Your guide to launching a traditional business
Whether you’re starting a service-based company, launching a consultancy, or opening a brick-and-mortar shop, Business Playbook gives you the tools, mentorship, and confidence to bring your idea to life.
What is Business Playbook?
Business Playbook is an 8-week co-curricular program for UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, staff, faculty, and alumni who want to launch a traditional business.
Through hands-on workshops, expert mentorship, and weekly deliverables, participants learn the practical skills needed to build and launch a business. By the end of the program you’ll have the confidence to launch your business or apply for funding with a fully developed, agile business plan.
Summit an application
Applications for the fall semester open on Aug 25, 2025 and close on Sept 21, 2025. Fill out the form linked below to apply.
Who can apply?
UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty, staff, and alumni with a traditional business idea—such as a brick-and-mortar shop, service-based company, or consultancy—looking to build, refine, and launch their business are invited to apply. This program is for those committed to taking real steps in between sessions and want to actively work their business idea.
Learn more about Business Playbook
Why applying is your next best move
- Learn how to start, structure, and grow a traditional business.
- Gain access to expert mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Learn core business skills like marketing, financials, operations, and more.
- Join a small, supportive cohort of peers to stay motivated and accountable.
- Develop an agile business plan tailored to your goals.
- Access tools, templates, and resources to save time and avoid common pitfalls.
- Build confidence and clarity around launching your business and applying for funding.
Program timeline
Business Playbook is an 8-week commitment that can be taken alongside your regular courses. Weekly workshops will be held in-person on Thursdays from 2-4pm at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. In your spare time between sessions, you are expected to execute on the action items discussed.
Aug. 25, 2025
Fall applications open
Sept. 21, 2025
Fall applications close
Sept. 23, 2025
Fall program interviews start
Sept. 26, 2025
Fall program interviews conclude
Oct. 2, 2025
Fall program begins
Dec. 4, 2025
Fall program final event
Jan. 5, 2026
Winter applications open
Jan. 18, 2026
Winter applications close
Jan. 20, 2026
Winter program interviews start
Jan. 23, 2026
Winter program interviews conclude
Jan. 29, 2026
Winter program begins
April 9, 2026
Winter program final event
Start something with Business Playbook
Every business begins with an idea, but turning that idea into something real takes clarity, confidence, and support. Business Playbook helps you build a solid foundation, guiding you through each step of the process so you can launch your business with purpose. Whether you’re ready to make your first sale or still shaping your concept, this is your space to take action and move forward.
From idea to action: foundational skills you'll learn
The Business Playbook program is designed to lay the foundation for a successful traditional business. Over 8 weeks, you’ll participate in weekly workshops designed to teach essential skills for starting a successful traditional business. Between sessions, you’ll actively implement what you’ve learned and refine your business idea in real time.
Business Fundamentals
Lay the foundation with ownership types, products vs. services, communication skills, and core business concepts.
Customer Discovery
Learn how to identify problems and understand who your ideal customer is.
Market Research
Analyze competitors, market size, and industry dynamics to validate your idea.
Sales & Marketing
Explore marketing channels and activities that drive customer acquisition and retention.
Financial Planning
Learn how to forecast revenue, manage cash flow, and calculate startup costs.
Customer Experience
Design your brand, space, and service experience to keep customers coming back.
Operations & Logistics
Understand what it takes to deliver your product or service efficiently, while generating a profit.
Communication Skills
Effectively share your vision, connect with your audience, and learn to lead with confidence.
What qualifies as a traditional business?
Business Playbook is designed for those that are building businesses that offer products or services in a traditional structure. Traditional business ideas could include:
• Brick-and-mortar businesses like cafés, studios, boutiques, or retail stores.
• Service-based businesses such as consulting, coaching, design, personal training, or cleaning.
• Product-based businesses including handmade goods, small-batch products, or physical items sold online or in person.
Whether you’re selling a product, offering a skill, or delivering a service, Business Playbook will help you build a solid foundation and turn your idea into a sustainable venture.
What if I have a tech-focused venture idea?
If your business idea involves developing a technology-based product or service, Launchpad might be a better fit. This program is built for early-stage tech ventures looking to develop solutions, build teams, and pitch for funding.
Get in touch
Have more questions or not sure if you should apply?
Email us directly at businessplaybook@ucalgary.ca and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
FAQ
To apply, please fill out the .
You can apply for the fall 2025 cohort between August 25, 2025 - September 21, 2025.
You can apply for the winter 2026 cohort between January 5-18, 2026.
You can also apply for the winter 2026 cohort while fall applications are open, but please indicate on your application form that you want to participate in the winter cohort.
UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and alumni with a traditional business idea—such as a brick-and-mortar shop, service-based company, or consultancy—looking to build, refine, and launch their business. This program is for those committed to taking real steps in between sessions and want to actively work their business idea.
Business Playbook Fall 2025 Timeline
- August 25, 2025: Applications open
- September 21, 2025: Applications close
- September 23-26, 2025: Program interviews
- October 2, 2025: Program begins
- December 4, 2025: Program final event
Business Playbook Winter 2026 Timeline
- January 5, 2026: Applications open
- January 18, 2026: Applications close
- January 20-23, 2026: Program interviews
- January 29, 2026: Program begins
- April 9, 2026: Program final event
This program is an 8-week commitment that can be taken alongside your regular courses. Weekly workshops will be held in-person on Thursdays from 2-4pm at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. In your spare time between sessions, you are expected to execute on the action items discussed.
- Gain access to expert mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Enjoy a hands-on learning experience to develop practical skills.
- Build community support with like-minded peers, mentors, and the Hunter Hub team.
- Gain confidence, launch your business, and apply for funding with an agile business plan.
This program is designed for both teams and individuals. You can apply on your own or with a team, but we recommend having no more than 4 people per team. We will not be hosting a team formation session for this program so you will need to form your own team if you are choosing that route.
You won't have access to the Hunter Hub space in between sessions, unless you apply for an Innovation Sandbox membership. Learn more here.
If your business idea is more tech focused then you might want to consider applying to Launchpad instead. Business Playbook is designed for traditional businesses.
Launchpad is UÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ’s flagship entrepreneurship program for undergraduate and graduate students, post-docs, staff, faculty, and alumni. This six-month co-curricular experience is designed for those that want to build a tech venture or gain entrepreneurial skills by joining a team.