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Lots of Brains…and More Mussels

Participant: Hal Montgomery, Acadia University, Nova Scotia
Business name: Hal’s Mussel Hatchery
Concept: using innovative biotechnology to reliably produce triploids, which have three sets of chromosomes and the advantages in growth and meat quality that are often conferred by their sterility. As a result shellfish farmers will be able to sell mussels when they would not normally be in stock while speeding inventory turnover to take pressure off working capital investments. More Finalists >

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Developing the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs...

Have you got an idea for a better mousetrap or a completely new blockbuster business concept that you’re convinced will succeed? Do you feel an entrepreneurial spirit surging through you like an electric current? Are you ready to pitch your ideas to the nation’s top entrepreneurs and compete with other participants from across your university and eventually the country? This is what The Wes Nicol Entrepreneurial Awards is all about: and more.

The vision

Introduced in 1997, this award is the result of a burning entrepreneurial passion by founder Wes Nicol, a successful Ottawa-based business leader, to create a unique, national-award program for young entrepreneurs. Wes’ vision was to introduce an award that:

• Recognized, celebrated, and championed the entrepreneurial spirit
• Mirrored real-world pressures and conditions that an entrepreneur must face to get the financial backing and support required for his or her idea
• Attracted the brightest students from multiple disciplines in addition to business: engineering, philosophy, science, art, and others
• Helped to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs to drive the Canadian economy

This vision has become a respected annual event that consistently attracts the brightest up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the country. The original Award was endowed at Carleton University, Wes’ alma mater, and has been a successful annual event at the Sprott School of Business ever since. Today fifteen Canadian universities host Local Competitions that culminate in the very best teams being sent to Ottawa for a National Competition and an exhilarating, prestigious gala event.

What’s different?

Being a business or MBA student doesn’t guarantee you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur or to deliver a plan. Unlike many traditional business school awards, The Wes Nicol Entrepreneurial Awards is not about who delivers the most polished presentation. It recognizes:

• The importance of the entrepreneurial spirit and its key role in the success of a business
• That excellent business ideas can come from students in any program

No other business award program offers participants as true-to-life an experience or one that is open to any student, with any idea, in any program. Today the award is supported by celebrated entrepreneurs, leading academic institutions, and a long and growing list of successful alumni.

Ready to participate?

This is a pulse-pounding, unique experience that will enable you to test your ideas, build a potent network, and establish mentors for life. Apply now if you:

• Are attending a university that has been selected to participate
• Have a solid idea for a new business
• Want to pitch your ideas to some of the most accomplished entrepreneurs in your community and the country

But my university isn't participating...

You're in luck! We are in the process of developing our program to include a Regional Competition, an inter-collegial qualifying-round for the National Competition. We are accepting four new schools in Western Canada and three in Eastern Canada and would be happy to hear from you. Talk to your business faculty and have them to contact us at info@nicol-award.com.