What skills do aspiring and existing entrepreneurs need today and in the future? That’s the challenge students from Wilfrid Laurier University took on to be named the 2025 TD Entrepreneurship Challenge National Champion at Enactus Canada’s National Exposition on May 7.
Enactus Wilfrid Laurier University and its winning Kuponya Innovations tackles the housing crisis through their affordable, rapid-assembly “house-in-a-box” kits that empower communities. They are creating opportunities for community members to become certified installers and create businesses around their housing needs. Over the next 3 years, they plan to build 49 homes, house 75 people, create 392 jobs and earn $6.7 million in revenue. The team received $3,000 in prize money to further support its project.
Sponsored by TD Bank Group through its corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, this challenge empowers Enactus teams to develop, implement, and deliver innovative projects that help teach relevant entrepreneurship skills.
“TD is pleased to congratulate the winning Enactus team and all the finalists of the 2025 TD Entrepreneurship Challenge! By championing innovative projects, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders in unlocking new opportunities that will help benefit individuals and communities across Canada.” said Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, TD Bank Group.
Projects by Enactus Teams at Saint Mary’s University and Lambton College were chosen as runners-up.
Saint Mary’s University, Runner-Up: Square Roots recently hit an exciting milestone – selling their millionth pound of produce and launching their Cape Breton location! This enterprise works with farmers to purchase imperfect produce and then distributes it to 16 franchises, run by entrepreneurs who sell this produce below market rate, providing Nova Scotians with fresh, affordable produce.
Lambton College, Second Runner-up: Project One Circle addresses food insecurity, economic development, and employment in Indigenous communities across Canada by providing sustainable agriculture skills and entrepreneurial tools. One Circle has installed 100 aeroponic towers at Muskeg Lake in Saskatchewan and have partnered with the College’s Indigenous Student Centre to deliver an Upskilling Indigenous Excellent Workshop for community members.
“TD’s ongoing funding support for Enactus Canada has empowered teams to develop innovative entrepreneurial solutions with scalability. We are grateful for their commitment to invest in initiatives that help drive innovation and nurture the next generation of leaders,” commented Brittany Johnston, Director of Partnerships at Enactus Canada.
A distinguished panel of esteemed judges selected the National Champion from seven finalists, who emerged from an impressive field of 35 regional teams. A total of $27,000 in funding was awarded at Regional and National Competitions to propel these entrepreneurship projects.
Learn more about other National Expositions results and Challenge Partnership