Showcasing Student Business Excellence with Style: The Saint Mary’s University March Madness Pitch Competition

Do you hear that sound? It is the sound of thousands of people clicking the link to watch the 2022 Saint Mary’s University March Madness Pitch Competition.

The competition showcases post-secondary student pitchers throughout March. Modelled after the NCAA March Madness basketball competition, 64 student entrepreneurs from across Canada will be selected to compete head-to-head in brackets as they strive to have their pitch idea declared the best in the country.

This national competition is a destination for Canada's top student entrepreneurs. It features twenty-four universities from coast to coast, from as far west as the University of Victoria and the University of Alberta, to participants from central Canada such as the University of Waterloo, Carleton University, and Western University. Eastern Canada is also well represented with many participants, including HEC Montreal, Mount Allison University, Saint Mary's University and the Memorial University of Newfoundland, to name but a few.

“The best of the best face each other in this tournament, where the student team with the best business pitch can win $10,000 to support their start-up,” says Michael Sanderson, Director, Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC). “That said, there isn’t only one team that wins as the finalists receive support for business leaders and experts to hone their pitches while the third and fourth place teams walk away with $1000 and second place leaves with $5000—all to support their business ideas.” 

It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. For SMUEC, a pandemic wouldn’t stop them from providing an avenue for a diverse group of student entrepreneurs to apply the skills they learned in the classroom to a competitive business environment. Enter the first Saint Mary’s University March Madness Pitch competition in 2021, all online.

“We are always looking for new ways to engage students, and last year we recognized the challenges for in-person gatherings, so we began to look beyond solutions and seek opportunities,” says Michael Sanderson, Director, SMUEC. “We took inspiration from the March Madness NCAA basketball tournament and realized the opportunity to do a similar tournament but for business pitches. The online environment allowed us to bypass traditional logistical challenges like location, venue, travel availability for judges to name a few. It brought a whole new dimension to what was possible for a large-scale pitch competition.”

As last year’s tournament progressed, thousands of viewers from around the world tuned in to support their favourites and follow the action. To keep up to date on all the latest teams, pitches and results, visit https://smuec.ca/march_madness/ or www.facebook.com/smuec.ca for the live streams.

Diversity in the Entrepreneurial World

The Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre Ignition Program provides students with an opportunity to learn from a diverse panel of mentors in the entrepreneurial world, allowing students a chance to see themselves as successful entrepreneurs. The 10-week program also provides students with access to training, resources and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Starting February 14, the Ignition Program will host a series of Black and Indigenous entrepreneurship events in their 10-week program. These events will highlight six local entrepreneur panellists over two days to share their real stories, challenges, and successes with aspiring entrepreneurs.

"Seeing yourself through these entrepreneur speakers is so important for our students," says Adam Khamis BComm'21, SMUEC Project Manager. "Nova Scotia is rich in diversity, and so is Saint Mary's. It's only right that our speakers represent that."

The Ignition Program hosted over 50 speaker series to more than 1,300 post-secondary students this past year. Student feedback has shown that including diversity in speaker experiences and business growth stages when learning about entrepreneurship helps them visualize themselves as successful entrepreneurs.

"I have learned a great deal from the various sessions that I have attended, and it's amazing to see the many ways in which these lessons apply to our everyday lives," says Sidney Nuwahereza, Saint Mary's student.

The Ignition program has a rolling registration, and students are encouraged to drop into relevant topics.

Black Entrepreneurship Panel

February 14, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. AST

Join SMUEC in hosting three incredible Black female entrepreneurs, Precious Octavious, Holly Adams and Tiffani Young. Listen to their unique entrepreneurial stories and how their resiliency and perseverance helped navigate a challenging career. Learn more.

Indigenous Entrepreneurship Panel

February 16, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. AST

Listen to the stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs Mariah Battiste and Elora Gehue, and the challenges and stigmas of entrepreneurship they’ve experienced throughout their careers. Learn more.

Creating the Space for Inspiration

Board members, students, faculty, staff and alumni all gathered to welcome the newly elected Minister of Advanced Education, the Honourable Brian Wong, and top donors to Saint Mary’s. Over 100 people gathered safely to learn more about two new buildings under construction, the Sobeys Inspiration Hub and The Exchange.

At the heart of the new additions is the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a 43,000 sq. ft. glass and steel building, that will house the Saint Mary’s Entrepreneurship Centre, the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services, maker spaces, research and innovation labs, and project studios.

