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 fourteen 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 Nicol Entrepreneurial Award 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