COnestoga Gig Lab

  • Canada’s only incubator for freelancers 
  • Proven 15-week roadmap
  • Free for Conestoga students and alumni
Apply Today

Trusted by leading organizations and startups.

“The Conestoga Gig Lab is such an incredible opportunity for startups like us at Magnify Access. Our experience collaborating with the team at Northern Devs has been overwhelmingly positive. From their response time to their technical skills right through to their creativity, they are consummate professionals. It has been a pleasure to work with this team, and we look forward to reconnecting with them should we redesign our website in the future.” 
Magnify Access 
Magnify Access  Co founder
“Hardik Khatri at Thoughtful Marketing Solutions did an excellent job helping Medreddie to establish a strong brand identity and reach a wider audience through social media. 
Throughout the entire project, Hardik was a pleasure to work with. He was collaborative, creative and always willing to go the extra mile to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget. I would highly recommend Thoughtful Marketing Solutions to anyone looking for a talented and dedicated freelancer.” 
MedReddie 
MedReddie CEO, Kara LeBlanc
“We had a fantastic experience with Courtney Zoeller and her company Z Creative House. We engaged her services through the Conestoga Gig Lab funding through the AC:Studio Program to create packaging for our Bee Health Plan subscription package. “ 
Erica Shelley
Erica ShelleyCEO, Best for Bees  

We help talented people monetize professional skills

Freelancing is a business. Using proven methodologies for large-scale ventures, the Gig Lab uses a start-up roadmap specifically tailored to address the business model nuances and needs of a freelance business entrepreneur.

The program is designed to equip new and early-stage freelancers with the skills, mindsets, and tools to successfully monetize professional skills. Whether you
have already started your freelance journey or are just starting out, this program will change the way you think about your business.

We help you with:

  • Proven methodologies
  • Skills, mindsets and tools
  • Freelance startup roadmap

What you need to know

Conestoga students, recent graduates and alumni are eligible to apply.

Who is eligible

Current Conestoga students, recent graduates and alumni from any year.

Which services are accepted

The Gig Lab is open to eligible applicants who plan to offer a service as a sole proprietor or have just begun to do so.

Services can range from UI design to computer programming, graphic design, videography, bookkeeping, digital marketing, and more..


Gig work for companies like Uber, Skip the Dishes and DoorDash does not qualify for this program.

How do I apply

The Gig Lab accepts applications.....

Apply Today

How it works

1:1 Coaching

Every freelance entrepreneur gets a dedicated Gig Coach, an experienced freelancer who provides structure, support, and guidance every week.

15-week roadmap

The proven Gig Lab roadmap takes you from start to finish in 15 weeks and is customized for each freelancer to get the best possible results.

Real-world results

Not only will you work on building your business, you will also start your Freelancing journey. With your Gig Coach at your side, you will step into the wild to secure real business on the Gig Marketplace.

Discover the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective

We equip members of the Conestoga community with the tools to pursue their entrepreneurship potential. Start a new business. Launch a freelance business. Join a high-growth company as a B2B sales professional.

  Multiple pathways have been created so that students can choose an experience that matches their skills, aspirations and definitions of success. We’ll help you join the entrepreneurship ecosystem on your own terms. The future of entrepreneurship is democratic, inclusive, diverse and profoundly human.

  • Start a new business
  • Launch a freelance business
  • Become a B2B sales professional

Discover all our labs

Conestoga’s universal business incubator helping founders with early-stage startups in any industry, validate and develop their business idea.

Canada’s only incubator for sales careers, helping achievers turn sales aptitude into their first sales job.

Canada’s only business incubator for freelancers, helping talented people monetize professional skills.

FAQ

The Gig Lab

Frequently Asked Questions.

These are the Gig Lab questions that come up most often. Take the time to read these helpful responses to get you started.

How long is the Gig Lab program? 

The Gig Lab is a 15-week program that runs from the beginning to the end of each academic term. 

Full-time and part-time Conestoga students in any year, in any program.
Recent graduates of Conestoga and Conestoga Alumni. 

The Gig Lab is open to eligible applicants who plan to offer a service as a sole proprietor or have just begun to do so.

Services can range from UI design to computer programming, graphic design, videography, bookkeeping, digital marketing, and more. 

Each freelance entrepreneur will be assigned a dedicated Gig Coach and participate in weekly 1:1 coaching sessions, as well as group coaching sessions with their cohort. Over the course of 15-weeks, you’ll engage in activities, discussions, and access resources designed to help you confidently secure real business opportunities. Additionally, freelancers will have the option to create a Gig Marketplace profile, allowing you to launch your freelance business on our platform. 

No, this is a free program offered through the Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collection at Conestoga College.