Canadian Academic Entrepreneur Challenge
Canadian Academic Entrepreneur Challenge
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  • Resources
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Frequently asked questions

Q: What is a basic outline of the Canadian Academic Entrepreneur Challenge?

A: Teams of Canadian post-secondary students are tasked with imagining a distinctive product, and then, by utilizing the fast growing direct-to-consumer channel, outlining an innovative and entrepreneurial sales model to create market success.


The Entrepreneur Challenge format involves short written answers (of 200-300 words) to a series of questions, focusing on key aspects of the entrepreneurial process.

Q: How many rounds are there in the Entrepreneur Challenge?

A: There are two rounds. If your team is one of the up to ten teams selected from First Round submissions by our judging panel, you will then need to complete a further Final Round of activities, which will involve answering additional questions about your proposed business activity.

Q: When can I register a team for the Entrepreneur Challenge and receive the Competitors’ Package?

A: Registration is open from September 28, 2022, until November 30, 2022.

Q: Can I enter as a one-person team?

A: No. There must be two to four individuals registered as part of your team. Having less than two or more than four team members will disqualify your submission and your entry.

Q: My team members go to different schools, can we register?

A: Yes. As long as your team members are all 17+ and enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year at an officially recognized Canadian university or college, you may enter. Residents of Quebec are not eligible to participate in the Challenge.


Visit the Challenge Terms & Conditions for full eligibility details. 

Q: When are submissions due?

A: For the First Round, you must answer all four questions in the Competitors’ Package and submit, along with team member details, by 11:59pm (EST) on December 5, 2022.


For those team who qualify for the Final Round, submissions are due by 11:59pm (EST) on January 30, 2023.

Q: What format should First Round submissions take?

A: Teams must submit one document in .PDF format, which should include answers to all six questions set out in the Competitors’ Package, as well contact and school information for each team member.

Q: What are the judging criteria for the First Round?

Our judging panel will evaluate each competition submission received against the following criteria:

  • Completeness
  • Creativity & Ideas
  • Meeting Submission Parameters
  • Format & Layout


Further details of judging criteria are included in the Competitors’ Package.

Q: When will I find out if my team has made it to the Final Round?

A: Qualifying teams will be notified via email by December 5, 2022. Depending on the quality of submissions, up to ten teams will qualify for the Final Round.

Q: What happens if I need more information to answer a question or to finalize my submission?

A: You can email us at info@entrepreneurchallenge.ca with your questions. We will endeavour to get back to you with an answer within 48 hours.

Q: What is the direct-to-consumer channel?

A: Direct-to-consumer (D2C) refers to the selling of products by firms to their end customers without selling through retailers, distributors, wholesalers or other outlets. 

Models of D2C selling include:

  • Online sales (via your own site or a marketplace)
  • Direct selling
  • Influencer marketing
  • Referral marketing
  • Social selling
  • Affiliate marketing


The direct selling model is a specific form of D2C channel marketing. Firms that use the direct sales model use a variety of person-to-person approaches to promote products and services directly to their end customers. 

Q: I want to incorporate this challenge into my lesson planning, where can I find more information?

A: Please email us at info@entrepreneurchallenge.ca and we will contact you with information on how you can get started. Also, visit the Resources page for further background reading.

Meet the Judges

Derek Hassay

Tracie Graham

Tracie Graham

Derek is Assistant Professor Emeritus, Marketing, at the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business.

Tracie Graham

Tracie Graham

Tracie Graham

Tracie is the General Manager, Canada, for USANA Health Sciences.

Peter Maddox

Sue Timmermeister

Sue Timmermeister

Peter is the President of the Direct Sellers Association of Canada.

Sue Timmermeister

Sue Timmermeister

Sue Timmermeister

Sue is the Director, Strategic Development and Business Services, for Mary Kay Cosmetics.

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