From November 20, 2024, to January 8, 2025, four teams of Experience Ventures students worked with Osprey Inspiration, gaining exceptional entrepreneurial experience on a highly relevant business design challenge. With a mission to help make home ownership dreams a reality, Osprey Inspiration is focused on providing educational programs and financial assistance while connecting prospective buyers with reputable builders and property development corporations. Osprey partnered with the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre and the Experience Ventures program to tap into current and creative thinking from Saint Mary’s students on how to make their vision a reality.
The journey began in November with an in-person kickoff meeting and comprehensive briefing from Osprey Inspiration. From then on, students tackled complex problems remotely, demonstrating teamwork skills and exceptional dedication, even during the holiday season. The flexibility of the challenge’s structure allowed participants to balance academic responsibilities while engaging in real-world innovation on one of our most concerning societal challenges.
Each group had a particular area of focus and was supported throughout by an industry mentor. Students were challenged to develop innovative fundraising ideas, comprehensive business and marketing plans, social impact assessment and a robust digital documental framework.
On January 8, each team presented their plans and recommendations to the entire Osprey Inspiration board of directors. Their thoughtful and well-articulated solutions received resounding support and praise and reinforced the value of bringing students and businesses together to tackle real-world challenges and opportunities.
“The Experience Ventures program was incredibly valuable from a learning standpoint, especially because it introduced me to knowledge and perspectives outside my psychology major. Another highlight was the experience I gained from working in a team. Along the way, I was surrounded by unique individuals with whom I worked to overcome challenges and deliver the best possible products. That experience was both challenging and rewarding, and I am very grateful for all the insights and skills I gained,” said Sara Zivaljevic, BSc student.
Osprey’s president of the Board of Directors, Derrick Chan, said “Osprey Inspiration had the privilege of collaborating with Saint Mary's University on a business challenge. We were very impressed with the students' teamwork and innovative solutions to their challenges. The final products were exceptional, showcasing out-of-the-box thinking from a younger generation and providing valuable insights. The Saint Mary's staff were also instrumental, acting as mentors and offering real-world guidance. We will now integrate the information, data and presentations into our future strategic planning. A huge thank you to Saint Mary's and all the faculty and students who participated in this valuable business challenge.”
Each participant received a certificate of completion and an honorarium, recognizing their hard work and achievements. Beyond these tangible rewards, students walked away with invaluable experience, stronger resumes, and a sense of pride in their contributions to a meaningful cause.
Interested in making your mark? Experience Ventures has more opportunities this semester. Visit the website to discover how you can get involved.
Experience Ventures, powered by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary, enables post-secondary students to make an impact alongside real-world innovators through entrepreneurial thinking placements. EV is funded by the Government of Canada and is delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions nationwide.