VentureQuest
All students at the College have a chance to collaborate with like-minded people, create a network of socially focused entrepreneurs, and develop a business idea while competing for over $20,000 in cash and prizes.VentureQuest participants write a business plan that includes three full years of financial analysis at the end of the program, finalists deliver a five-minute pitch to guests, and a panel of industry judges.
The VentureQuest program is made possible by the generous support of our presenting sponsor TD Bank Group. This social entrepreneurship program gives Bow Valley College students, past and present, a chance to start a business that can have a positive impact on the community.
Through workshops, skills development sessions, mentorship, and networking opportunities, aspiring entrepreneurs get the chance to develop their entrepreneurial skills and cultivate their ideas into viable, socially responsible businesses.
The program culminates with our VentureQuest Gala where up to top 10 finalists present their ideas to over 100 guests including representatives from the different sectors of the Alberta entrepreneurship ecosystem and four pitching judges. The stakes are high with over $20,000 in cash and prizes awarded to the top three ideas.
Since its inception in 2014, Bow Valley College’s VentureQuest program has given more than 80 learners a chance to become social entrepreneurs. Thanks to the support of our community-minded sponsors and supporters we have awarded over $100,000 in cash and in-kind services. The entrepreneurial spirit and social focus of our VentureQuest program participants have been recognized and celebrated by the community.
VentureQuest 2023
This is the first year VentureQuest program activities went back to in-person since COVID-19. The 10th Annual VentureQuest Business Idea Competition Gala, where up to 10 VentureQuest finalists will intrigue 100 guests with their business idea pitches, will be held in-person, on April 13th.
Our Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
VentureQuest 2022 Winners
1st Place – Vincent Sarap with Convinz Canada: a safe and certified luxury goods platform that limits online fraud and scams.
2nd Place – Dorothy Man with Pawsome Tea: a bubble tea shop andas well as a place for people to snuggle with sheltered cats.
3rd Place – Jay Olea with The Butlers and Co.: a butler service, on-demand concierge, errands running, and events planning startup for international students in Calgary.
VentureQuest 2021 Winners
1st Place – Lormed Accessories: Fashionable medical accessories that share crucial health information with first responders.
2nd Place – Adjustable Bags: High-quality reusable bags.
3rd Place – ArtistsMasks: Bandana-style face mask featuring unique art.
Frequently Asked Questions
To participate in VentureQuest, follow the link bellow and submit a video entry together with a completed entry form to the Bow Valley College Facebook page before the end of the Entry Deadline. Read the Rules and Requirements and the Important Dates documents for more information.
Go to https://venturequest.ca/ for more information.
First Place: Harveer Singh Sandhu - Fuzzy Alpaca
Second Place: Jonell Senia - Shiftr Mobile
Third Place: Aline Nicoleli De Mello - Brazillian BonBon
6th Annual VentureQuest Business Idea Competition:
First Place: Franco Tabat - Shared Care
Second Place: Issha Shah - MealSurfer
Third Place: Joao Oliveria - YYC Charge
Most Votes Received, Facebook video: Chi Duong - P & D Creations
5th Annual VentureQuest Business Idea Competition:
First Place: Joelle Mason - Memory Laine, Mobile Consignment
Second Place: Amber Rowden - Once Upon A Story
Third Place: Micah Louison - LO8OP "Home in a Bag" (check out Micah's feature on CTV Calgary and CTV Global)
Most Liked Video on Facebook: Shorena Esartia - Cheesezza Delicious Food
4th Annual VentureQuest Business Idea Competition:
First Place: Sara Barreto - WafflePops (check out Sara's feature on Global News)
Second Place: Max Jimenez Pastran - Total Supplies Canada
Third Place: Luke Sikora - Spiller Balance
Most Liked Video on Facebook: Sara Barreto - WafflePops
3rd Annual VentureQuest Business Idea Competition:
First Place: Andrei Banu - LightBox
Second Place: Martial Nounezi - Cameroonian Food
Third Place: Sheriff Saliha - Innovative Mobile Apps Coding for Youth
Most Liked Video on Facebook: Mitra and Ali Kalantaian - Unique Rice Cakes
2nd Annual VentureQuest Business Idea Competition:
First Place: Malika Hamel - Malika's Mushrooms
Second Place: Nadeem (Aly) Jiwa - BeefWings (Check out Aly's interview on Global News)
Third Place: John Contois - Home School
Most Liked Video on Facebook: tied between Malika Hamel and Victor Lawrance
1st Annual VentureQuest Business Idea Competition:
First Place: Kayla Sollid - Books With Benefits (Check out Kayla's interview on Global News)
Second Place: Gillian Rouleau - Calgary Jam Scene
Third Second Place: Kaitlyn McKenney - Robbyn Hood
Most Liked Video on Facebook: Arash Niazi
For the updated dates and rules go to the VentureQuest Facebook Page: https://venturequest.ca/
