Business Playbook
This hands-on program for UCalgary students, faculty, and alumni provides the support you need to build and launch a traditional business.
Applications are open until January 26, 2025.
Where plans turn into progress, ideas turn into reality, and you turn into a business owner.
The Business Playbook is a comprehensive, hands-on program for UCalgary students, faculty, and alumni who have an idea for a traditional business and are ready to build and launch it. Whether it’s a brick-and-mortar shop, a service-based company, or a consultancy, this program provides the skills, support, and structure to turn your vision into reality.
By the program’s end, participants will be equipped to launch their business, having developed the foundational skills, knowledge, and community support essential for success.
Apply today
Apply to Business Playbook and take the first step towards starting your own business.
Application deadline: January 26, 2025
Why joining Business Playbook is your next best move
- Gain access to expert mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Enjoy a hands-on learning experience to develop practical skills.
- Build community support with like-minded peers, mentors, and the Hunter Hub team.
- Gain confidence, launch your business, and apply for funding with an agile business plan.
Winning plays for business success
The Business Playbook program is designed to lay the foundation for a successful traditional business. Through weekly two-hour workshops, participants will learn about business fundamentals, discuss strategy, and share learnings. Designed for those committed to taking real steps between sessions, the program encourages participants to actively work on their businesses, implementing and refining their ideas in real-world settings.
Market Research and Customer Discovery
Understand your market, identify your audience, and analyze trends to create a solid foundation for your business.
Financial and Strategic Planning
Learn the essentials of financial planning and develop actionable strategies to sustain and grow your business.
Marketing and Customer Relations
Learn how to create a compelling brand, attract customers, and maintain strong relationships to drive loyalty.
Operational Management
Build the skills to run your day-to-day operations efficiently and effectively.
Presentation and Pitching Skills
Master the art of confidently presenting your business to investors, customers, and stakeholders.
Creative Problem-Solving
Learn to adapt and think critically to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
Time Management and Goal Setting
Set measurable goals and manage your time effectively to ensure steady progress.
Communication Skills
Effectively share your vision, connect with your audience, and learn to lead with confidence.
Business Playbook is designed for all types of traditional businesses.
Get in touch
Have more questions or not sure if you should apply?
Email us directly at businessplaybook@ucalgary.ca and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
FAQ
To apply, please fill out the application form before January 26, 2025 at 11:59PM MST.
UCalgary students, faculty, or alumni with a traditional business idea—such as a brick-and-mortar shop, service-based company, or consultancy—looking to build, refine, and launch their business. This program is for those committed to taking real steps in between sessions and want to actively work their business idea.
- Jan 26, 2025: Application deadline
- Jan 28-30, 2025: Program interviews
- Feb 5, 2025: Program begins
- Apr 10, 2025: Program final event
This program is an 8-week commitment that can be taken alongside your regular courses. Weekly workshops will be held in-person on Thursdays from 2-4pm at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. In your spare time between sessions, you are expected to execute on the action items discussed.
- Gain access to expert mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Enjoy a hands-on learning experience to develop practical skills.
- Build community support with like-minded peers, mentors, and the Hunter Hub team.
- Gain confidence, launch your business, and apply for funding with an agile business plan.
This program is designed for both teams and individuals. You can apply on your own or with a team, but we recommend having no more than 4 people per team. We will not be hosting a team formation session for this program so you will need to form your own team if you are choosing that route.
You won't have access to the Hunter Hub space in between sessions, unless you apply for an Innovation Sandbox membership. Learn more here.