The Collective
The Collective is a program that supports Mohawk College students and recent graduates in building and promoting their side hustle. What’s a side hustle? It’s a means of making money alongside one’s main form of employment. Students and alumni receive basic training on topics such as billing, marketing, professionalism, email etiquette and networking.
Entrepreneurs showcase their talents, gain experience and sell their services to the greater Hamilton community. Services are available from a variety of industries including:
- Media and Communications
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Administration Support
- Nutrition and Fitness
- Software and Website Design
Launching and open to our community in Fall 2022! If you’re a student or alumni looking to get involved, apply today.

About The Program
The Collective is a fee-for-service platform where current students and alumni offer a variety of services to our community. Each student or alumnus is provided with basic entrepreneurial training in order to prepare them to operate their side hustles through the platform. Students and alumni work one-on-one with each client; setting their own pricing and policies.
As an employer, The Collective is open to all individuals within the greater Hamilton area. Clients can access the portal, scroll through the directory of profiles, and hire students based on their needs. To hire a student, connect directly to them through the contact information provided on each profile. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us below.
Student Process
Boot Camp
Students and alumni who are accepted must participate in The Collective Boot Camp. This 4 workshop program will equip students with the skills needed to operate an entrepreneurial venture. The Boot Camp includes the following workshops:
- Operations Fundamentals
- Legal issues, Policies, and Paperwork
- Marketing 101
- Communication Basics
Client Experience
Hiring a Student
Pop onto The Collective platform and use the search bar to find businesses that offer the services you need. Search terms like:
- Graphic Design
- Landscaping
- Web Design
- Office Administration
- Photography
Each profile has contact information for each student or alumni-owned business. Use the information provided to contact them directly.
Working with Entrepreneurs
Clients work one-on-one with our entrepreneurs. Business owners are equipped with the necessary tools and documents to operate a professional business. Keep in mind students operate independently from the college and will have their own price points, payment methods, and policies available for their clients.
Once the work is complete, feel free to submit a review via email on the experience you had with a Collective entrepreneur. Some testimonials may be featured on our website!