John F. Wood Centre
The John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise is the university-wide innovation and entrepreneurship centre within the Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph, dedicated to engaging and educating students from all faculties.
In our collaborative space, we offer a dynamic environment where students can develop their entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experiences and programs that emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. By nurturing these skills, we help shape the next generation of business leaders poised to make a positive impact in the world. At the John F. Wood Centre, we champion entrepreneurial spirit, business as a force for good, and sustainable prosperity. Simply put – we bring ideas to life!
- 175+ Companies
- Launched through our Hub Incubator
- 250+ Student Entrepreneurs
- Supported with funding, office space and mentorship
- Innovative MakerSpace
- Technology, equipment and resources to support student innovation
- Supporting U of G student's ideas
- Through our innovative and cutting edge progamming
The Wood Centre equipped me with all the basics of entrepreneurship and mentored me through all of the milestones I aspired to reach throughout the program. They connected me with the right people and encouraged me to figure things out on my own too. They also were the first people to teach me how to pitch, which is something I do regularly today as I enter more retail stores. By laying so many key foundations for me, I felt a strong sense of belief in myself and my brand.
“If you have a dream and are looking to turn it into reality, the MakerSpace will bring it to life.” “The space not only has the technology, the equipment but the people that you need to look for to launch your ideas.”
John F. Wood
In 2018, the University of Guelph’s Centre for Business and Student Enterprise received a groundbreaking, $7-million gift from John F. Wood, allowing the University to play a leading role in developing a new generation of business leaders focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.
John F. Wood was president and chief executive officer of W.C. Wood Co. Ltd., which was among North America’s largest appliance manufacturers.
The growth of the Wood Centre has been dominated by the creation and advancement of innovative programming. With dedicated positions and tremendous buy-in from students, faculty, and the community, we are demonstrating a critical path to a better, more balanced life.
The guiding principles behind the Wood Centre continue to blend harmoniously with the University of Guelph mission. We are honoured by the good name of John F. Wood.
A successful entrepreneur is one who persists, perseveres, and pays meticulous attention to detail
~ John F. Wood
The John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise is developing innovators and entrepreneurs at the University of Guelph. We look for innovative and sustainable solutions to economic, social and environmental problems. It is through this mission that we empower a new generation of business leaders committed to community engagement and a sustainable future. We instill in our students a sense of social responsibility and leadership, character-building values that help develop citizenship. We help to bring ideas to life!