How can we better support communities while creating new opportunities? This was the question at the heart of the 2026 Desjardins Community Empowerment Challenge where eight national Enactus teams showcased their solutions. Emerging as the top team, Simon Fraser University was announced as the National Champion at Enactus Canada’s National Exposition in Montreal on May 7.
The team’s winning project, Unify, supports newcomers with access to community workshops, digital resources to support employment, financial literacy, housing, and other important aspects of settling in a new community. In recognition of the team’s achievement, they received $3,000 in funding to further their project.
“The Desjardins Community Empowerment Challenge demonstrates how young people can turn ideas into practical solutions that support their communities and create new opportunities,” said François Carrier, Head of Capital Markets at Desjardins. “Through our partnership with Enactus, we are pleased to support initiatives that help students build skills and leadership while working on issues that matter locally. The level of collaboration and commitment shown by these teams is impressive.”
The Desjardins Community Empowerment Challenge is designed to support projects that strengthen and address the evolving needs of local communities. We also congratulate the inspiring runners-up.
- Runner-Up (awarded $2,000): Wilfrid Laurier University – Sapphire provides career-readiness training and opening pathways to employment for autistic adults.
- Second Runner-Up (awarded $1,000): Acadia University – Resilient Youth offers holistic mental health supports to youth.
“With support from Desjardins, teams receive essential funding for their ventures that address the needs of some of the most vulnerable in their communities. This investment in entrepreneurship, innovation, and education means that students can continue to make meaningful social impact,” commented Anja Zeljkovic, Acting Director, Partnerships at Enactus Canada.
Teams from 49 postsecondary schools across Canada competed in regional rounds with eight champions advancing to the final at the Enactus Canada National Exposition. In total, $27,000 in funding was awarded to Regional and National Champions to further their community empowerment projects.
Learn more about other National Expositions results and Challenge Partnerships.
