HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (March 2, 2015) – Two student teams, from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Saint Mary’s University, have been named 2015 TD Entrepreneurship Challenge Regional Champions by this country’s largest student leadership development organization, Enactus Canada, and proud program supporter, TD Bank Group.
The TD Entrepreneurship Challenge is a national competition empowering post-secondary students to develop and deliver projects that teach relevant entrepreneurship skills to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Started in 2007 in partnership with TD, 9,057 students have positively impacted 47,758 aspiring entrepreneurs and 10,275 small businesses.
“At TD, we know that entrepreneurship drives innovation,” says Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. “We are excited to support Enactus Canada’s TD Entrepreneurship Challenge to give post-secondary students the chance to develop their entrepreneurial skills and deliver projects that encourage the ongoing growth of successful Canadian entrepreneurs.”
Student teams from across Atlantic Canada showcased their projects to panels of industry professionals on February 17 in Halifax. The champion Enactus student teams stood out to judges because they provided aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and community connections to realize their passion.
The following are the winning projects that are using entrepreneurial action to transform lives:
Enactus Saint Mary’s Project Launch teaches current and aspiring business owners about entrepreneurship through workshops, coaching and assistance with streamlining operations, finding new markets and using environmentally sustainable practices. This project has impacted 229 entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia, helping their businesses increase revenues by $205,000.
Memorial University’s Project Stitch helps physically disabled Haitians gain an income through a social enterprise that manufactures and sells men’s neckties, women’s scarves and tote bags. The project employs 11 sewers who have sold 153 pieces, generating $22,647 in revenue. These Haitians are now earning wages that are five times more than the daily average income in the country.
“These teams are making a real difference in the lives of people in need through their entrepreneurship education projects,” says Nicole Almond, president of Enactus Canada. “They are a perfect example of how Enactus student leaders are transforming lives through entrepreneurial action.”
These teams will now move on to the national level of competition taking place May 11-13 at the 2015 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario.
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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 2,400 entrepreneurial postsecondary students led 250 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
E: jody@enactus.ca
P:416.304.1566 ext.222
M: 416.346.0131