all the way to scaling their business. Genesis' mission is to create economic wealth for the province by developing and supporting technology entrepreneurs.
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Centre for Social Enterprise

Memorial University's Centre for Social Enterprise was created to be different. Its distinctiveness has been a strategic decision. Built on a unique partnership between the Faculty of Business Administration, the School of Social Work and the School of Music, the CSE seeks to enhance the quality of the human experience via social enterprise and social innovation. We come together in innovative ways to nurture social entrepreneurs, strengthen social enterprises and drive social innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Visit Social Enterprise

Entrepreneurship Training Program

Memorial's Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) is an education program for graduate students interested in starting a business and learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Through the ETP's Discover and Develop programs, students build the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to succeed as entrepreneurs.
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Navigate Program

The Navigate Program (formerly named Gateway West) opened in the City of Corner Brook on the Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, in 2004. The program is designed to address the needs of potential entrepreneurs in the pre-start-up phase of business development and connect those individuals with various resources, programs, and agencies that exist to meet their needs. Young entrepreneurs commonly contact Navigate at the "idea" stage of their enterprise.
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Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE)

The Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) at Memorial University fosters entrepreneurial thinking and innovation across all disciplines. MCE provides students, faculty, and alumni with resources, mentorship, and programs to develop entrepreneurial skills and launch successful ventures. Through workshops, pitch competitions, networking events, and one-on-one coaching, MCE empowers the Memorial community to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses and create economic opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Success Stories

Successful Startups Founded by Students in NL

These companies were founded by students and graduates from Newfoundland and Labrador institutions, proving that world-class businesses can be built right here

Colab Software

Founded by 2 Students

CoLab started in 2017 after the founding team continuously experienced the pain of design and manufacturing collaboration while working for some of the world's most innovative companies.


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HeyOrca

Founded by 2 International Students

Founded by 2 international students from Iran and Malaysia, HeyOrca is a social media planning & collaboration tool for social media teams. The platform makes drafting, approving, scheduling, and publishing social media posts a snap!

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BreatheSuite

Founded by a Student

BreatheSuite allows patients to use their inhaler properly without the need for separate training devices. The BreatheSuite inhaler add-on connects directly to your smartphone via Bluetooth


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Verafin

Founded by 3 Students

Verafin's cloud-based cross-institutional software is used by nearly 3000 financial institutions to fight financial crime and strengthen regulatory compliance.


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WaterLily

Founded by a Students

WaterLily makes a portable river turbine loved by paddlers, campers, and off-gridders around the world. It generates power from rivers and streams to charge phones, speakers, cameras, and 12V devices.

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Econext


Econext brings together businesses, government, and academic partners to drive clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through innovation and R&D, the initiative supports green technologies and sustainable development for the region.

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