May 22, 2018

Three student entrepreneurs at Medicine Hat College (MHC) are ready for the next step in their business ventures thanks to the Entrepreneur Development Centre’s (EDC) Start Up Company Pitch Competition. Combined, the participants won over $30,000 in grants, cash prizes and mentorship.

Results which, according to Christie Dick, entrepreneur advisor, are indicative of the hard work and dedication that they have shown throughout the process. 

“The students worked incredibly hard on their business plans and pitches between classes, jobs and family commitments. They are amazing. They are brave, courageous and they persevered to bring their best selves to the pitches. I am so proud of the work they have done and the courage they showed by presenting their business ideas to the judges and community.”

The businesses being launched are diverse.

Roxanne Doerksen, environmental reclamation technician student and owner of T.R.A.D Worm Industries, a vermiculture composting business, received $10,000 as well as Peoples’ Choice and Most Innovative Pitch.


(Image above: Roxanne Doerksen tries to beat the clock during her pitch)

Beth Lewis, business student and founder of Rustic Rose, an online western-themed jewellery and apparel company, was awarded $10,000 and the Best Pitch award.


(Image above: Beth Lewis showcases her apparel and jewellery)

And Cleodel Capiral, business student and with Aeon Café, a fandom themed coffee shop, received $2,500 and ongoing mentorship.


(Image above: Cleodel Capiral prepares for the next steps in her business)

“The students showed a lot of courage when they put themselves on the stage, we really want to congratulate them for that,” says Mark Keller, director of college advancement. “We also want to thank the faculty and staff that have volunteered their time to support these students and the partnerships that continue to allow us to provide opportunities like these.”

Keller explains that events like the pitch competition not only lend themselves to promoting the possibility of entrepreneurship and the concept of making a job, but also showcase what the future looks like for many students.  

“These three are indicative of what the future looks like for many students.  Our world is transitioning, there used to be a time where the pattern was go to school, graduate and get a job, now that has grown to include go to school, graduate and make a job. With our partners, the college is committed to supporting that change.”

The students will now have an opportunity to move onto the APEX Business Challenge, which includes aspiring entrepreneurs from throughout the community on June 15, 2018 at the college. For more information on the event visit: www.apexalberta.ca.

Medicine Hat College would like to thank the RBC Foundation, the main partner for their continued support of the EDC and entrepreneurship, as well as Alberta Innovates, Flag 5 and JMH & Co who provided coaching, mentorship and cash awards and prizes for the pitchers. 

If you would like to support entrepreneurship at MHC contact Jen Kerslake, manager of fund development at 403.529.3897 or jkerslake@mhc.ab.ca or Jenna Williams, community relations officer at 403.502.8995 or jwilliams@mhc.ab.ca