Fueling the dreams of tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

The Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship is dedicated to supporting the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs who are daring to build a better future.

Learn More

Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship

Mission Statement

Each year, the Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship Program provides $5,000 awards to students enrolled in recognized Canadian universities or colleges who demonstrate genuine entrepreneurial spirit. This includes:

Operating a business or venture in Canada
Launching a social enterprise or impactful project
Showing initiative, leadership, and creativity in solving real-world problems

Our Goal is Simple:

To remove some of the financial pressure so young entrepreneurs can focus on what truly matters — learning, building, and growing their business.

How to Apply

Becoming a Thomas Foundation Scholar is simple. Follow three easy steps:

Are you Eligible?

This program supports students at Canadian colleges/universities who show initiative, innovation, and run an operational business.

Application Timelines

Applications are accepted annually from October 1st to March 31st. Ensure your submission is completed within this timeline.

Submit Your Application Online

Complete the secure online form, share your story, and upload your supporting materials.

Start Application

In Memory of Todd Thomas

“A life of heart, vision, and generosity continues to inspire.”

The Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Todd Thomas — an entrepreneur, mentor, and visionary who believed that success is most meaningful when it uplifts others.
Through this program, Todd’s legacy lives on in every student who dares to dream, build, and give back.
A soft visual of rising hearts in the background symbolizes his lasting influence and the growth he inspired.

Appreciation to Future Donors & Board of Directors

We extend heartfelt thanks to the donors, sponsors, and community partners who make this scholarship possible. Your generosity turns ambition into opportunity.

Our board members ensure every scholarship recipient reflects the values that guided Todd’s life — Kindness, integrity, creativity, and compassion.

Peter Thomas

Chairman and Member, Thomas Foundation

Peter is a renowned real estate developer and lender, recognized during his time as one of the leading figures in his field across North America. His accomplishments include bringing the franchising rights of Century21 Real Estate to Canada, founding Samoth Capital Corporation (now Sterling Centrecorp Inc.), and developing the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Peter is the chairman Emeritus of the Entrepreneurs Organization, a worldwide network of almost 20,000 member entrepreneurs and has established the One Minute Mentor social media platform.
Following the tragic loss of his son in 2000, Peter shifted his focus to social entrepreneurship. In 2002 he founded LifePilot, a program that teaches values-based living and leadership to students, business leaders and other individuals.
He is deeply committed to sharing his wealth of experience and promoting values-based living and leadership to inspire positive change in the lives of others.

Rita Thomas

Director and Member, Thomas Foundation and Executive Director Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund

Author and philanthropist, Rita Thomas exemplifies the principles of living life to the fullest by staying true to her core values. Central to Rita’s philosophy is a commitment to holistic wellness—nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. This guiding ethos influences every aspect of her work, from her key advisory role in the development of LifePilot to her active participation on several charitable boards.

Deanna Delyea

Director and Officer, Thomas Foundation

Deanna holds leadership roles in several prominent Canadian organizations, including serving as a Director and Officer of Thomas Pride Canada and as a trustee for a number of Canadian trusts. Additionally, she serves on the boards of several charities, including the Thomas Foundation and the Thomas GSEA Foundation.
Now semi-retired, Deanna is embracing her most important role yet: being a devoted grandmother.

Erin Holm

Director, Thomas Foundation

Erin Holm is a culinary professional with decades of experience in both fine dining and nutritional cuisine. She trained at the Dubrulle Culinary School in Vancouver and has worked with celebrated chefs and high-profile clients, including Alicia Silverstone, Tom Arnold, and Shakira. Erin co-founded Extra Mile Hospitality with her husband, Wayne Holm, and has partnered with Rita Thomas to publish two nutritional lifestyle cookbooks, LifeDiet and Nutritious Meets Delicious. Today, she focuses on family, mentoring young culinary operators, and continues to operate successful restaurants in Vancouver, including The Belgard Kitchen and Havana Restaurant, with a new restaurant, Violete, opening in 2026.

Patrick Haberl

Member, Thomas Foundation

Patrick Haberl is Owen Bird Law Corporation’s Personal Property Security Act expert. In his practice, Pat Haberl focuses on advising clients about structuring and completing many kinds of business transactions, contracts and mergers and acquisitions. He is often involved as counsel on corporate reorganizations and the establishment of holding structures and trusts. He also plays an active role in closing financing transactions. Pat’s clients are entrepreneurs who demand prompt, quality work. Pat is available 24/7 to meet those demands.

Entrepreneurial Excellence Scholarship — Questions & Answers

Any student enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary program (college, university, trade school, or technical institute) who owns and operates an active Canadian business is eligible to apply.

An active business is one that is currently operating and generating activity—whether that’s sales, clients, or active service delivery in Canada. It can be a registered business, a sole proprietorship, or an online business (e-commerce, social media–based, freelancing, etc.).

Applicants must provide:

Proof of enrollment in a Canadian post-secondary institution
Proof of an active business (website, social media, business license, sales evidence, etc.)
Responses to all application questions
Optional: A 60–90 second introduction video

We are looking for students who demonstrate:

Entrepreneurial initiative
Creativity and problem solving
Resilience and commitment
A clear vision for their business
Passion for learning and personal growth

The funds may be used toward tuition, books, program fees, or to support business growth (e.g., equipment, marketing, software, mentorship, etc.). Recipients will be selected based on their business story, clarity of vision, impact, and overall application strength.

No. Profit is not required. What matters is that the business is active, operational, and has a clear purpose or vision.

Applications are reviewed by our Board of Directors based on merit, leadership, vision, business plan and viability of business.

Yes — eligible students are encouraged to reapply, however successful applicants who have received the Thomas Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship previously no longer qualify.

Recipients will be contacted directly by email or phone. All applicants will receive a notification once final decisions are made