Welcome to the Venture Lab for Skilled Trades—a dedicated program built to help skilled trades professionals launch, structure, and grow strong, sustainable businesses.
This program is funded by the RBC Foundation as part of RBC’s Future Launch initiative and is offered through the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective at Conestoga College.
Venture Lab for Skilled Trades
This isn’t a generic business incubator—it’s a hands-on launchpad for skilled trades professionals who want to build serious businesses. The program is designed to help you start, stabilize, and grow by connecting you with practical coaching, industry expertise, and the practical tools to succeed.
The Venture Lab for Skilled Trades is open to licensed tradespeople, apprentices, and experienced professionals who are starting or growing a trade-based business and are committed to strengthening the business side of their operation.
Benefits
1:1 Coaching
Work directly with an experienced trades business coach to tackle challenges, build skills, and set actionable goals.
Proven business roadmap
Follow a structured, step-by-step guide designed to take your trade business from concept to growth with confidence.
Free co-working space
Access a professional, collaborative workspace where you can plan, meet clients, and focus without distractions.
Business toolkit
Gain ready-to-use templates, guides, and resources to simplify operations, manage clients, and run your business efficiently.
$1000 for tactical services
Receive funding to invest in critical services from the Conestoga Gig Marketplace —marketing, design, or branded merchandise—to move your business forward.
Pitch for $5000
Compete to win additional funding to launch or scale your trade business by pitching to a panel of experts at the annual Wilf Rieck Pitch Day.
The Venture Lab for Skilled Trades is delivered through the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective, Conestoga College’s hub supporting business founders, freelance entrepreneurs and talent for the innovation economy.
