TORONTO, March 4, 2026 — Toronto Metropolitan University’s DMZ has received $500,000 from the Embark Student Foundation to launch the Embark Business Academy (“Em-BA”), a new paid career accelerator designed to help students and recent graduates transition from post-secondary into meaningful employment.
With youth unemployment continuing to outpace the national average and entry-level roles rapidly evolving in an AI-driven economy, Em-BA responds to growing concerns about how effectively Canada prepares students for the modern workforce.
Funded by the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program, Em-BA is a free 14-week, part-time virtual program running from May to August 2026 for post-secondary students and recent graduates under the age of 29. The program combines structured business training, AI fluency and applied project experience while providing financial support to participants as they build job-ready skills, including an honorarium awarded to participants who complete the full program.
"There's a gap between graduation and employability, and right now young Canadians are falling into it,” said Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. Thanks to Embark's support, we've built something designed to close it: hands-on experience, AI fluency and the kind of business exposure that employers actually care about."
During the first half of the program, participants take part in live virtual workshops led by DMZ Experts-in-Residence, gaining core business knowledge, insight into organizational decision-making, exposure to high-demand career paths such as sales, marketing and operations, and practical AI tools for productivity, research and analysis. Students also build communication and pitching skills that help them clearly articulate ideas and solutions in professional settings. Those who successfully complete the first half will earn a certificate of completion.
Select participants will then have the chance to apply their learnings to business cases, working in teams to solve real challenges faced by growing companies. Each participant will receive a $3,000 honourarium upon successful completion of the program and top-performing teams will compete for a shared $20,000 prize pool.
Em-BA addresses a labour market where youth unemployment remains disproportionately high, and employers increasingly expect new graduates to arrive with applied experience and AI literacy. By combining rigorous training with structured, hands-on work, the program seeks to close the experience gap that often stands between graduation and employment — with a focus on underrepresented students and those outside of STEM, who have historically had fewer pathways into the workforce.
“This year’s Major Grant recipients highlighted the urgent challenge of youth unemployment and the need for equitable access to work-integrated learning and upskilling opportunities,” said Andrew Lo, President and CEO of Embark. “Programs like the Embark Business Academy help students graduate prepared, confident and ready to contribute meaningfully to their fields.”
Applications for Em-BA are now open to university students and recent graduates across Canada under the age of 29. The program begins in May 2026, with applications closing on April 26, 2026. More information can be found at dmz.to/Em-BA.
About DMZ
DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. By offering tailored support, world-class resources and expansive networks, DMZ nurtures bold ideas, drives business growth and creates global economic impact.
To date, DMZ has supported 2630+ startups in raising $3.08 billion in capital and has created over 25,400 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 15+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation.
About The Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program
The Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program provides funding for innovative programs, initiatives or services that support student success before, during and beyond their post-secondary years. Through this grant program, Embark wishes to partner with post-secondary educational institutions in their efforts to advance access, agency and innovation that will empower students to take hold of their future. Grants of $250,000 to $500,000 are available annually. Efforts are made to represent all types of post-secondary educational institutions and regions in Canada.
Embark Student Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation and owner of Embark Student Corp., Canada’s resource for education savings and planning. Embark Student Foundation and Embark Student Corp. are collectively referred to as Embark.
"Embark,” the Embark logo, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are registered trademarks of Embark Student Corp. in Canada.
