TORONTO, ONTARIO (February 16, 2016) – Ben Canning, owner of Farmium and student at Ryerson University has been named Enactus Canada’s 2016 Student Entrepreneur Provincial Champion for Ontario. Provincial Champions coast to coast were named today by this country’s largest student leadership development organization, Enactus Canada, and proud program supporter, the John Dobson Foundation as part of the Student Entrepreneur National Competition.
Canning received the title of Student Entrepreneur Provincial Champion because he created a business to tackle the incredibly complex issues of a growing population, food transportation costs and the increasing need for farmland.
Farmium is a company dedicated to providing a solution for building and maintaining automated green roofs (the roof of a building covered with vegetation to absorb rainwater, provide insulation or create a habitat for wildlife), using a machine learning algorithm and wireless nodes. They offer design, installation and maintenance for both residential and commercial buildings.
“With the government of Ontario mandating that every large new building must have a green roof, we are addressing a real problem with our product,” said Canning. “We are creating a movement around encouraging local food production, reducing food miles and educating youth about horticultural practices and fresh food needs.”
Canning will showcase both his business and personal accomplishments as an entrepreneur at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition – Central Canada in Mississauga, Ontario on March 11, where he will compete for the title of Student Entrepreneur Regional Champion.
“Through innovative solutions, Ben is tapping into the growing urban farming industry,” said Enactus Canada president Nicole Almond. “His entrepreneurial approach to solving a social and environmental issue facing cities around the world is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial spirit we showcase through the Student Entrepreneur National Competition.”
Canning will compete against three additional Student Entrepreneur Provincial Champions from Central Canada for the regional title and the chance to move on to the 2016 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario taking place May 2-4. The National Champion will receive a $10,000 cash prize and take home the John Dobson Cup.
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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.
Media Inquiries:
Jody Lundrigan
Director of Communications
Enactus Canada
jody@enactus.ca
416.346.0131