Members of the community spoke proudly about the university’s track record in creating entrepreneurs, many of them current students and recent graduates. Students mingled and took photos with donors including Marsha Sobey. The Sobey family are important donors to the university over several decades; their legacy and ongoing support for the institution was singled out by several speakers including Board Chair Larry Freeman and President Rob Summerby-Murray. Sobeys Incorporated is contributing $5 million, part of the $18 million Sobey Gift to Saint Mary’s from the Sobey family, Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc., the largest donation in the university’s history.

George and Dorothy Isaacs, along with Derek Isaacs on Live Stream, attended in recognition of the $2.5 million donation from the estate of Anne and Albert Isaacs DipENG’55.  A student gathering space, named the Anne J. and Albert T. Isaacs Commons, is at the center of The Exchange.

The event was emceed by Leah Skerry BComm’09 and Entrepreneur-in-Residence with remarks by Enactus Co-President Kritika Gurung. The new buildings will open in 2023.

Entrepreneur, Storyteller and Performance Artist: Introducing the new RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence

HALIFAX, NS— Entrepreneur. Storyteller. Performance artist. Those are some of the terms used to describe the next RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Saint Mary's University's Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC), SMU alumna Leah Skerry.

Leah Skerry BComm '09 is a performing artist, producer and entrepreneur. Her work depicts Skerry's fascination with technology, storytelling, and gamification. She is currently co-producing a hybrid aerial dance show pushing the boundaries of set design and function, funded by the Canada Council of Arts and Montreal's National Circus School.

"Moving back to the East Coast and the opportunity to give back to students and the community where I developed my entrepreneurial sea legs is a full-circle moment," says Skerry. "I hope my experience spanning education, technology, and arts will help others on their path to new ideas and inspire more to seek a multidisciplinary life-long education."

Prior to taking the leap into professional dance and circus, Leah co-founded Squiggle Park by Eyeread Inc. (acquired by Dreambox), an adaptive online reading game with over 3 million kids learning. In addition to studying at the Sobey School of Business, Leah studied design at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and contemporary circus arts in Chicago and Montreal.

"Leah is an experienced entrepreneur with a broad range of interests that will help her connect with our students whose business ideas can be very diverse and touch on many different sectors," says Michael Sanderson, Director, SMUEC. "We are ecstatic to have her join our team and share her knowledge with the next generation of great Canadian entrepreneurs."

As part of her role as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Skerry provides Master Class lectures, workshops, and one-on-one coaching at conferences held by the entrepreneurship centre and weekly office hours for student and community entrepreneurs to offer support, coaching, and advisory assistance.

"We are thrilled Leah will be the next entrepreneur-in-residence at the RBC Talent Hub," says Kellie Sauriol, RBC's Regional Vice President, Business Financial Services, Atlantic Canada. "Students will benefit greatly from her diverse professional background, leadership skills and proven entrepreneurial success."

As home to the RBC Talent Hub, the SMUEC hosts Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR), giving students access to some of Canada's top entrepreneurs. They are selected based on their passion for entrepreneurship and their ability to provide a breadth of advice and information.   The RBC Talent Hub also includes an entrepreneurial mindset success certificate, multi-level skilled entrepreneurship training workshops, a student consultant team and a talent fund for co-operative education.  All of these initiatives are made possible through the RBC Foundation in support of RBC Future Launch.

Saint Mary's Hosts: Black Business Initiatives - 25 Years & Beyond

A screen capture from the event.

On April 20, the Sobey School of Business Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network launched a conversation series with the Nova Scotia-based Black Business Initiative (BBI), the longest serving Black business development initiative in Canada.

The first conversation, called Black Business Initiatives: 25 Years & Beyond, featured BBI CEO Dr. Rustum Southwell, Cynthia Dorrington, President of Vale & Associates Human Resource Management and Consulting Inc. and Dr. Harvi Millar, Professor of Operations Management at the Sobey School of Business.

The panellists spoke to Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School, about the history of Black-owned businesses in Nova Scotia and the work that remains to be done to remove barriers to success, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Dr. Southwell noted that Black-owned businesses have contributed over a billion dollars to the Nova Scotia economy in the 25 years since BBI was founded. Innovations by Black entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia include the world-class medical company BioMedica Diagnostics of Windsor (founded by Abdullah Kirumira) and SureShot Solutions of Lower Sackville, which provides highly specialized equipment for many of the world’s most successful coffee chains (founded by CEO Michael Duck).

