The University of Guelph Lang building with outdoor patio seating areas where students are sitting at red tables. The scene shows accessible pathways with ramps and handrails, landscaped greenery, and a parking lot in the background under a clear sky.

Gift from Entrepreneur Dean Chudleigh Launches New Entrepreneur in Residence Program at U of G

The University of Guelph’s John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise is pleased to announce a generous $75,000 gift from U of G alumnus and entrepreneur Dean Chudleigh. This three-year commitment will establish the Centre’s inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program, launching in Fall 2025 at the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics.

Dean Chudleigh graduated from the University of Guelph in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Dean and his brother Scott are the owners of Chudleigh’s Ltd., a well-known Canadian family business specializing in baked goods amongst many other endeavours. Over the years, the two brothers have built a reputation for entrepreneurial leadership, growing the business from a local apple farm into an internationally recognized private label brand, shipping products globally. His work exemplifies innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to quality—principles he now hopes to pass on to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“If I can contribute to the University and success of the students, I am only too happy to help. I look forward to having some fun with everyone at the Lang School of Business and Economics."

- Dean Chudleigh

The EIR program will bring entrepreneurs to campus each year to mentor students, deliver masterclasses, and engage with alumni. The EIR program will support Canada’s future entrepreneurs through personalized mentorship, giving students practical tools to launch and scale their ventures. The Hub Incubator, housed within the John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise, plays a vital role in supporting student entrepreneurs at the University of Guelph. The program offers hands-on support to student founders through entrepreneurship programs—including IdeaLab, IgniteLab, and LaunchLab. The Hub Incubator offers extensive training, strategic guidance, resources, mentorship from industry experts, and essential funding to lay the groundwork for innovative start-up concepts.

Sara Mann, dean of the Lang School, welcomes this gift as the start of a valuable resource for students.

“Experiential, immersive learning is at the heart of what we do at the Lang School and having an Executive in Residence will give our students a significant advantage in gaining the kind of hands-on learning opportunities they need to succeed. The opportunity to learn directly from a seasoned entrepreneur who can share their experiences – good and bad – with our students, who are just starting out in their entrepreneurship ventures, will be tremendously useful."

Jessie Kennedy, manager of the John F. Wood Centre, shares her excitement about the gift:

“We’re thrilled and deeply grateful for Dean Chudleigh’s support. His investment enables us to create a dynamic program that will offer our students access to entrepreneurial mentorship and experience. This is a game-changer for how we support student-entrepreneurs.”

At its core, the Entrepreneur in Residence program is about fostering innovation, mentorship, and a strong culture of community. With Dean Chudleigh’s generous support, the Wood Centre is thrilled to expand its impact and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

For more information about the John F. Wood Centre for Business and Student Enterprise, visit our website.