Innovation and a love for social entrepreneurship were well rewarded for Enactus Saint Mary's students this past Saturday. Enactus Saint Mary's students won first place in all three categories (financial education, climate action and entrepreneurship) at the Enactus Canada Atlantic Regional Exposition. Next up, students will move on to pitch at the Enactus Canada National Exposition, held virtually this May.
"Having the ability to apply the theories we learn in class to support our community is truly the best way to learn," says Maddie Bristol, Co-President of Enactus Saint Mary's. "We are so excited that our programming was recognized at the Enactus Regional Exposition and look forward to Nationals this May!"
Options Online, the team’s unique virtual education program, took home the gold in the CWB Financial Literacy competition. Options Online is a digital pivot from the previous in-person Options Youth program created to support Nova Scotia-based youth facing multiple barriers to employment. The global award-winning programming shifted to online learning amidst the pandemic, removing the barrier of location-based accessibility.
Square Roots, a food-security program created in 2016, was presented in the TD Entrepreneurship and Scotiabank Climate Change challenges, winning first place titles. Since 2016, the program has expanded from its original bundle service model to partnering with local entrepreneurs, encouraging the creation of sustainable products using food waste. Little Branches, a zero-waste matcha bar company, along with a new business that's partnered with a local coffee shop to include coffee grains in their soaps, were among the businesses highlighted in the pitches.
"I am so proud of the work our students have done this year," says Michael Sanderson, Director of Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre. "Their continued perseverance and dedication to community wellness and education, especially during such a tough time, are what make their social enterprises as successful as they have been."
Enactus Saint Mary's is a student-led organization that uses entrepreneurial action to change the community in a positive way. With over 50 students involved, they are currently operating projects involving food-based social enterprises, entrepreneurship coaching and employability training programs for at-risk youth. Enactus Saint Mary's is proud to partner with the Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre to offer its programs.