Despite a long history of business success and over 200 years of African Nova Scotians in the province, Ms. Dorrington noted that due to systemic barriers, it can be difficult for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners to access necessary financing, coaching, advisory services and many of the other keys to business success. As a result, these businesses are often prevented from achieving their full potential. “To grow beyond a certain level, you must work on your business, not just in your business,” she said.

Black entrepreneurs are also often shut out of certain sectors, like aerospace and information technology, due to systemic barriers. Dorrington said we need to “think big… and provide mentorship and coaching to help business owners see the next big opportunities.”       

Dr. Harvi Millar presented recent research into how Black-owned businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that surveyed businesses are facing challenges including cash flow, reductions in operating capacity, declining customer bases and temporary or permanent business closures.

The research shows that in addition to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black business owners face barriers including racial bias, lack of scale, insufficient access to wealth and collateral, lack of peer-to-peer support networks and limited market access.

Dorrington noted that these barriers are often built into unfair and outdated systems that we must now work to redesign. “These systems didn't have all voices at the table when they were designed,” she said. “This is the time. If you're going to address it, you have to look at the system and really assess what is working and what is not. We must take the initiative and get rid of what isn't working.”

Dr. Southwell noted that “no Black person – no matter how wealthy or successful in business – hasn’t felt marginalized at some point in their life.”

To lift up Black businesses, Dorrington said we must acknowledge systemic racism as a first step. “We must come together to navigate. Until you face those barriers you don't see them. People who have navigated them in the past, we can put our heads together but speak with one voice.”

The next conversation, to be scheduled shortly, will explore Barriers to Doing Business for Black Entrepreneurs: Access to Capital Market. Visit the Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network to learn more.

Hackathon to address human trafficking in Atlantic Canada begins

Saint Mary’s University, in partnership with Volta and supported by the Government of Canada, is hosting the 
SMU Community Hackathon — Addressing Human Trafficking in Atlantic Canada.  

Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are devastating to survivors, families, and Canada’s most vulnerable populations. It is with this understanding that the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) and partners aim to create awareness about human trafficking while bringing youth together with key stakeholders to explore ways technology can be used to tackle this issue. 

“I was pleased to participate in Saint Mary’s University’s virtual hackathon today,” said The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “With the help of almost $55,000 in federal funding, the University is building on the important work it is doing to raise awareness on the signs of human trafficking, through technological innovation and collaboration. Through projects like this one, we are working together to build a safer and more resilient Canada, where all people are protected from human trafficking and its harms.”

The funding for the hackathon is made available under the Contribution Program to Combat Serious and Organized Crime.

This two-day virtual event brings together post-secondary students from across Atlantic Canada, as well as service providers, law enforcement and others, to explore innovative ways that technology can be used to raise awareness of human trafficking. In teams, participants will develop innovative solutions in combating human sex trafficking from a preventative perspective. The event will feature speakers, panel sessions, brainstorming workshops and hands-on opportunities for participants to work with peers and mentors in bringing their ideas to life.  

After the hackathon, teams move on to the project’s second phase. Teams will receive weekly mentorship and attend skill development sessions as they develop their ideas over the month before delivering final pitches to an expert panel.

“At Saint Mary’s University, community is at the heart of all that we do,” said Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor, Saint Mary’s University. “We are committed to research and innovation that improves the wellbeing of our communities. This hackathon is an example of this work and we are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada as we raise awareness of human trafficking, find ways to combat this crime, and improve the lives of Canadians.”

Additional information:

• Government of Canada announces funding for project to raise awareness of human trafficking

• SMU Community Hackathon: Addressing Human Trafficking in Atlantic Canada  

The excellence of SMU's Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation recognized by major gift

The excellence of Saint Mary's University's Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) program is being recognized by a major gift from a leading figure in Canada's business and entrepreneurship community.

Rishbah Arora, MTEI student; Dr. Robert Steele, DComm’18; and Laura Russell, MTEI student.

