Memorial UniversityTORONTO, ONTARIO (May 2, 2016): The Enactus team at Memorial University of Newfoundland engaged at-risk youth in producing hydroponic growing systems using recycled materials that has the ability to provide fresh, affordable produce to rural areas of their province.

Currently working in five schools, Enactus Memorial built 10 hydroponic systems and travelled to Rigolet, Labrador to launch their first co-operative and micro loan systems with six community members.

These outcomes were rewarded on Monday, May 2 at the 2016 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where the Enactus Memorial University of Newfoundland team took home the title of BDC Entrepreneurs First Project Partnership Best Project.

“BDC is proud to have sponsored Memorial University of Newfoundland’s participation in the Enactus competition and contribute to the development of Canada’s next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs,” says Michel Bergeron, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs at BDC. “The project is more than a simple academic exercise as the service they developed has a real and direct impact on the local community.”

The BDC Entrepreneurs First Project Partnership, launched in 2011, is designed to empower Enactus teams with the skills and resources to make a meaningful difference in their communities through entrepreneurship.

“Enactus students are transforming lives and shaping a better world. These opportunities wouldn’t exist without the support of corporate partners like BDC,” said Nicole Almond, president of Enactus Canada. “Enactus Memorial has much to be proud of today and we are pleased to share with Canada the fabulous work they are doing in their province.”

Enactus Memorial is a group of dedicated, hard-working students, working together towards one goal, to make their province and the world a better place through entrepreneurship.

The BDC Entrepreneurs First Project Partnership Best Project was awarded at the 2016 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where more than 1,500 delegates including the country’s brightest university and college students, academic professionals and top Canadian CEOs came together to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.

For news throughout the year and competition results during the event, please visit @Enactus_Canada on Twitter.

-30-

ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada, this country’s largest student leadership development organization, is shaping generations of entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 2,650 entrepreneurial post-secondary students led 288 community empowerment projects and business ventures this past year in communities coast to coast. As a global network of 36 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. For more information, visit enactus.ca.

ABOUT BDC: BDC is the only bank dedicated exclusively to entrepreneurs. With more than 100 business centres and over 32,000 clients across Canada, it offers loans, investments and advisory services. BDC’s purpose is to support Canadian entrepreneurship with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses. To learn more, visit www.bdc.ca.

Media inquiries:
Jody Lundrigan
Enactus Canada
jody@enactus.ca
(416) 346-0131

Meghan Edwards
North Strategic (for Enactus Canada)
Meghan.edwards@northstrategic.com
(416) 300-5720

Maria Constantinescu
BDC
mediainfo@bdc.ca
1-844-625-8321