Centre For Entrepreneurship - Making It's Mark
"Using the education I received at Mohawk College, I have been able to pave a career path in technology that aligns with my passion and interests.” Joseph Apps, Mohawk College Alumni, Advanced Computer System Development
The spirit of entrepreneurship is high at Mohawk College. There have been some award-winning days for students and Alumni to take note of.
Dragon's Den move over; we have Pitch It to Win It. In its ninth season the Pitch It to Win It competition started with SURGE within the school of business and now part of Mohawk College’s Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE). The competition gives students a chance to sell their business idea to a panel of business experts for a chance to win cash and in-kind prizes.
Pitch it to Win It! helps students refine their idea, gain exposure and build their confidence while tapping into an audience of industry and community partners to expand their network. With a record number of entries this year, four finalists were invited to present to a panel of entrepreneurs. For the first time the competition had two finalists from Skilled Trades.
Ube Desserts by Pan De Ordi received first place ranking, followed by The Sustainable Stylist; Good Guys Home Services and Go Industries. Congratulations to all Mohawk students who competed.
Following the Pitch It to Win It event, team members and faculty from the Business Fundamentals program represented the college at the First Ontario 1 Awards Gala Breakfast. The 1 Awards is the region's most established pitch competition. This year, over $200,000 in cash prizes and gift-in-kind services were awarded to four winners. Mohawk College's CfE won two of the four grand champion awards. Laila's Cheesecakes and Joe Apps.
Joseph Apps is President and Head Joe of Joe Apps and a proud Mohawk grad.
"My experience at Mohawk College was genuinely enriching and formative. The Advanced Computer System Development program provided me with extensive exposure to cutting-edge technology, which has been fundamental in honing my skills. The comprehensive nature of the program taught the technical aspects and the practical application of what we learned. The support system at the college was robust, with the administration consistently striving to ensure that students got the maximum benefit from their programs.
"The community was one of the most valuable aspects of my time at Mohawk. I was fortunate to meet a diverse group of people, both peers, and faculty, who were passionate about technology. Building relationships with them expanded my network and opened avenues for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and even friendships I cherish."
The impact and imprint that Mohawk College is making in the local entrepreneurial community were front and center at the 1 Awards Gala and when past and current winners were asked to stand and be recognized, all but two were Mohawk College or CfE Alumni; part of our Entrepreneurs in Residence program, or members of the College’s DEFY community – supporting female entrepreneurs.
Ryan Anderson is Mohawk College's Associate Dean of Business & Entrepreneurship and Manager of the CfE.
"I could not be prouder of our CfE community's impact on the local entrepreneurial landscape. Winning competitions show that our entrepreneurs are maturing and are successful, but more importantly, our CfE community is impacting our area through job generation, positive sustainability practices, and modern leadership. From our mentors to the work internal work of staff Alexis and Alyssa, the result is reflected in not just our successes in these competitions but in the way we are becoming a presence within the local business community. Our reach and impact on the community are growing, and I couldn't be prouder of the efforts of the team and the accomplishment of our CfE community.”
For upcoming events and to listen in on The Art of Disruption, see links below.