"I have always been impressed by Saint Mary's University and the Sobey School of Business. From my time as a student and in every interaction I have with a Saint Mary's student going back decades," says Dr. Robert Steele DComm'18. "I have seen the impact that a strong business foundation from Saint Mary's provides students. I know that through this gift, Saint Mary's will be able to continue to attract amazing students from Atlantic Canada, Canada and around the world to the MTEI program and the Sobey School. Students will learn from great professors and receive the support they need to successfully develop their business ideas and start-ups into thriving businesses that will give back to the economic vitality of our region."

Dr. Steele is investing a $2 million philanthropic gift in the Sobey School of Business' Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation program which will enable it to double the size of the program, create new resources for research in the area of entrepreneurship, and support students by providing scholarships and awards to student entrepreneurs.

Over ten years, three major initiatives will be supported by this gift. They are:

• The Steele MTEI Scholarships: These scholarships will support bright, creative and motivated students who have chosen the MTEI program to help them achieve their dreams of being an entrepreneur.
  

• The Steele Entrepreneurship Awards: These entrepreneurship awards will be awarded to MTEI student entrepreneurs who are in the earliest stages of starting new businesses.
  

• The Steele Professorship in Entrepreneurship in the Sobey School of Business: This new professorship will provide additional capacity and support to expand and broaden entrepreneurship research intensity at the Sobey School. 

“This gift reflects the outstanding success of our MTEI program over the past six years and recognizes the tremendous impact of the program on entrepreneurship and innovation in Atlantic Canada,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Saint Mary’s and the Sobey School of Business are the entrepreneurship leaders in our region, and programs like MTEI show why we are part of a rising entrepreneurship tide both nationally and internationally.” 

“On behalf of Saint Mary’s University, the Sobey School of Business, and the MTEI program, I want to thank Dr. Steele for his commitment to the continued success of our institution and entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada and beyond,” says President Summerby-Murray.  

The Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Saint Mary’s University is a comprehensive, cross-sector program that combines the knowledge and skills of a management program with marketing, leadership, finance, accounting, communications, economics and information technology. Alumni from the program have started their own companies ranging from rope-less lobster traps to companies specializing in customized lighting, water quality measurement, and training for recreation gaming to e-sports. Alumni have also added value to companies by bringing their MTEI expertise to management at different businesses. Those business areas include companies that deal with cybersecurity, virtual conferencing solutions, and transitioning traditionally retail-based services to at-home delivery.   

“The Sobey School of Business is preparing the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs and researchers in business and entrepreneurship,” says Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “With the rapid change this year in how businesses operate, programs focused on the integration of technology and innovation like MTEI are more important now than ever before. With this gift, we can continue to expand the scope of the program, engage more entrepreneurs and researchers in growing knowledge creation and expanding the entrepreneurship and start-up sector.”

SMU joins Atlantic universities offering region-wide virtual events for student entrepreneurs

Seven universities in Atlantic Canada are co-ordinating efforts to engage and support student entrepreneurs by hosting virtual workshops this fall.

Five virtual workshops and an additional three virtual fireside chats for female-identifying students will be hosted by different participating institutions. Students across all campuses are eligible to attend for free.

The fireside chats, titled Women Leading Startups, are in partnership with the Canadian Ecosystem Gathering and aim to provide additional support and inspiration for female-identifying students, who are traditionally under-represented in entrepreneurship. The chats will introduce students to women who have founded high-growth startups in Canada and allow them to network in a safe and dedicated virtual space.

Two of the workshops, How do I entrepreneur? and Stayin’ lean, are supported by Propel, an online accelerator for technology startups in Atlantic Canada.

The post-secondary institutions participating in these workshops include:

·       Cape Breton University

·       Dalhousie University

·       Memorial University of Newfoundland

·       Mount St. Vincent University

·       Saint Mary’s University

·       University of New Brunswick

·       University of Prince Edward Island

Florian Villaumé, director of the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship at Memorial University in St. John’s, N.L., says the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to reach more students through virtual events and by co-ordinating efforts between all the universities.

“Having most students studying online has opened new opportunities to inspire and enable aspiring student entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Villaumé. “With the support of Propel and Canadian Ecosystem Gathering, we are collectively investing in the future of student-led startups. This collaboration will create a strong connection between entrepreneurial students across the region, thus making the foundation of the Atlantic Canada startup ecosystem stronger.”

The workshops include topics such as: How do I entrepreneur?, Uncover the right idea; Stayin’ lean and Take on tech.

