Our Program
ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Service (TIVMS) develops, inspires and empowers entrepreneurs through group mentorship experiences.
Why does ThresholdImpact VMS exist?
We exist to grow entrepreneurial minds.
It’s a mind that welcomes feedback and is open to growth. A mind that is not afraid to ask questions and find better ways to solve problems.
Our program focuses on team based mentorship and is modelled after the highly successful MIT VMS Program.
Our Mentors are skilled coaches who ask relevant questions and offer honest support which encourages entrepreneurs to figure out their challenges quickly and own their solutions.
What is ThresholdImpact VMS?
TIVMS was developed by the University of Alberta to serve alumni or Edmonton based entrepreneurs looking to push their personal growth. We place entrepreneurs with a team of volunteer Mentors who provide ongoing guidance through structured meetings.
Mentors and ventures come from a variety of sectors such as software, advertising, retail, food, transportation, health and wellness, clothing and apparel, agriculture and more.
How did ThresholdImpact VMS come to be?
In 2013, TIVMS was formed with an understanding that when entrepreneurs are supported with group mentorship this improves both the quality of entrepreneurial thinking and in turn develops better quality Mentors.
Today, the immense impact of TIVMS is a result of the generosity and support of Dr. Ray Muzyka, ’90 BMedSc, ’92 MD, and Leona De Boer, ’91 BSc(AgBus), who have donated $1 million to the university to support mentorship, training and the program. Muzyka was the founding Mentor of TIVMS and remains the chair emeritus of its advisory board, as well as serving on multiple mentor teams.
De Boer and Muzyka firmly believe in the power of mentorship and believe they would have benefited from a program like TIVMS during their careers.
“Entrepreneurship is lonely and challenging, and it can be difficult to see the best path forward,” says Muzyka. “Group mentorship provides new viewpoints through coaching, by asking the right questions.”
De Boer finds reward in helping to build a stronger business community through TIVMS. “When focused on the day-to-day, it’s easy to get into a certain groove. Programs like this allow entrepreneurs to think creatively and find other solutions.”
To honour the donation from De Boer and Muzyka, the U of A program is called the ThresholdImpact University of Alberta Venture Mentoring Service.
Our Program by the numbers:
Current Mentors
Current Entrepreneurs
Total Ventures
Program Partners
The TIVMS community is supported by program partners who are leaders at what they do and understand the value of investing in people. They share their time and expertise so that, together, we can build and grow businesses and an economy, rooted in strong entrepreneurial curiosity.
CORE VALUES
These are enduring and exemplified by all participants:
Relationships based on trust, respect & confidentiality
Mentoring is coaching, teaching & advising
Embracing diversity of experience & opinion
Humility & the pursuit of lifelong learning
Mutual giving leading to value for all