Leaders of Tomorrow

Founded in 1999, the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) is GVBOT's flagship mentorship program that empowers the next generation of leaders to thrive in their careers and communities.

Designed for post-secondary students entering their final year of studies, LOT bridges the gap between education and the professional world by offering a dynamic and safe space to develop leadership, business skills, and meaningful connections while instilling a sense of community engagement.

Mentorship

Receive guidance and cultivate a one-on-one relationship with a professional in your area of career interest

Leadership

Gain access to exclusive events, workshops, and opportunities to learn directly from industry leaders while developing your personal leadership style

Networking

Connect with like-minded individuals from colleges and universities across Greater Vancouver and gain access to over 100 Greater Vancouver Board of Trade networking receptions and events

Volunteerism

Be an agent for change in your community while developing skills that will equip you for your career

Students

Joining the Leaders of Tomorrow

The Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program offers an inspiring, one-year journey designed to empower you for success in your career and beyond. Gain the skills, experiences and connections you need to build your purposeful and impactful future with confidence.

The LOT program, valued at over $2,000, provides you with exceptional opportunities to accelerate you professional growth:

1:1 Mentorship: Get paired with an experienced local business professional who will guide you in achieving your personal and professional goals while answering your unique questions.
Professional Tools: Enhance your professional brand with personalized business cards, a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade nametag, and a professional headshot for both in-person and online presence.
Tailored Programming: Access over 10 exclusive events and workshops crafted specifically for LOT students to build skills and connections.
Event Access: Enjoy a $250 credit tab to attend Greater Vancouver Board of Trade events, expanding your network and industry knowledge.
Board of Trade Membership: Receive a full, one-year membership with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, valued at $729, connecting you with Vancouver's thriving business community.

The program runs annually from September to August, with applications closing at the end of April for the upcoming cohort.

Tuition: $379 + GST

Bursaries are available for qualifying candidates and will be distributed based on financial need and/or scholastic excellence. Participants must pay the full tuition fee upfront and will be reimbursed upon approval. You can apply for a bursary during the application process. Participants who fail to meet the graduation requirements of the program will be required to pay back the bursary to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the LOT program, you must:

Education: Be entering the final year of a post-secondary or graduate program from an accredited institution in the Lower Mainland. 2
Residency: Reside in the Greater Vancouver region for the program's duration.
Commitment: Fulfill graduation requirements, including:
- Meeting with your mentor at least five times
- Attending a minimum of five events
- Actively participating in your assigned volunteer committee activities
- Respecting the LOT Code of Conduct
Leadership Ambitions: Demonstrate aspirations for or experience in leadership roles.

The application takes 10-15 minutes.

Application deadline for the 2025-26 LOT program is May 31, 2025.

Apply Now

For any immediate questions, please contact us at lot@boardoftrade.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS +

Who should apply to the Leaders of Tomorrow Mentorship Program?

Students who are entering their last year of post-secondary education, regardless of whether the program is two years, four years, or longer. Or those who have just graduated.

I will not be in Vancouver for the duration of LOT, can I still participate in the program?

As the program requires you to attend events, arrange meetings with your mentor, as well as participate in a volunteer committee, the program will be most beneficial if you reside in town.

How do you match the mentors with the mentees?

Accepted students are asked to fill in a student profile. We take into consideration several criteria: field of study, hobbies, interests, and location.

What is the time of commitment?

It depends. The time commitment for the LOT program is approximately five to eight hours per month. This includes meeting with your mentor, attending events, and participating in a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade volunteer committee.

What are the requirements to graduate from the LOT program?

You are required to attend both the LOT Orientation and Graduation evenings, as well as a minimum of three additional Board of Trade events. It is also required for you to meet with your mentor at least five times over the course of the year and track your progress in your log book. Lastly, you must attend volunteer committee meetings and respect the Code of Ethics and Conduct and Harassment Policy.

Why should I join LOT?

LOT offers a unique opportunity to be paired with an established professional in your area of interest, providing invaluable mentorship and insights throughout the program year. It also provides numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and other professionals in the Greater Vancouver region. Through a mix of networking events, workshops, and volunteering initiatives, LOT participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape while building lasting relationships, and fostering a sense of social responsibility and leadership.

Accepted students also gain access to over 15 free Greater Vancouver Board of Trade events, as well as over $250 in complimentary tickets to more events. Additionally, they receive personalized business cards, a nametag and a professional headshot to start their professional brand in-person and online.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW FAQ +

What is the timeline of the application process?

Applications for the upcoming program year (which runs from September to August), open in January and are due on April 30 of each year. Applicants who have met the graduation eligibility are invited to attend the Virtual Interview Night in June. Successful candidates are notified of their acceptance into the program in July.

What is the format of the Virtual Interview Night?

Six to eight candidates are assigned to a breakout room with one interviewer and asked questions based on the four pillars of LOT: mentorship, leadership, networking, and volunteerism.

What if I can't make it to the Virtual Interview Night?

The Virtual Interview Night is a mandatory step in the selection process. If you're unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions, please email lot@boardoftrade.com .

Mentors

Why You Should Consider Becoming an LOT Mentor

As a mentor in the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program, you have the unique opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders by sharing your knowledge, experiences, and network. For one year, you'll be paired with a driven student, helping them build meaningful professional relationships and providing invaluable insights as they prepare for their future careers in Canada.

Being an LOT mentor allows you to make a lasting impact on a student's life while gaining fresh perspectives from ambitious individuals. These students offer unique insights into their demographic, helping you better understand the evolving impact of your business. Additionally, you'll connect with a diverse group of mentors from various industries and organizations, enriching your own network.

The majority of our mentors return year after year, drawn by the fulfilling experience of helping students succeed, reflecting on their own careers, and continuously growing as leaders.

What We Ask of Our LOT Mentors

Engage regularly with your mentee, meeting at least 5 times between September and August.
Support your mentee in setting and achieving their goals throughout the year, and help them prepare to enter the workforce with confidence.
Share your network and experiences, being open about both your successes and challenges to provide valuable insights.

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:

Be a cardholding member of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Reside in the Greater Vancouver region for the duration of the program
Have at least five years of work experience including a leadership position

Applications are now closed and will reopen in spring 2025

Immediate questions can be directed to lot@boardoftrade.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS +

What are the eligibility requirements to be a LOT mentor?

We ask that all mentors have a minimum of five years of work experience since completing post-secondary, hold a manager position and above, and are Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Members.

What is the time commitment?

Each mentor is asked to meet with their student on a monthly basis and attend Graduation event in early September. The students are required to meet with their mentor at least 5 times to complete the LOT program. Phone calls, video chats and attending events together can also count as a meeting.

Who are the students that apply for the Leaders of Tomorrow program?

The students are from the top post-secondary institutions around the Lower Mainland and are entering their final year of post-secondary education.

How do you match the mentors with the mentees?

We take into consideration several criteria: field of study, hobbies, interests, and location.

What are the benefits of being a LOT mentor?

It may sound cliché, but you get to give back and potentially transform a student's life! You will get to share your wealth of experience and be a sounding board and cheerleader for an emerging leader. You will also be able to network with fellow mentors and other mentees who were all selected from a rigorous interview process.