“Creating a culture of innovation and increasing awareness of available programming across the Atlantic region is amplified by this effort,” said Jeff Larsen, executive director of innovation and entrepreneurship at Dalhousie University. “By working collaboratively, we are able to expand our networks and reach to allow students, academics and community members exposure to the markets, opportunities and experiences that exist outside their home institution.”

The first workshop, How do I entrepreneur?, will be held on Sept. 24.

Enactus Saint Mary’s moves program to help youth develop employment skills online

The OptionsOnline.ca homepage.

The Saint Mary's University program that helps Nova Scotian youth overcome barriers to employment and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to work or return to school is moving online.

"The Options Youth Program has been running since 2002, funded by the Government of Canada," says Brennan Daley, a project manager with the Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre, who oversees the program. "Traditionally, it's been a face-to-face training program, but in 2019 we applied for funding to move the program online. With the current situation with COVID-19, the online version is even more timely." 

The Options Youth Program is a Nova Scotia wide employment wage subsidy program, facilitated by the Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre and Enactus Saint Mary's and funded by the Government of Canada through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The objectives of Options Youth are to help employers cover the cost of training while helping priority youth (age 15-30) overcome multiple barriers to employment, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to the labour market or return to school. For participants who need assistance to access online learning resources are available.

"This program is an invaluable resource for Nova Scotian youth to develop the life skills and the practical skills necessary to find meaningful employment after the program is finished," says Ossama Nasrallah Bcomm'18, co-owner of The Harbour Watercraft. "As a new business owner, it is very rewarding for myself and my team to help these youth and watch them progress with their time here."

“Our government recognizes the importance of investing in Canada’s youth and helping break down barriers to employment. Programs like the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy gives young Canadians the support they need to launch a meaningful career, and are especially important during these trying times. Our government’s investment in the Options Youth Program will go a long way in helping Nova Scotia’s youth.”

— The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

The program consists of a 6 to 10-week skills session followed by a 20-week work experience. During the skills session, participants will take part in employability skills training online. They will have access to a milestone-based curriculum that is tailored to their individual needs and focusing on essentials skills. Participants are paired with a case manager from their area and an Enactus student that will act as a mentor and support throughout the program. Once this is completed, they will move to the 20-week work experience.

"This is a great program for both youth participants and employers," says Michael Sanderson, director of the Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre. "It helps connect priority youth with businesses looking for workers. We have seen great success over the years, and we are very appreciative of the continued support of the Government of Canada."

“Our government recognizes the importance of investing in Canada’s youth and helping break down barriers to employment. Programs like the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy gives young Canadians the support they need to launch a meaningful career, and are especially important during these trying times. Our government’s investment in the Options Youth Program will go a long way in helping Nova Scotia’s youth.” – The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

The Government of Canada has invested $786,705 in the Options Youth Program over the next three years through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The new online version of the program launches later this summer.

For more information, visit optionsonline.ca.

Saint Mary’s announces prominent alumna as new RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence

Saint Mary’s University alumna Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92 is joining the university as the newest RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence.

"I'm excited to begin working with students as the RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence,” says Susko. “Being a Saint Mary's University alumna myself, it's an incredible feeling to be able to give back to the community and share my experience and business expertise, helping students reach their entrepreneurial goals."

Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92

Susko is a successful serial entrepreneur and is the founder and CEO of Metronome United. Recognized in March 2020 as one of Canada’s Top 25 Inspirational Women Leaders, Susko was also named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018. Susko has built and led high-growth tech companies in the financial services industry. In six years, she co-founded, managed, and sold two companies: Subserveo, Inc. and Paradata Systems Inc.

“As we welcome Shannon and her extensive business expertise to the team, I want to express our gratitude to RBC for driving entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s,” says President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “This initiative launched a year ago and is funded by the RBC Foundation as part of the RBC Future Launch program. They have invested $695,000 over three-years in work-integrated learning at Saint Mary’s, and I want to thank them for their continued support.”

As home to the RBC Talent Hub, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC) hosts two Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR), giving students access to some of Canada’s top entrepreneurs. The EIR are selected based on their passion for entrepreneurship, as well as their ability to provide a breadth of advice and information.   The RBC Talent Hub also includes an entrepreneurial mindset success certificate, multi-level skilled entrepreneurship training workshops, a student consultant team and a talent fund for co-operative education.

