The Student Entrepreneur National Competition is one of the largest national programs to focus solely on full-time post-secondary student entrepreneurs in Canada. It recognizes and rewards student entrepreneurs from across the country for their dedication and ambition, while offering support to ensure the success of their businesses.
Since 1997, Enactus Canada has hosted this competition to celebrate the commitment, determination, and achievements of student entrepreneurs. This competition is open to full-time students at Canadian universities and colleges who are simultaneously operating their businesses.
Watch the 2026 Finalist Presentations.
The nomination and application window for the 2025-2026 Student Entrepreneur National Competition are now closed.
The nomination period for the 2026–2027 Student Entrepreneur National Competition will open in October 2026 during the fall semester.
If you would like to be notified when nominations open, please email programs@enactus.ca and we will be happy to send you an update once the nomination period begins.
Eligibility for the 2026-2027 Student Entrepreneur Nationals competition:
Judging Rounds: Judges independently evaluate all applications using the official Student Entrepreneur Judging Criteria to determine the Top 30 and Top 12 (judging takes place during January and February 2027). The top three finalists then compete in a live final round at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, from April 27–30, 2027.
Applications are reviewed by independent judges using the following criteria:
Entrepreneurial Spirit (10 points) – Perseverance, integrity, and leadership as a founder.
Sound Business Model (10 points) – Market understanding, innovation, and measurable value.
Traction (20 points) – Tangible progress shown through sales, partnerships, or growth metrics.
Scalability (10 points) – Realistic potential to grow or a defined path forward.
More detailed information about judging criteria and definitions is available on the Program and Competition Requirements page.
Competing in the Student Entrepreneur National Competition is an incredible experience for any student entrepreneur looking to grow as a business owner, expand their company, and gain national recognition.
Connor Kapahi from University of Waterloo has been named the top Student Entrepreneur at the 2026 Enactus Canada Student Entrepreneur National Competition, earning $10,000 in funding for their venture, Mandel Diagnostics. Connor and his team at Mandel Diagnostics are addressing the challenge of detecting age-related macular degeneration with an innovative...
From urgent healthcare challenges to advancements in agriculture, this year’s student entrepreneurs are redefining what impact can look like in Canada! After a rigorous selection process, we’re thrilled to announce the three finalists advancing to the final stage of the Enactus Canada Student Entrepreneur National Competition. Selected from over 100...
Over 160 of Canada’s most innovative entrepreneurial businesses were nominated for the Enactus Canada 2026 Student Entrepreneur National Competition. Most impressively, at the heart of each business is a full-time post-secondary student, taking on the challenge of balancing their studies while actively growing a business. The 12 finalists were selected...
Supporting and growing the pipeline of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Canada is integral to the growth of the economy. In fact, there are 3.5 million entrepreneurs in Canada and small and medium sized businesses employ 14.3 million people (q1 2022, Made in CA). According to StartUp Canada, 45 per...
Diana Virgovicova from University of Toronto claimed the title of top Student Entrepreneur at the 2025 Enactus Canada Student Entrepreneur National Competition, earning $10,000 in funding and national acclaim for their venture, Xatoms. The win was announced on the opening night of the Enactus Canada National Exposition featuring live presentations...
From groundbreaking healthcare innovations to advancements in clean water, the future of Canadian entrepreneurship is bright! After a rigorous selection process, we’re thrilled to announce the three finalists who have risen to the top of the Enactus Canada Student Entrepreneur National Competition. From over 100 entries, three entrepreneurial ventures stood...
Over 100 of some of the most innovative entrepreneurial businesses in Canada were nominated for the Enactus Canada 2025 Student Entrepreneur National Competition. Most impressively, these entrepreneurs are all full-time post-secondary students who have launched and are managing their business, while balancing the demands of school. The 12 finalists were...
(Toronto, ON) May 15, 2024 – Shreyansh Anand, owner of WaiveTheWait and full-time student at Queen’s University, has won $10,000 and has been named the 2024 Student Entrepreneur National Champion by Enactus, Canada’s largest student leadership development organization, and proud program supporter, John Dobson Foundation. WaiveTheWait is dedicated to automating...
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Overview and Application
Nominations and applications are closed for the 2026 competition. The 2027 nomination period will open in late fall.
