Through EDGE’s entrepreneurial co-op program, Co-op on the EDGE (COTE), students work directly with founders and startup teams on real, project‑based work while gaining hands‑on experience in areas such as marketing, digital development, and venture operations. The experience helps students build industry connections and develop the practical skills that support internships, placements, and future career opportunities while participating in EDGE’s Thrive program where students develop and launch their own businesses.
For Yusuf Sheikhali, a Mobile Computing student in the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, the program offered much more than a co-op placement, it offered an interdisciplinary learning environment with opportunities to collaborate, share perspectives, and grow together. Being part of a diverse team was a highlight for Yusuf, who valued learning alongside peers with very different academic backgrounds.
Yusuf partnered with entrepreneur and Sheridan alumnia, Ashleigh Montague, founder of BLKOwned, who launched her business through EDGE’s Social Impact Catalyst program. Together, they worked to support the development of a new digital
platform designed to empower Black business owners. The platform will provide accessible tools, curated resources, training programs, and ongoing support, with revenue reinvested into BLKOwned’s mentorship and community initiatives.
Ashleigh says Yusuf’s contributions made a significant impact at BLKOwned. “Our website has never looked better. He also researched automation for our community platform and improved our analytics.”
COTE helped me shift my mindset from just building a technical project to thinking like an entrepreneur with a clear vision and plan. It reinforced my interest in pursuing a path that combines technology and entrepreneurship.
For Yusuf, working directly with an entrepreneur was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
“Working in a real-world environment required me to manage multiple tasks and keep everything aligned with the entrepreneur’s vision,” he says. “It helped me understand how to break down larger goals and stay organized.”
He also credits the EDGE community with expanding his confidence and professional network.
“Attending events and engaging with the community helped me understand the importance of networking and collaboration,” he explains. “It made the experience far more meaningful than a typical classroom setting.”
The placement also sparked Yusuf’s own entrepreneurial ambitions.
“COTE helped me shift my mindset from just building a technical project to thinking like an entrepreneur with a clear vision and plan,” he says. “It reinforced my interest in pursuing a path that combines technology and entrepreneurship.”
Interested in learning more about how to get involved as an entrepreneur or student in the Co-op on the EDGE program? Write to edge.students@sheridancollege.ca. Explore more about Co-op on the EDGE or read another student success story.