February 9, 2022

Rotary Den is coming to Medicine Hat College (MHC), giving students and alumni an opportunity to pitch their business ideas and compete for cash against other Alberta schools.

Taking a post-secondary spin on the popular Dragons’ Den reality show, Rotary Den is a co-college collaboration that highlights entrepreneurship education. Participants from MHC, along with Bow Valley College and Olds College, submitted recorded pitches in January to local Rotary groups for evaluation. The top two pitches from each college advanced to a virtual live event on February 10 and all six participants will walk away from the final competition with cash prizes that are matched by the Rotary clubs in their respective communities.

Representing MHC and competing for $9,000 in the finals are Amanda Dyck and Lexie MacGregor. Dyck is an alumna of MHC nursing program with a side hustle focused on plant-based food made from hemp, while MacGregor’s business pitch promotes pet care. Both entrepreneurs are participants in the EDC Venture Essentials Program delivered through Continuing Studies at MHC.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect students and alumni across our institutions. Not only do we learn and grow from the educational components of the experience, we also gain appreciation for the role of service clubs that give back to our communities,” says Timothy Spielman, dean of business and continuing studies at MHC.

“We are grateful for the support of the Rotary network, and especially the Sunrise Rotary Club here in Medicine Hat for their ongoing commitment to student success at MHC.”

The live event on Feb. 10 starts at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. To register, please visit https://lu.ma/Rotary-Den.