Competition and Conference Funding
Funding Opportunities
Participating in a competition, conference, or experiential learning opportunity is a fun and challenging way to apply your skills, network and build your resume. It will also give you great examples to draw from during job interviews.
Within the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, the Business Career Development Centre and Lang Students' Association are proud to support professional development activities and experiential learning opportunities that allow students to engage in practical applications of theories learned through their business education (i.e. attending industry related competitions and conferences).
There is a formal application process in place for students seeking financial support for these learning opportunities. Applications are reviewed by a committee on a monthly basis and funds are allocated accordingly.
Please email langcareers@uoguelph.ca with any questions, ideally prior to submitting your application or claim.
Attending a Competition or Conference
Attending a competition or conference can offer students an opportunity to apply learned skills, network with future employers and colleagues and gain a number of additional skills outside of the classroom, including;
- A new perspective
- Deeper knowledge on a topic
- Networking abilities
- A glimpse into the working world
- Practical knowledge
Contact Us:
Macdonald Stewart Hall, Room 101
519-824-4120 Ext. 56346
langcareers@uoguelph.ca
To apply for funding to attend a competition or conference, please follow this process:
Step 1: Request funding
Use the Funding Application Form to apply for the competition or conference of your choice.
Step 2: Await response
Funding grants are communicated after the committee has reviewed your application. The committee reviews applications during the first week of each month (i.e all February applications would be reviewed the first week of March). The review committee holds the right to allocate funding as they deem fit. Not all that apply are guaranteed to receive all or any of their request. The amount will be given through reimbursement following the event. Reimbursement is dependent on the submission of all the necessary documentation through the submission of a claim.
Step 3: Attend event
Student(s) must collect receipts and carefully document all costs. Enjoy the event and make the most of this incredible learning opportunity. After the event, you are required to write a 250-word reflection piece to submit as part of your claim.
Step 4: Submit claim
One application is made on behalf of all students attending together, however claims are individual. Claims should be submitted through the Funding Claim Form within 14 days of returning from the conference/competition. If you attended as a team, each member must submit their own individual claim with their own receipts and reflection piece. The claim form will be cross-referenced with the original application. A cheque will be issued within 2-3 weeks.
Apply For Funding
Funding Guidelines and FAQ's
- The Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics provides students an opportunity to gain experiential learning by hosting or participating in competitions and conferences. Funding is provided both from the Lang School and the Lang Students' Association with representatives from both organizations on the funding committee that reviews and approves applications.
- The Conference and Competition Funding Committee meets the first week of each month to review applications submitted in the previous month. For example, applications received throughout February, up to March 1st, will be reviewed the first week of March. Applications received on or after March 1st will be reviewed in April. Applications may be submitted after attending an event, so long as the event occurred within the same academic semester as when the application is being submitted.
- Students attending any given competition or conference must apply as a team on one singular application. Applicants may only request funding for one competition or conference per application. Please note that only one application per competition or conference will be accepted; however, the number of attendees to be listed on the application is unlimited. This is in place to ensure equality.
- This is a comprehensive application. Please ensure you have the following information before starting your application. You will not be able to save the form and return to it later.
- Competition information (dates, location, associated costs, host organization, theme)
- Travel information (accommodation location and costs, mode(s) of transportation; these may be estimates)
- People attending (total number, names and majors of those from U of G)
- Also, a Projected Budget outlining in as much detail as possible, the expenses incurred and projected costs in total for the competition or conference is requested in PDF or Word file.
- By proceeding to the application form you confirm that you have read and understand the above guidelines. If you have any questions about applying for funding, please email the BCDC at langcareers@uoguelph.ca
Who is eligible to apply for funding?
At this time, only students from one of the 8 BComm majors in the Gordon S. Lang School of Business & Economics may apply:
Accounting
Food & Agricultural Business
Hospitality & Tourism Management
Management
Management Economics and Finance
Marketing Management
Government, Economics and Management
Real Estate and Sport & Event Management
Is funding available for students in any academic year?
Yes, as long as you are a current Lang BComm student. Funding cannot be provided for events that will happen after you have graduated, even if you apply while still a current student.
When is the deadline to submit applications?
Applications are due by the first day of the month. The Committee meets the first week of each month to review applications submitted in the previous month. For example, applications received throughout October, up to November 1st, will be reviewed the first week of November. Applications received after November 2nd will be reviewed in December.
Keep these deadlines in mind and consider that you may not receive an update with the amount of funding you have been granted before the registration deadline of the conference or competition. If possible, plan accordingly and do your best to submit your application early enough so that you can register after receiving your confirmed funding amount.
What items are eligible for funding?
- In most cases, funding will only be provided to cover registration/delegate fees (this can include accommodation costs and meals that are included with the fee).
- All other expenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with travel and accommodation costs being of secondary priority. Please see the list below of what items will not be covered by funding.
What items are generally ineligible for funding?
- All meals (unless included in registration fee)
Transportation by ride share (Uber, Lyft etc.) taxi or subway
Rental car or parking passes
Printing costs for competition or conference materials (e.g. business plans)
Will I receive funding prior to the competition/conference?
No. We do this for two reasons:
Receipts are required to prove that granted funds are spent on approved expenses.
Paying personally up front ensures commitment to the event.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please email langcareers@uoguelph.ca with any questions, ideally prior to the submission of your application or claim.