Make your business money
Earn $500 while developing your business idea over 6 weeks.
Build a business
Discover the ins and outs of bringing your business idea to life in an engaging and supportive environment.
Expand your professional network
Link up with seasoned pros, expanding your circle for exciting career opportunities. Get ready to open doors.
Experience How to Start a Side Hustle
How to Start a Side Hustle is a six-week live online course designed for early-stage and aspiring side hustlers.
You’ll learn how to:
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Build awareness of your skills, time, and market opportunities,
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Test and validate your idea through customer discovery,
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Develop a clear, evidence-based business model,
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Launch a Minimum Viable Offer (MVO) to start earning income.
Each week includes:
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1.5-hour live Zoom session
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1-hour office hour coaching session (drop-in style)
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Access to recordings, worksheets, and a 50-page course e-book.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a tested side hustle concept and a clear plan to grow it over the following weeks and apply to Side Hustle Expo.
Program details
Session info
Dates: November 6 – December 11, 2025
Time: Thursdays, 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: Live online (Zoom)
Program requirements
- Open to all MRU undergraduate students — any program or year. Apply for the Fall 2025 Competition!
Program info
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Commitment: 2.5 hours per week (instruction + coaching)
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Cost: Free for MRU students - $500 stipend for upon program completion with attendance to all sessions
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Capacity: 25 students maximum
Get in contact
Diana Grant-Richmond
Program manager
Diana a graduate of Mount Royal's General Management program (2017), a former founder (Unravelled Yarns), LaunchPad alumna, and an experienced mentor. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, volunteering, social innovation, technology, and supporting female-identifying innovators and entrepreneurs, particularly in creative disciplines. Diana brings 12 years of experience in entrepreneurship, finance, and energy to her role. She is always available for a conversation, whether about an emerging idea, innovation, a new venture, or finding your next steps.
Contact Diana at dgrantrichmond@mtroyal.ca if you have any questions or need support applying.
For additional information on our other programs, contact us at innovate@mtroyal.caFAQs
Applying
How do I apply?
Fill out the application form to apply. If you require any support with filling out your application, email program manager Diana Grant-Richmond at dgrantrichmond@mtroyal.ca for assistance.
Complete the application form with the necessary details and confirm your availability for all mandatory sessions. Attendance in all sessions is required for prize eligibility. If you have any questions about the application, reach out to Diana Grant-Richmond at dgrantrichmond@mtroyal.ca.
Why should I apply?
Students that apply and participate in our programs see a significant increase in their personal and professional growth. By participating in our program, you'll be exposed to new ways of thinking and business concepts that aren’t taught in a classroom, which can be instrumental in shaping your future endeavors. You'll have the chance to work on an idea you are passionate about and learn from others who are on the same journey as you.
What types of students are applying?
We seek imaginative individuals eager to explore innovation, acquire career-enhancing skills, and make a positive impact on the world. If this resonates with you, apply now!
To qualify, you must be a full-time or part-time MRU student enrolled in a degree or transfer program with good academic standing. Unfortunately, open studies students are ineligible for our programming. However, we warmly welcome you to join our community events and benefit from our mentoring and coaching services, extended to students campus-wide.
General FAQs
Can I apply with another person or a team?
We are happy to accept applications from individuals or co-founding teams. If you have a co-founding team, we expect both team members to attend all sessions to get the most out of the program. Only one stipend will be provided to a team/individual. If you have a larger team, pick two people who you think will get the most out of the program.
Do I need a business background?
No! We’ll teach you the basics of innovation and entrepreneurship during the program.
Our inclusive approach values diverse perspectives and knowledge, making it the perfect fit for students with varying degrees of business experience. Rest assured, your background and expertise will be highly appreciated and contribute significantly to your team's success.
You do not need business expertise to take part—sometimes less is more!
Will How to Start a Side Hustle be in-person or virtual?
This program is offered entirely online via Zoom.
What if I don't have an idea?
That’s okay- you'll come up with one during the program.
Is this an internship?
This is not an internship; rather, it's a transformative work-integrated learning experience where you'll learn the skills to tackle business challenges in your side hustle. This opportunity allows you to enrich your resume with invaluable hands-on experience, positioning you strongly for future internships or post-graduation positions.
If I have participated in a past program, can I apply?
Yes - we love both previous program participants and new applicants!