Student Business Ideas Wanted For National Competition
October 16, 2008 - Campus Bulletin
Canada's largest student-run business pitching competition is coming to the University of Guelph.
Aspiring student entrepreneurs will battle for cash prizes at the 2009 central regional Enterprize Canada Business Plan Competition scheduled to be held on campus in the new year. U of G students interested in competing must register before Nov. 16.
The regional competition involves students from post-secondary institutions across Ontario and Manitoba competing for $6,000 in cash prizes.
The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines. Competitors can enter in teams of two to six and are required to submit a business plan by Nov. 30. The business plans will be reviewed by a national board of judges and the top 10 teams will be chosen to pitch their ideas at the U of G event.
"This is a huge competition," said David Prescott, College of Management and Economics (CME) associate dean (academic). "Hosting the regional event at the University of Guelph is going raise the profile of the college across the country. It's also student-run, so it's a marvellous opportunity for our students to plan an event of this size."
Guelph's Jan. 17 event is one of four regional competitions held throughout Canada involving students from about 30 post-secondary institutions. The top three teams from each regional event will move on to the national competition held Feb. 6 and 7 at the University of British Columbia, where they will compete in front of prominent business leaders for $35,000 in cash prizes.
The top three teams will also win other rewards to help launch their businesses such as interest free or low interest start-up loans, access to research labs and equipment, and industry mentorships.
"This is a very exciting project for the CME at Guelph and I am thrilled to be a part of it," said Emily Bremner, one of the student organizers. "Enterprize is an incredible opportunity for Guelph students to showcase their talent and bring their business ideas to life."
For more information visit the Enterprize Canada website or the central regional director at Emily.bremner@enterprizecanada.org.
