program

At VentureLift, participants do more than just learn about business—they experience it. Our immersive five-day program connects students directly with the experience of industry leaders and the challenges of real companies.

By collaboratively consulting a real-world company, experiencing workshops led by distinguished professionals, and forming personal mentorships with accomplished university students, participants are launched into the business world with unparalleled advantage and executive-level preparation.

1. INSPIRING INNOVATION [LEARN]

1.1 – ELITE KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

A Partner and Co-Founder at Weathervane Investments, Geoff McKay brings elite business expertise and transformational leadership insights to VentureLift. His distinguished career includes serving as Managing Director at CPP Investments ($700B global pension fund), General Partner at Forstmann Little & Co, and executing high-stakes M&A deals at Goldman Sachs—experience that has shaped North America's business landscape.

1.2 – 12 SPECIALIZED WORKSHOPS

Participants rotate through twelve intensive workshops led by experts who excel as senior leaders in their specialized industries. Each workshop addresses a specific business discipline—from financial modelling and IPO’s to persuasive communication and competitive positioning. With each workshop, participants gain greater insight into formulating their strategic plan for their client company.

1.3 – PERSONALIZED MENTORSHIP

As participants collaborate to consult their client, each team will receive guidance from accomplished university students with demonstrated business success. These mentors provide individualized coaching and team guidance, helping participants navigate challenges and maximize their program experience.

2. CONSTRUCTING VISIONS [BUILD]

Company Partnership

Emphasizing experiential education, VentureLift places participants in the role of professional consultants. On day one, participants meet executives from a partner company who present their organization's history, values, current challenges, and opportunities. Over the next five days, they work in teams alongside their university mentor to develop a strategic plan for future growth.

Boardroom Challenge

The program culminates in an executive pitch to a judging panel of selected industry leaders and senior representatives from the company, requiring participants to defend their analysis, demonstrate business acumen, and communicate persuasively under pressure. The competition prize pool is currently set at $5,000.

3. crafting futures [apply]

VentureLift's boutique environment offers participants the unique opportunity to develop personal relationships with like-minded individuals, from professionals to peers. These connections become platforms for participants to apply their business acumen in future contexts, providing mentorship, references, and insider guidance to prestigious pathways.