Conestoga Gig Lab

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.”

“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.”

“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. “

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.

What you need to know

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 to apply

The Gig Lab has intakes 3 times a year in January, May and September. Application are open for 2 months before each intake. Work samples are required as part of the application.

How it works

1:1 coaching

Every freelance entrepreneur is paired with a dedicated Gig Coach—an experienced freelancer who brings structure, accountability, and weekly guidance to help you stay on track and grow with confidence.

15-week roadmap

Follow our proven 15-week Gig Lab roadmap—an end-to-end journey that gives you structure, clarity, and momentum. Each week builds on the last, guiding you from start to finish with a clear path designed to help you achieve strong results.

Launch and grow

You won’t just learn about freelancing—you’ll actively build your business. With your Gig Coach by your side, you’ll step into real client work through the Gig Marketplace and start earning as you grow.

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.

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

Who is eligible to join the Gig Lab program?

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

What type of freelance business can I start through the Gig Lab program?

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.

What support will I receive during the Gig Lab program?

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.

What will I learn in the Gig Lab program?

The Gig Lab empowers students and alumni to monetize their industry-level skills by launching a freelance business over the course of 15-weeks. It is the only business incubator in Canada specifically designed to address the nuances and specific needs of freelance entrepreneurs while developing the skills, mindset, and tools to succeed in the professional gig economy.

Do I need prior business experience to join the Gig Lab program?

No, you do not need prior business experience to join the Gig Lab program. However, you will be expected to have industry level skills in your area of expertise to effectively offer your freelance services.