Sheridan EDGE launched the Faculty Advisor Office Hours initiative in 2023 to connect faculty expertise directly with the entrepreneurial community. Introduced as a pilot, its early success led to its ongoing inclusion in their offerings. To date, faculty advisors have provided more than 70 hours of personalized guidance to 68 unique participants. Advisors offer expertise in marketing, finance and funding, ideation, accounting, HR, and more, sharing practical insights with early-stage entrepreneurs.
“Our program offerings are developed in direct response to our community’s needs,” says Noreen Javed, Interim Director, Sheridan EDGE. “Our community members consistently reach out for advising support to move their small businesses forward, and we want them to receive guidance from experienced experts. Sheridan’s world-class faculty members bring deep expertise and a genuine commitment to helping entrepreneurs address real-world challenges and take meaningful steps toward growth.”
Currently, the program has eight dedicated advisors from diverse fields, ensuring participants receive well-rounded guidance on their business challenges. Developed in close collaboration with the Pilon School of Business, the program offers benefits for both faculty and entrepreneurs. Faculty advisors share their skills with the community, keeping their expertise current while staying connected to new entrepreneurial ideas. Entrepreneurs receive direct support with their business challenges. A flexible booking platform makes scheduling office hours easy for students and community members. Entrepreneurs meet with faculty one-on-one or in small groups, accessing guidance that meets their specific needs.
Faculty advising is available to all Sheridan EDGE members, including student entrepreneurs, coworking members, and Rise program participants. The program collaborates with faculty from the Pilon School of Business (PSB) and Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST), whose continued support is essential to its success. Dana Moskowitz, Digital Marketing Professor, PSB and faculty advisor says, “Watching each entrepreneur transform ideas into impact is a reminder that mentoring is as much about guiding as it is about witnessing their incredible journeys.“
By bringing faculty and entrepreneurs together, the program helps shape a resilient network of support that enables local entrepreneurs to develop skills, refine ideas, and pursue sustainable growth. To participate in the office hours program, please email edge@sheridancollege.ca
The Faculty Advisor Office Hours program was launched by Sheridan EDGE in 2023 to connect faculty expertise directly with the entrepreneurial community. Introduced as a pilot, its early success led to it becoming an ongoing part of Sheridan EDGE’s offerings. The program has facilitated 115 bookings, engaged 68 unique participants, and delivered over 70 hours of personalized advising. Advisors offer expertise in marketing, finance and funding, ideation, accounting, HR, and more, sharing practical insights with early-stage entrepreneurs.
