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 2025 Finalist Presentations for inspiration and prepare your nominations for the 2026 Student Entrepreneur National Competition.
Nominations are now closed. Application deadline is January 4th, 2026.
To be eligible to enter this competition, nominees must:
Nominations:
Nominations for the 2025–2026 Student Entrepreneur National Competition are now closed.
If you missed the nomination period but are still interested in competing, you are welcome to apply directly as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
To receive the application form and next steps, please reach out to Eric at eric@enactus.ca or programs@enactus.ca.
Our team will send you everything you need, including timelines and optional support resources (such as feedback on your draft application).
Applications:
Eligible nominees will receive a personalized application link to complete the official online form. While applications must be submitted digitally, a Word document template is also available to draft responses in advance before uploading. All applications must be submitted by January 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST).
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 2026). The top three finalists then compete in a live final round at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Montréal, Québec from May 6–8, 2026.
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.
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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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We require judging support throughout the three rounds of competition. If you are interested in supporting, please fill out our Intent to Judge Form.
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Overview and Application
Nominations are now closed for the 2026 competition. Applications will be accepted until January 4, 2026.
