Testimonials
Business Leaders and Professionals
“I have always believed that entrepreneurship is a lifestyle and a journey. It represents the realization that if you engage in work that you love, you will have true wealth in the world, regardless of how much money you make. I founded the Enterprize Canada Entrepreneurship Conference and Business Plan Competition in 2002 because entrepreneurship is at the heart of all business, yet it is a topic that is all too often neglected in the classroom. After all, what exactly is entrepreneurship? How does one study to become a successful entrepreneur? Unlike most other disciplines, the path to success in starting up your own venture is different for every individual. Creativity, drive, and the willingness to take risks are essential characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. Enterprize Canada was created to help encourage students to discover their entrepreneurial spirits and to provide a forum where students and entrepreneurs could share their ideas, provide support for each other, and forge long lasting relationships. Every entrepreneur has experienced a single moment at some point in their life when he or she made a commitment to this life defining adventure. Perhaps, for some people, that moment will be Enterprize Canada.”
- Michael Lee, Founder, Enterprize Canada and
President, UBC Commerce Undergraduate Society 2001-2002
“One of the hallmarks of any successful venture is the ability to adapt to changing environments and the continual pursuit of enhancement and progress. This will be the 9th year that Enterprize Canada will run, and I am astounded by the efforts of the students who keep on building upon the success of previous years, culminating in providing a competition that is both distinguished and respected throughout Canada. As a business school dedicated to creating innovative learning opportunities, we are delighted to host such an impressive talent pool of students and business leaders.”
- Daniel F. Muzyka, Dean, Sauder School of Business and
RBC Financial Group Professor of Entrepreneurship
“Enterprize Canada is an exceptional opportunity for all students to learn about entrepreneurship in Canada, and importantly, meet and connect with other young, budding entrepreneurs. We all know that entrepreneurs are the core of our economy, and Enterprize Canada allows Sauder as an institution, and those of us who support it broadly to support the growth and future vitality of our economy.”
- Irfhan Rawji, Vice President, Birch Hill Equity Partners and
Adjunct Professor, Sauder School of Business
“Successful entrepreneurship takes a passionate calculated risk-taking approach to an idea combined with a massive bias towards action, not perfection!”
- Praveen Varshney, CA, Director, Varshney Capital Corporation and
Sauder School of Business Alumnus
Past Competitors
“Winning the 2006 Enterprize Canada Business Plan Competition was a life changing event for me and a vital part of my personal development and an integral event in the life of my business. Enterprize is by far the premier entrepreneurial event in Canada.”
- Regan Stevenson, Founder, Sunpeak Foods and
Winner, 2006 Enterprize Canada Business Plan Competition
“Energy Aware Technology was an idea that started as a class project at UBC, and Enterprize was the first business plan competition we entered. It truly inspired us to think outside of the classroom and having gone through the process, it encouraged us to seriously consider entrepreneurship as an option after graduation. This competition provided us with our first external affirmation that we were providing something of value with the capability to be monetized, and for those intending to get out there and actually act on their business ideas, Enterprize is a great launch pad and supportive conduit to getting started.”
- Janice Cheam, Founder, Energy Aware Technology Inc. and
Winner, 2005 Enterprize Canada Business Plan Competition
“One of the things that sets this conference apart is its world-class speakers and seminars. The other is its world class participants who are the most enthusiastic and ambitious young entrepreneurs in the country.”
- Rian Bowden, CEO, DailySplice.com and
First Runner-Up, 2008 Enterprize Canada Business Plan Competition
“2009 Enterprize Canada was a great opportunity to network with world-class business professionals and up-and-coming students. But above all it was an honour to represent Simon Fraser University on a national level and showcase the young entrepreneurial talent of British Columbia to the rest of Canada. Having competed and placed third in Canada, Carve was given a more clear perspective of where we stood as entrepreneurs. The response from the student-delegates, their recognition and support, acknowledged that there is excitement for Carve’s product and an interest in our company’s visions. The feedback from the judges was also invaluable, and reflective of what true entrepreneurs face in the real-world. They provided solutions to problems that needed to be addressed and their advice revealed the next steps that needed to be taken. But most importantly, winning a competition of this caliber helps Carve develop its reputation and opens many doors for us. Since February, we have been approached by many excited students and professionals, who want to take part in our venture. This is definitely the greatest reward, and will set us apart from other start-ups as we progress towards seeking investors, securing patents, and entering the market.”
- David Leung, Founder, Carve Inc. and
Second Runner-Up, 2009 Enterprize Canada Business Plan Competition