June 14, 2022

Networking with members of the business community and pitching business ventures is one of the best ways to land an investment. At least this was the case for two Medicine Hat College (MHC) students at the Business Launch Social, hosted by the Entrepreneur Development Centre (EDC) on June 1.

The EDC is an organization, supported by the RBC Foundation, which mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. The programs offered through the EDC are free to join for MHC students, and focus on helping students launch and grow their own businesses, by mentoring and connecting students with industry.

MHC Bachelor of Nursing student, Amanda Dyck, presented her business venture, Hempte, a revolutionary hemp plant protein that nourishes the body and earth, and walked away from the event with a $12,500 investment to help launch her business. Art and Design student, Peter Boeve also received an investment of $5000 in support of his business venture, Mr. B’s Gallery, which is an art gallery, studio and workspace.

While past EDC events followed a traditional pitch-style format, with entrepreneurs formally presenting their ideas in hopes of investment, this year they adopted a “speed-dating style” giving presenters a chance to build relationships and start conversations with the business community.

Some of the event attendees included members of the EDC Advisory Committee, a group of local business professionals and entrepreneurs who help inform and support activities in and around the EDC and serve as key mentors for its students and clients. Benita Sauer, certified public accountant, chartered accountant, partner at MNP LLP Cypress Region and member of the EDC Advisory Committee, appreciated the ability to connect with entrepreneurs in a new way.

“The EDC’s new approach was incredible to be a part of,” says Sauer. “Being able to see the ‘pitchers’ at our own table allowed us to get to know each of them in a way that wouldn’t be possible in the previous style. We were able to feel their excitement and hopefully allow for more open dialogue about their businesses.”

The students had mere minutes to pitch their ideas, followed by one hour where they networked and mingled amongst groups of business experts in areas including business operations, sales & marketing, business accounting, product development and technology & innovation.

“Each table was able to provide invaluable feedback to each entrepreneur in the form of advice, encouragement, inquiry and potential mentorship,” adds Sauer, who always appreciates the excitement of the process.

Learn more about the EDC: www.mhc.ab.ca/services/entrepreneurdevelopmentcentre