Sydney Thompson (left), program co-ordinator with the Office of Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship, stands with Kalkidan Wubshet, the first student to take part in the University of Windsor’s Entrepreneurship Co-op program. (MAHNOZ AKTARI/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Instead of stepping into a traditional co-op role, University of Windsor student Kalkidan Wubshet spent the work term building a startup — an experience that began with a simple realization.
“When it comes to communicating on campus, most students rely on word of mouth, Instagram, Discord, bulletin boards, etc.,” said Wubshet. “Everything is scattered.”
That problem became the foundation for Ralee, a mobile application designed to bring campus information into a single platform. It also marked Wubshet as the first student to take part in the university’s Entrepreneurship Co-op program, which allows participants to build their own ventures during their work term.
“Kalkidan Wubshet is our first Entrepreneurship Co-op student,” said Paul Brereton, a business development and research commercialization officer with the Office of Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship. “Her work term with our office supported her in starting a business.”
For Wubshet, the opportunity stood out immediately.
“When I saw the posting, it was unlike anything we usually get,” said Wubshet. “You’re given the time, resources and mentorship to work on your own venture.”
The Entrepreneurship Co-op program allows students to use their business ideas as their work-integrated learning experience.
Rather than joining an existing organization, participants spend the term developing a startup with support from mentors, workshops and structured guidance.
The program is designed for students who are already building a business or social enterprise and are ready to take it further. During the work term, participants refine their business model, validate ideas with users and strengthen their operations.
For Wubshet, that meant turning an idea into something tangible.
“When I entered the co-op, I just had the idea,” said Wubshet. “But I left with a demo and a laid-out strategy for the next three years.”
The app focuses on student clubs as a starting point, aiming to create a strong foundation before expanding across the wider campus.
“I interviewed around 20 to 25 students, and many said they were missing out on things,” said Wubshet. “So, I wanted to build something that brings everything into one place.”
Through the process, Wubshet said the experience pushed her beyond technical skills.
“As an entrepreneur, you’re building the system,” said Wubshet. “You have to push yourself, have conversations and really understand people.”
Sydney Thompson, program co-ordinator with the Office of Innovation, Partnership and Entrepreneurship, said the co-op gives students the opportunity to treat their own ventures as work-integrated learning experience.
“Rather than stepping into a traditional role, they are given the time and support to advance their own idea,” said Thompson. “Kalkidan’s work on Ralee has shown how powerful that model can be.”
During the work term, Wubshet developed a working demo, delivered a formal pitch and began outlining long-term plans for the platform.
The next phase will focus on testing and refining the app, including gathering feedback from student groups ahead of a broader campus launch.
As the first student to take part in the Entrepreneurship Co-op program, Wubshet is setting an early example of how a co-op term can serve as the foundation for a startup — and encouraging others to take a similar leap.
“Don’t consider it — just apply for it,” said Wubshet. “You learn so much about yourself.”