“We are delighted that Shannon will be joining the RBC Talent Hub as the newest entrepreneur-in-residence,” says Kellie Sauriol, RBC’s Regional Vice President, Business Financial Services, Atlantic Canada. “Students fortunate to have her as a coach will no doubt benefit greatly from her valuable experience, business acumen and entrepreneurial mindset. We’d also like to thank Gregg Curwin for his past and future contributions.”

Saint Mary’s inaugural entrepreneur-in-residence, Gregg Curwin BComm‘90, has had such a great time creating impact through one-on-one coaching, connecting students to resources, and supporting other campus events, that he is staying on for a second term.

"This past year as the entrepreneur-in-residence has been incredibly exciting and very dynamic," says Curwin. "From the students and the faculty to the awesome SMUEC team, this program truly provides a world-class entrepreneurial experience. "

Curwin will continue to focus on general one-on-one coaching and virtual student drop-ins. In contrast, Susko will focus on a small cohort of student entrepreneurs, meeting with them regularly as a group and coaching them through her strategic processes.

“Shannon is an experienced entrepreneur and CEO, whose impact we have seen first-hand,” says Michael Sanderson, director, SMUEC. “We are ecstatic to add Shannon to our team. The knowledge she can share and the advice she can provide to our community will be a significant boost to the great work already underway through this program.”

SMU Entrepreneurship Centre partners with prominent alumna to expand free business coaching sessions

In response to COVID-19 and the challenges it poses to local businesses, the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre is expanding its consulting services to offer more free virtual one-on-one business coaching sessions. 

“Many local businesses are having to make tough decisions,” says Michael Sanderson, director, Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre. “We are here to connect local companies with free virtual one-on-one business coaching to help them find the best way forward for their business during this challenging time.” 

Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92

For the past few weeks, the centre has offered free virtual strategy sessions to Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs to help identify potential solutions to current challenges. Now through a partnership with prominent alumna and successful serial entrepreneur Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92, the centre is expanding those services. 

“I have more than twenty years of experience building and leading high-growth technology companies in the financial services industry, and during that time, I have dealt with adversity and economic downturns,” says Susko, CEO and founder of Metronome United. “Now, I share that knowledge and experience with 60 Metronome coaches and their clients worldwide. We help CEOs and leadership teams overcome obstacles and grow. We know that businesses are facing significant challenges as a result of COVID-19, and we are here to help you.” 

Recognized in March 2020 as one Canada’s Top 25 Inspirational Women Leaders, Susko was also named as one Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018 and was awarded Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2001. Susko has built and led high-growth tech companies in the financial services industry. In six years, she co-founded, managed, and sold two companies: Subserveo, Inc. and Paradata Systems Inc. 

For more information, visit www.smuec.ca and www.metronomeunited.com .

Commerce and engineering students shine at international competition in Montreal

(l-r) Clifford Isenor, Andrew Herold, Kaitlyn Anderson and Kevin Schwarzer

During February break, Clifford Isenor and Andrew Herold represented Sobey on a cross-faculty elite team that travelled to Montreal to take part in the ENGCOMM Case Competition, billed as "the cross-disciplinary case competition combining both engineering and commerce." The competition was hosted by the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University and aims to collaboratively find solutions to real-world challenges faced by modern industries.

Representing the engineering side of the equation were Kaitlyn Anderson and Kevin Schwarzer, a student who had worked with the David Sobey Centre on their recent retail robot initiative. Team coaches were Sobey's Case Competition Coordinator Breagh Matheson, MBA, and professor Luke MacDonald of the Division of Engineering.

Fourteen schools competed including the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, University of Vermont, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, Western, York, Ryerson, McMaster, the Technological University in Dublin, Ireland, and the American University in Cairo.

Over four days, students completed and prepared case analyses on sponsor companies Global Medic, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and L3 Harris.

Overall: Saint Mary’s University was extremely competitive, with judges applauding their creativity and seamless flow of presentations. The team improved with every presentation, scoring higher with each consecutive day. After the 12-hour final case prep presentations, they were scored only three points behind the leader in their respective pool, making it a very close competition. The students refined their analysis and presentation skills and overall, had an incredible time.

During the opening dinner the team was seated with several executives of L3 Harris, providing our students with incredible networking opportunities.

The team would like to thank the following sponsors: Sobey School of Business, Dr. Malcolm Butler, Vice-President Academic and Research, the BComm Advising Centre, the Dean of Science Office/Science Advising, Engineers NS and SMUSA.