Turning Student Entrepreneurial Ideas into Action 

JUNE 27, 2025

New Create Centre for Entrepreneurship, made possible through generosity of Gavin Marshall '76 (Lady Eaton College), is set to redefine student entrepreneurship by supporting leadership, creativity and problem solving

Trent University has officially opened the doors to the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship, a student-centred entrepreneurship and innovation space designed to equip students from all disciplines with the skills, connections and confidence to lead change in their communities and careers.

“The Create Centre for Entrepreneurship reflects the spirit of Trent – collaborative, student-centred and deeply engaged with the world around us,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Our goal is to challenge the conventional ideas around what entrepreneurship means, allowing every student to think differently and take risks, and make a meaningful impact.”

Create offers a fresh take on entrepreneurship, breaking down traditional barriers that often limit access to students with pre-existing business ideas. Instead, the Centre provides an inclusive entry point for any student to explore problem-solving, leadership and collaboration.

The new Centre shares space with the Leadership and Democracy Lab, led by Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership. This strategic decision brings together leadership development and entrepreneurial training for convenient access. 

The Create Centre for Entrepreneurship will serve as a connector between students and faculty, existing programming and services at Trent, as well as the business sectors in both Peterborough and Durham. In addition to skill-building and mentorship, students will gain access to networking opportunities, hands-on experiences and curated programming.

“Create embodies the powerful engine of human progress at this seminal moment in the human journey,” said Gavin Marshall ’76, leader of Trent’s Momentous Campaign, whose generosity helped fund the launch of the Centre. “In a time when digital interaction often replaces human connection, this model emphasizes collaboration, shared problem-solving and real human leadership.

Whether our students go on to launch a company, work in the non-profit sector or lead public policy reform, or however they do the essential work of tomorrow building, Create will help them understand that big change never happens in isolation.”

The Centre’s physical space is now open on the fourth floor of the Bata Library. Bata’s fourth floor is known as the Moore Innovation Hub - made possible through the generosity of Dr. David Moore '93 (hon) and Joan Moore. The Centre also plans to expand programming to Trent Durham GTA.