Energrow
Jasmin Hofer and Ashley Smith

I think what helped most was the confidence I gained from having to get up in front of people who might not know anything about farming and present my business plan. I also developed a lot of great contacts during the competition process. Without the Nicol Awards, I probably wouldn't have come as far I have. — Jasmin Hofer

Jasmin Hofer was a full-time, third year student at University of Waterloo studying German Applied Studies, with a specialization in international trade, when she started Energrow. Born in Switzerland and raised on her family's farm in Newton, Ontario, Hofer got the idea for the business after visiting Europe and learning how farmers there were producing their own feed meal and renewable biofuel from oilseed crops.

Energrow supplies vegetable oil expellers and production systems. The Energrow System provides a scalable solution allowing farmers to extract maximum value from crops while reducing feed, electrical, and fuel costs. Energrow places farmers on the forefront of the renewable energy shift, offering an environmentally sustainable gateway to a greener tomorrow.

Where Are They Now Update on the 2007 Nicol Winner (March 2008)