The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons University of Toronto Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at University of Toronto, you may be familiar with the local incubators and entrepreneurial programmes offered on campus. While these initiatives provide valuable support, expanding your horizons could significantly increase your odds of long-term success. In fact, one study found that 87% of startups that went through top-tier programmes were still active after five years, compared to just 44% of those that went it alone. That’s the kind of difference the right programme can make.

But how do you know if an incubator programme is right for you? With so many rigid, one-size-fits-all options out there, finding the right fit can be tough. That’s where EWOR comes in: a uniquely flexible platform combining global mentorship, funding opportunities, and a prestigious network – designed specifically to help ambitious founders thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons why University of Toronto students should look beyond their local incubators and consider EWOR to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Access to Global Mentorship

Many university incubators and local programmes offer mentorship from faculty, alumni, or nearby founders. While helpful, these perspectives are often limited to regional markets and conventional startup paths.

EWOR operates borderless, on a global scale. Fellows are paired with mentors who have founded and scaled companies across continents and industries – including unicorns like SumUp, Adjust, and ProGlove. Rather than sporadic office hours, mentorship is built into the fabric of the programme – modular, consistent, and personal.

University of Toronto's local incubators, such as those within U of T Entrepreneurship and the Centre for Entrepreneurship, provide valuable mentorship opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Programs like the Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) connect ventures with dedicated mentors, often experienced founders, serial entrepreneurs, and industry experts from the Greater Toronto Area. This local focus provides entrepreneurs with access to individuals who understand the specific nuances of the Toronto market and can offer relevant connections and practical advice. Mentors provide guidance on various aspects of building a business, from strategy and fundraising to technical development and market validation. This support is crucial for navigating the challenges of the early stages and increasing the likelihood of success. Incubators like ICUBE UTM also emphasize connecting entrepreneurs with experienced industry mentors and advisors.

With EWOR, you’ll have the chance to work with mentors who have scaled their businesses across different countries and industries, providing invaluable insights that can help your startup succeed in the global marketplace.

2. Larger Funding Opportunities

While local incubators may provide grants or limited seed funding, securing substantial capital is often a challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs. EWOR offers up to €500,000 in initial funding for selected startups, which can significantly boost your ability to develop your business. Moreover, EWOR provides access to a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angel investors, ensuring that you have the opportunity to secure further rounds of funding as your startup grows.

The University of Toronto offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its network of local incubators and accelerators. Programs like the University of Toronto Early Stage Technology (UTEST) provide investment capital and business strategy support for research-based startups. The Entrepreneurship Hatchery offers mentorship, seed funding, and development programs, with potential funding up to $50,000 over a 12-month period for eligible expenses. The UTSC Hub also hosts startup competitions with seed capital prizes. Additionally, the Impact Centre assists startups in raising funds, including significant non-dilutive funding from government programs. U of T's extensive entrepreneurship ecosystem connects startups with potential investors and provides guidance on navigating the funding landscape.

By choosing EWOR, University of Toronto students can tap into larger funding sources, giving them the financial support needed to scale their businesses more effectively.

3. A Highly Selective and Prestigious Network

One of the main advantages of EWOR is the highly selective nature of its community. EWOR accepts only the top 0.1% of applicants, bringing together some of the world’s most talented and ambitious entrepreneurs. 

This exclusivity doesn’t just elevate the quality of each cohort — it also unlocks access to an extraordinary network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Just to name a few: Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading angel investors and founder of OLX; Christian Kroll, founder of Ecosia, Europe’s largest search engine after Google; and Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of Enapter, (€640M IPO) and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy. 

The University of Toronto's local incubators foster a strong network and community to help students build connections and collaborate. With over 12 accelerators across three campuses, they offer a wide range of programs and resources. These incubators actively organize networking events, pitch competitions, and industry-specific meetups, allowing students to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, industry experts, and potential investors. This collaborative environment provides opportunities for partnerships, business development, and access to valuable resources and expertise. Students can also collaborate with talented peers through volunteer opportunities, class projects, or team placements within the incubator community.

While local incubators at University of Toronto may provide valuable networking within the campus or regional ecosystem, EWOR’s global network opens doors to entirely new levels of collaboration. Fellows work alongside peers from dozens of countries and industries, connecting with elite investors, unicorn founders, and seasoned operators.

As many fellows have said, the community is one of the most unexpected – and most valuable – parts of the experience. “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

4. Flexibility and Remote Access

Many local incubators require in-person participation, which can be limiting for students balancing coursework, part-time jobs, or other commitments. 

The University of Toronto has a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem with 12 accelerators across its three campuses. These incubators and accelerators support students, alumni, and faculty in developing their ventures. They offer resources such as mentorship, workshops, funding opportunities, and physical workspace. While many programs traditionally offered in-person elements, there has been a shift towards hybrid models, especially following the pandemic. Some programs provide dedicated desk space and access to specialized equipment and labs, indicating an in-person component. However, the move to online or hybrid formats increases accessibility for students who may face geographical or other barriers to participation, allowing for broader engagement with the university's entrepreneurial resources.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. University of Toronto students can access top-tier mentorship, founder-led education, and global resources without needing to relocate or follow a rigid schedule. Whether you’re validating an idea or scaling your first product, you’ll have the freedom to build around your life, not the other way around.

And if you're worried about missing out on in-person connection – don’t be. EWOR hosts real-world gatherings like the EWOR Connect and EWOR House, a multi-day retreat where fellows, alumni, and investors connect in person. We also organise city-based meetups and our flagship Grand Pitch event, which brings hundreds of top-tier investors together twice a year. So while the programme is remote-first, it’s far from remote-only.

5. Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Education

Local incubators often provide valuable workshops and learning modules, but they may be limited in scope and depth. EWOR offers over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and educational modules designed by top entrepreneurs and industry experts. This comprehensive entrepreneurial education covers everything from refining your business idea to scaling and securing funding, ensuring that you develop both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

University of Toronto's local incubators offer various educational support to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. This includes workshops and educational programs covering topics like marketing, finance, leadership, and technology trends. Some incubators, like the Impact Centre, provide a "Techno training course" as a prerequisite for their incubation program, offering year-round training opportunities. U of T also provides open learning series, such as the Entrepreneurship Open Learning Series, which consists of training modules on core management principles for business plans and pitches. The UTEST program offers intensive entrepreneurial education for research-based startups. Additionally, programs like Imagineur provide modules on various aspects of starting a business, including creative problem solving, financial feasibility, and target market identification.

With EWOR, you’ll gain access to a more extensive and detailed entrepreneurial education, giving you the tools needed to overcome challenges and succeed in today’s competitive startup landscape.

That’s a Wrap

While University of Toronto's local incubators offer great resources for students starting their entrepreneurial journey, EWOR provides an unmatched opportunity for those looking to take their startup to the next level. With access to global mentorship, larger funding opportunities, a highly selective network, flexible remote programmes, and comprehensive entrepreneurial education, EWOR offers University of Toronto students the chance to build and scale their startups on a global stage. If you’re ready to look beyond local incubators and accelerate your entrepreneurial success, EWOR could be the ideal platform for you.

Image credits: Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash