Acadia students rewarded for entrepreneurial activities

Over $20,000 was awarded March 5 to Acadia students at The Acadia Challenge Awards Reception.

Held in the Great Hall of the Fountain Learning Commons at Acadia University and attended by over 60 students, administrators, faculty and community members, the reception marked a celebration of the ideas and hard work put forth by students as they took on the challenge of applying entrepreneurial skills.

Initiated by the Acadia Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship (ACSBE), The Acadia Challenge aims to have Acadia students evaluate their existing entrepreneurial skills and encourages them to expand that skill set by getting involved in any of the vast opportunities available at Acadia. “At Acadia, we believe entrepreneurship is a mindset, a way of life,” ACSBE’s Director Chris Pelham said. “Through the Challenge, we want students to tell us what they’re passionate about and how they want to use that energy to make their entrepreneurial impact.”

Had to submit a strategic plan

Part of the Challenge consisted of four competitions, each of which gave students a chance to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas, gain recognition and earn cash awards. The Social Entrepreneurship Competition required students to submit a strategic plan outlining a great idea for a social cause or not-for-profit organization. First-place winner was Jama Ali for his idea around establishing a well and sanitation system for his home community in Somalia, Africa.

The Proof of Concept required students to submit proposals to develop a novel product, process or service under a research plan focusing on the stage of development that moves an idea from concept to the economic feasibility stage. The team of Duncan Elliot, David Gee, Jereme Outerleys, and Lance Taylor placed first for their concept of a mobile detachable hand prosthetic.

The Student Scholarship Competition had students submit a portfolio that outlined their vision, goals and action items to achieve it, along with relevant documentation to support it. Four awards were presented with Claire Bouvier placing first.

Students undertaking business planning did so through The Wesley Nicol Business Plan Competition. The top team of Emily Rahn and Jeffery Roy has an opportunity to move on to the national competition held in Ottawa for their plan of the Fall Line Ski Lodge.

For more highlights of the awards, sponsorships and additional information about The Challenge, visit www.acadiachallenge.com/competitions.