FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Student Entrepreneurs Showcased by Students' Union
On Tuesday May 8th 2012, Brock University Students' Union (BUSU) was pleased to host the
inaugural "Blueprint Entrepreneurship Showcase and Reception" at Brock University. The
reception was an opportunity for BUSU to showcase the three bright students who will become
the first participants in BUSU's new entrepreneurship program.
In 2011, BUSU launched Blueprint as a pilot program aimed at supporting the business ideas of
aspiring student entrepreneurs. Undergraduate students at Brock were encouraged to submit
their business ideas, in the hopes of being accepted into the program and being offered seed
funding, as well as mentorship and guidance.
With the help of local partners, including the City of St. Catharines, Growth Associates business
coaching, and Brock University itself, BUSU was able to launch the program and offer a seminar
to all applicants, giving them some insight into what it is like to start a business in today's
market.
Over 30 students submitted their business ideas to the program, and 10 were selected to
present their ideas to Blueprint's distinguished Advisory Panel. Advisory Panel members
included:
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Nick DiPietro, Executive Director, Niagara Venture Forum; Executive-in-Residence,
nGen; Member, Brock University Board of Trustees
Brian McMullan, Mayor of St. Catharines
Verne Milot, Founder, Growth Associates; Economic Development Transition Manager,
Niagara Economic Development Corporation
John Wilson, Director, Business Development and Commercialization, Office of
Research Services, Brock University
Daud Grewal, Former BUSU President
From the ten very impressive presentations, the Panelists selected 3 candidates to become the
first participants in the program.
Blueprint's top candidate and recipient of $5000 in seed funding is Meghan Chayka, with her
business StAthletes. Meghan Chayka is a resident of the Niagara region and will have a BBA
with a major in finance from Brock University.
Meghan's business StAthletes provides quantifiable evaluations of athletic performance in order
to solve the issues related to the subjective evaluations that plague professional franchises.
The company’s database of relevant statistics will be made accessible through a custom built
web-based application that will allow users to customize and interpret the raw statistics in real
time. The combination of the business’ unique database and customizable data communication
tool aids decision makers regarding player development, team acquisitions, and scouting. It
provides analytical and quantifiable data used by all levels of sport when making decisions.
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Blueprint's Second place candidate and recipient of $3000 in funding is Sarah Hansen, and her
business, Hansen Equestrian. Sarah will be graduating from Brock in October with a bachelor
of recreation and leisure studies with a focus in inclusive and therapeutic recreation and a minor
in business. She is from Richmond Hill Ontario and her family is made up of several generations
of entrepreneurs. Sarah started Hansen Equestrian in the summer of 2009 after running into
some bad luck at a summer painting job. The idea for the company came from a grade 10
school project Sarah had enjoyed and she was able to pursue her dream through a family
connection in the manufacturing industry. For 17 years now Sarah’s life has revolved around
her riding and involvement in the equestrian industry and Hansen Equestrian has been a perfect
way to turn her passion into a career.
The company manufactures competition supplies for equestrians. The main product is a show
sheet which is a versatile blanket that horses wear while away at shows to keep clean and
warm. Hansen equestrian offers a variety of other accessories for the equestrian competitor
including saddle covers, helmet bags, tack trunk covers, throw blankets and cushions to sit on
for spectators.
Blueprint's third place candidate and recipient of $2000 in funding is Scott Jutras, and his
business, My Pet Code. Scott moved to St Catharines from Sarnia, Ontario where he earned an
Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, he is now studying Business Communications at
Brock University. Scott's business, My Pet Code is an innovative concept that allows put owners
to create custom websites for their pets that can be linked with QR codes on collar tags. Scott
is currently selling off his inventory, all in preparation for a new subscription based revenue
model where the customer receives a free or low cost tag and a free 30 day subscription to the
My Pet Code site. Over the next few months Scott plans to revolutionize the way that pets are
identified and rescued.
At Tuesday's Reception, over 50 students, faculty and community members were in attendance
to meet the distinguished Panelists, and congratulate the new Blueprint students, and learn
more about their business ideas.
For information on BUSU Blueprint, the winners or to partner with the Program, please contact Arielle
Stockdale, Research & Policy Manager, astockdale@busu.net
For media related information including pictures from the launch, please contact Chris Green, Manager,
Marketing & Communication, cgreen@busu.net
For information on the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU), please visit www.busu.net, follow
@BrockBUSU on Twitter and visit www.fb.com/BrockBUSU.
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