Young people who may be the business leaders of tomorrow faced off at the 19th annual Northern Ontario Business Case Competition (NOBCC) on Wednesday.
Taking place at Algoma’s Water Tower Inn, the event saw 12 teams of post-secondary students compete in a high-pressure case study to gain first-hand industry experience.
“The NOBCC exemplifies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and leadership that we aim to cultivate in our students,” Dr. William Wei, dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at Algoma University, said in a news release.
The students were provided with an unfamiliar business scenario within this year’s theme of ‘Indigenous Business in a Sustainable World’.
Students received analog tools — no internet, phones, or tablets — to devise a comprehensive solution. The students then presented each case before a panel of judges comprised of local and regional business experts.
There were 11 teams from Algoma's Sault Ste. Marie and Brampton campuses while one team from Sault College participated.
The first-place team of Nicholas Trecoce, Jessica Gaetz and Mikaela McDermid from Algoma University’s Sault Ste. Marie campus was congratulated, along with all participants, for their outstanding problem-solving and creativity.
To view images from the event and the students, click here.
Dr. Howard Lin, professor of International Business and Entrepreneurship at Toronto Metropolitan University, delivered a keynote speech on Indigenous entrepreneurship.
"This competition not only showcases the calibre of our students and programs, but also fosters meaningful connections across Northern Ontario and beyond, where emerging business talent tackle real-world challenges with creativity and confidence," Wei said.
Among the guest judges were professionals from the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, Algoma University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ivey Publishing, the Aber Group, and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, along with other distinguished industry leaders.
The event was sponsored by Algoma University’s Faculty of Business and Economics, ISED Canada, Northern Ontario Angels, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Two-Brian Business, and Ivey Publishing.