Italia 360
Italia360 is an 8-week incubation program that helps first-generation and Italian heritage student entrepreneurs create innovative and disruptive businesses.
At Italia360, students tap into their potential and learn how to develop and market business ideas with the help of other young innovators, industry mentors and successful entrepreneurs. This is an opportunity for students to start real companies and gain experiential learning opportunities to apply what they’ve learnt and solve the world’s biggest problems.
This program has been developed in partnership with the Canadian Italian Business & Professional Association Of Toronto (CIBPA), The DMZ and YSpace, York University.
What you will learn
Sales and negotiation
strategies
Learn how to sell with confidence and close deals effectively. This session covers practical sales techniques, proven negotiation tactics, and how to communicate value to customers and partners.
Legal advice
Understand the legal basics every entrepreneur should know—from business structures to contracts and protecting your intellectual property.
Marketing strategies
Discover how to effectively reach your target audience, build your brand, and create campaigns that drive results.
Product and brand
management
Learn how to develop, position, and manage your product while building a strong, consistent brand that resonates with your audience.
Value proposition
design
Learn how to clearly define the unique value your product or service offers and why customers should choose you over the competition.
Showcase
Opportunity to showcase your business to the community of experts and mentors.
Program Benefits
- 1:1 mentoring with YSpace staff, alumni companies, and Italia 360 mentors
- Customized coaching with YSpace experts on marketing, product development, lean canvas business models, consultations, and financing
- Bi-weekly mentor meetings with YSpace staff and Italia 360's advisory council members
- Opportunities to engage with other leading startups and experts from across Canada
- Exclusive workshops conducted by Italia 360 mentors
- A dedicated workspace at the YSpace during the summer
Application Timeline
Applications Open
April 21, 2025
Applications Close
May 19, 2025
Selection
June 2, 2025
Program Starts
July 2, 2025
Program Ends
August 25, 2025
Program Curriculum
Program Validation & Prototyping
Week 1: Entrepreneurship 101 & Goal Setting
Week 2: Design Thinking & Customer Discovery
Week 3: Industry Specific Workshop (TBA)
Go To Market
Week 4: Pitching & Story Telling
Week 5: Product Launch & Sales
Week 6: Marketing & Messaging
Gearing up for the Pitch!
Week 7: Finances & Legal + Pitch Practice
Week 8: Italia360 Finals!
Program eligibility
- Be an immigrant or the next generation (i.e., children of immigrants to Canada) or a Canadian of Italian heritage / descent;
- Be between 18-35 years old; and
- Have a business / project idea, an existing business / project or the desire to expand and grow the existing business / project.
Apply Now
Applications for Italia 360 program are now open. Apply now!
OUR PARTNERS
About the DMZ
The DMZ is a recognized incubator supporting tech startups globally. Their programs focus on helping ventures access customers, capital, mentorship, and a supportive entrepreneurial community to scale their businesses.
About Italia 360
Italia360 is an 8-week incubation program that helps first-generation and Italian heritage student entrepreneurs create innovative and disruptive businesses. At Italia360, students tap into their potential and learn how to develop and market business ideas with the help of other young innovators, industry mentors and successful entrepreneurs. This is an opportunity for students to start real companies and gain experiential learning opportunities to apply what they’ve learnt and solve the world’s biggest problems. This program has been developed in partnership with the Canadian Italian Business & Professional Association Of Toronto (CIBPA), The DMZ and YSpace, York University.
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
