This article and a related entitled, “Canadian tech boosters join forces in Silicon Valley” (by Sean Silcoff, January 25, 2016), look at the value of business incubators and how collaboration can support entrepreneurial activity.

Appropriate Subject Area(s):

Entrepreneurship, business management, marketing

Key Questions to Explore:

• Should government do more to support entrepreneurs?

Introduction to lesson and task:

This lesson explores what support for entrepreneurs might look like.

Action (lesson plan and task):

• Ask students what an incubator is. What is an accelerator?
• Discuss the kind of support being offered in your community for entrepreneurs starting out. And for entrepreneurs seeking to grow?
• Distribute the articles for reading.
• In small groups, have students discuss and answer the following questions:
  • What do you expect your school to provide in support of your entrepreneurial venture?
  • Are your expectations realistic?
  • Do you think universities, colleges and public schools should help entrepreneurs get started?
  • What is meant by the entrepreneurial mindset?
  • Should educational institutions collaborate with each other? With the government? With the private sector?
  • What is the purpose of Canada House?
  • Why is Silicon Valley considered an important location for tech start ups?

Consolidation of Learning:

• Have a class discussion on the relevance of this topic to the Canadian economy now.

Success Criteria:

• Students understand the impact of entrepreneurial activity on the Canadian economy.

Confirming Activity:

• Have students write a brief paper on “What if anything, should government do to support entrepreneurial activity?”