It’s entrepreneurship in action, as students from the Master of Management (M.Mgt) program’s Strategic Change Management stream showcased their business ideas, including a pet grooming business and an AI fashion app, to professors and fellow students in a simulated trade show. 

The experiential learning opportunity is designed to replicate a real-world trade show for new business ventures, where students assume the roles of both presenters and the audience. Working together, students creatively showcase and promote their new business ideas, while also critically evaluating the ideas of their peers, simulating potential investors' perspectives. 

“This is one of my favourite courses I’ve taken so far for a lot of reasons,” said M.Mgt student Esther Ohanaka. “I do intend to one day start and run my own business, and this course has made it easier to conceptualize my idea, test its feasibility, and apply the Business Model Canvas concept to take my idea from a wishful thought to a feasible [plan].”  

Esther and her group pitched the idea of an AI fashion app that encouraged users to shop small businesses, wear clothes they already had, and donate clothes they were no longer wearing.  

Patrick Mansourian and his group developed the idea of FurFresh, a mobile pet grooming service. Their pitch included a prototype website and app to convey the viability of the business venture.  

“This project has undoubtedly taught me valuable lessons on being a better active listener and communicating effectively… Although I understood these concepts theoretically, this project provided practical experience that deepened my understanding,” said Patrick.  

Some of the business ideas the students presented are early explorations of potential ventures, while others are ideas that students are looking to bring to market. Dr. Ken Chen, the professor who teaches the course, believes that some of the ideas will continue to develop beyond the classroom. 

“Entrepreneurship is about creating something new and useful,” said Professor Chen. “When you innovate, you face unknowns. Therefore, the essence of entrepreneurship education is to help develop a distinctive skill set and behaviours that are effective in managing uncertainty. This project helps students begin to appreciate and develop these essential skills and habits.” 

In the future, Prof. Chen hopes to invite local business leaders to the trade show to provide valuable feedback and further enhance the experiential learning experience for the students. 

Learn more about the Master of Management program at Trent University.