Small Business Challenge

TD Canada Trust presents Small Business Challenge to Fanshawe students

On Thursday, April 17, 2008, Fanshawe College hosted the TD Canada Trust Small Business Challenge, a contest for students of Fanshawe's Business programs. Over 300 students competed throughout the winter semester to present business ventures to an expert panel of judges representing TD Canada Trust. The final 16 teams were judged on presentation, viability, marketability and financial analysis.

During the winter 2008 semester Small Business Advisors from TD counselled a number of classes in Fanshawe's School of Business & Management. "The partnership is a unique opportunity for business students to work with community partners and bring real world learning to the classroom," says Mary Pierce, Chair of Fanshawe's School of Business & Management.

Fanshawe President Howard Rundle (far left) and TD Canada Trust's Christian Connolly (far right) congratulate competition winners Courtney Ellison, Philip Bailey and Lindsey Reid

Business and Business Marketing students contended to have their business plan represent their class at the final challenge.

"The competition is a great way to encourage students to consider future careers as entrepreneurs," says Christian Connolly, Area Manager, Business Banking, TD Canada Trust. "As the majority of new jobs in Canada are created by small businesses, we feel it is essential that we inspire future entrepreneurs."

The challenge was sponsored by TD Canada Trust Small Business Banking from the Western Ontario region and coordinated by the School of Business & Management.

Winners included Courtney Ellison, Lindsey Reid and Philip Bailey for "Keep a Sleeve," Kelly Bloxam for "Makeup Me Beautiful" and Jordon Hoxie, Jessica Thorne, John Hill and Jenna Hebert for "London Bar Lines."

The panel awarded top teams with cash prizes and a celebratory reception that recognized all participating students for their contributions.

"I would like to extend congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in the challenge," says Pierce. "We hope this is the first of many of these events to come."