College of the Rockies business students awarded $8,000 through Dragon’s Den–style social enterprise competition supported by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior.
Students in the Bachelor of Business Administration – Sustainable Business Practice’s Social Enterprise course (MGMT 305) course at College of the Rockies showcased innovation and social impact during a final pitch competition focused on social enterprise—businesses designed to address community challenges while remaining financially sustainable.
A total of 19 students presented their ideas to a judging panel for the College of the Rockies / Economic Trust of the Southern Interior Social Enterprise Awards. The event highlighted the College’s flexible learning model, with both in‑person and remote presentations from local and distance students.
Award-winning social enterprise ideas
The top prize for social impact, valued at $4,000, was awarded to Sara Cooper for Pani’s Café, a project supporting Ukrainian women displaced by war through the creation of opportunities for connection, belonging and economic participation through food and community space in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Two projects tied for second place, each receiving $2,000:
Sierra Blackwell – Village Bagel, a social enterprise providing employment, workplace education and mentorship for young people aging out of the BC care system without supports.
Lexi Davis – Healthy Harvest, a sustainable farming initiative designed to extend the growing season and provide year‑round access to fresh greens for the Williams Lake community.
Applied learning with real-world impact
The judging panel included College of the Rockies faculty, Lauren Anstey (College Teaching & Learning Specialist) and Robyn Peel (Community Economic Development Manager,Community Futures East Kootenay), offering expertise in business development, community innovation and entrepreneurship.
The competition reflects College of the Rockies’ commitment to applied learning, giving students hands‑on experience in developing solutions to real social challenges. The awards were made possible through the support of the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior. The College thanks them for the support of student innovation.