Published 9:06 am Friday, August 28, 2026
College of New Caledonia launches Entrepreneur Mentorship Program to connect students with business leaders.
(CHRISTOS SAGIORGIS)
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The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is launching an entrepreneur mentorship program this fall to connect students with experienced business leaders.
According to a press release, the Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (EMP) will launch alongside CNC’s new Business Administration Program in September 2026, offering practical learning opportunities, one-on-one mentorship and industry engagement.
The program will primarily support students in the Business Administration Program, but will also be open to students in other areas of the college, including Health Sciences and Human Services, and the School of Trades, Applied Arts and Technology.
Students participating in the program will have access to one-on-one mentorship with an experienced entrepreneur, workshops and classroom engagement, as well as applied and work-integrated learning opportunities.
CNC said the program is intended to help students develop career-ready skills, build an entrepreneurial mindset and gain confidence as they transition from education into employment or self-employment.
It will also connect students with local entrepreneurs, employers and community partners.
“Learning is most powerful when students have opportunities to connect what they are studying in the classroom with the experiences and perspectives of people working in their field,” said Dr. Bruce McKay, vice president academic at CNC.
“The Entrepreneur Mentorship Program gives students another way to build those connections, develop their confidence and gain practical insight that will help prepare them for wherever their careers take them.”
Mary Mytting, executive director of the Northern Innovation Network, will serve as the program’s inaugural mentor.
CNC added that Mytting’s experience supporting entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses across northern British Columbia will give students access to real-world perspectives.
“CNC is making a bold, forward-looking choice by recognizing entrepreneurship as a viable career path,” Mytting said.
“Not every student will start a business immediately after graduation, but quite a few may choose entrepreneurship later in their careers. Through this partnership, CNC and the Northern Innovation Network will ensure they have the knowledge, support and confidence to give their ventures a greater chance of success.”
The mentorship program will add an applied-learning component to CNC’s new Business Administration Program while supporting the college’s focus on preparing graduates with skills, experience and professional networks.
CNC explained the program also reflects its focus on regional labour market and economic development needs.
The college added that the Entrepreneur Mentorship Program is being made possible primarily through donor fundraising designated to support business programming at CNC.
