Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) Canada provides a platform to do just that; explore areas outside one’s comfort zone.

From May 9^th -11^th, 2011, ACE Canada hosted the 2011 ACE Canada National Exposition in Toronto. ACE Canada is a national organization dedicated to teaching and igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Students leverage the positive power of business to make a difference in their communities.

Over 45 post secondary institutions across Canada competed during this year’s exposition, showcasing the impact of their initiatives locally, nationally and internationally. This is also an amazing opportunity to network with driven students and meet new people.

SIFE Ryerson at the 2011 ACE Canada National Exposition

Throughout the year, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Ryerson runs a diverse portfolio of programs and initiatives to make a difference in our community.

These initiatives range from helping entrepreneurs launch their first business, to teaching at-risk youth how to open a savings account, to encouraging students to pursue an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Competitions give our team the opportunity to showcase the impact we have each year. More importantly, it is an opportunity for our team to develop personally and professionally as we invest hundreds of hours crafting a presentation to “wow” the judges.

This year at the national exposition, SIFE Ryerson competed in the following categories:

• 2011 SIFE Financial Education Challenge
• 2011 TD SIFE Entrepreneurship Challenge
• 2011 SIFE National Competition

This Year’s Results

• SIFE Ryerson was Second Place for the 2011 SIFE Financial Education Challenge
• SIFE Ryerson was Second Place for the 2011 SIFE National Competition

* SIFE Ryerson’s 2011 TD SIFE Entrepreneurship Challenge team didn’t place but are recognized as the 2011 TD SIFE Entrepreneurship Regional Champions

Congratulations to SIFE Memorial University for being named the 2011 SIFE National Champions. As Team Canada, they advance to the 2011 SIFE World Cup hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia later this year.

Key Takeaways for SIFE Ryerson from the Competition

We are fortunate to earn awards and recognition for our impact but there are intangible benefits of being part of the competition that don’t necessarily show up on annual reports or press releases. Here are four key takeaways for our team:

Ability to Communicate

The professional communication is critical to succeeding in business. Whether it is the first time a member is presenting or the 4^th time, competitions push each individual outside of their comfort zone to craft creative scripts, develop professional PowerPoints, and present with a heart full of emotion each and every time.

Time Management

Each SIFE Ryerson member is heavily involved with programs and initiatives that interest them, keeping them busy throughout the year (yup, even the summer). But working 10+ hours a day for weeks requires a level of discipline, establishing priorities and saying no to activities that aren’t productive (sorry Mom! lol). Managing life with school can be a challenge, but competitions are a beast of their own.

Team Building

Working tirelessly day-in and day-out can get to you at times. But, with all the trials and tribulations each presentation teams faces, at the end of the day, we become closer as a team. This results in higher levels of productivity because you learn to trust each other and are comfortable making compromises to get things done. Bottom line, trust is everything.

Learn to Think Bigger

No one can teach you this; it’s something you can only experience. Seeing the success of your own team and seeing the success of each SIFE team across Canada, you can’t help but be inspired! Personally, it motivates me to push a little harder, work a little longer into the night and do everything in my control to make a meaningful impact.

A Big Thank You!

But SIFE Ryerson wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we have been able to do each year without the following people. A big thank you to:

Ryerson University for their unbelievable level of support throughout the year.

Strategic Partners for allowing us to operate impactful programs and initiatives.

ACE Canada for providing a platform for students to push beyond their comfort zones.

Family and friends for understanding that we are making sacrifices today for a happier and brighter future.

And our faculty advisor and our coach, Dr. Steven Gedeon for motivating us when we need it most.

As a team, we can’t wait until next year to come out even stronger!

Love,

SIFE Ryerson

Article written by Nehal Kazim.

Acts of greens doesn’t necessarily mean selling your car and walk! Simple everyday lifestyle decisions such as recycling and taking public transit can make a difference. Last year, the RU Green? Challenge resulted in over 53,900 acts, offsetting 7.3 metric tones of CO2. Which is the equivalent of planting 1253 trees! Little green changes can make a huge impact; together, we can make that difference!

Save Money

Being green can save ca$h. Acts like shutting off lights when they are not in use, taking cooler and quicker showers, using energy efficient light bulbs and turning down the heater by 2 degrees. All these acts not only help save the environment, it also help save your wallet too.

Making a Difference

Never underestimate the power of one. One CAN make a difference. Each one will inspire many others. Be that one!

Invite your friends to join you on your RU Green? Challenge. Tweet it, Facebook it, blog it and feel good doing it

Win Prizes

Being environmentally friendly will win you prizes. Prizes include a Blackberry smart phone and a Starbucks tumblers! So Grab your friends and make a difference!

Sign up to make a difference today!

Follow RU Green on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

SIFE RYERSON works to CAN hunger at Ryerson White Ribbon Campaign’s ”What Makes a Man’ Conference!

Ryerson University is asking everyone coming to the ‘What Makes a Man’ White Ribbon Conferenceor the ‘Behind the Masc’ keynote event at Ryerson University on Saturday February 12th to bring a canned food item for the Let’s CAN hunger drive. They will be giving away prizes for those who bring items (to add to the good feeling you get from giving!)

When: Saturday February 12th, 2010
Time: 10:30 – 3:30
Where: SCC115, Ryerson University, 55 Gould St.

Ryerson White Ribbon Campaign presents a discussion-focused conference looks at the spectrum of identities, experiences and realities that determine ‘What Makes a Man’. While the conference is almost full, everyone is welcome to attend the keynote event ‘Behind the Masc’ with Carlos Andrés Gómez

Date: Saturday February 12th, 2010
Time: 4:30pm
Where: SCC 115, Student Campus Centre. 55 Gould St.
Admission $10 or pay what you can – *All proceeds go to the White Ribbon Campaign.

PLEASE BRING A NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEM -Will be going to Ryerson Community Food Room

Visit http://whatmakesman.wordpress.com for more details!

BUSINESS PLAN WRITING TRAINING TRACK

The Business Plan Writing Seminar proudly presented by StartMeUp Ryerson will enable participants to understand and master the art of business plan by learning the elements and factors of what it takes to transform a business plan into a winning contract with investors and executives.

This workshop is highly recommended for students planning to enter the $25,000 Slaight Communications Business Plan Competition, and anyone who wishes to gain valuable knowledge as Dr. Dave Valliere will be discussing how to create a dynamic business plan.

Areas Covered:

-          Importance of a business plan and the components that make a up a successful one

-          What investors are looking for within the business plan

-          Tips for the $25 000 Slaight Communications Competition

Come join us for pizza and drinks as Dr. Dave Valliere, the Chair of the Entrepreneurship department at Ryerson, takes you get one step closer to entrepreneurial success!

This event is part of the StartMeUp Training Track and is mandatory to receive the StartMeUp Certificate of Completion.

Dr. Dave Valliere (BASc, MEng, PEng, MBA, PhD) joined the Entrepreneurship and Strategy area after a long and varied career in industry.  He has worked as a Professional Engineer, in IT management for a range of large and small companies, in commercial banking for several high-tech sectors, and as a venture capitalist in the software industry.  He has a Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Engineering from University of Toronto, an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, and a PhD from Open University (UK).  Dave is currently the Chair of the Entrepreneurship and Strategy Department at Ryerson University.

SAGE Canada Workshop #4 : 2011 National Competition Preparation

For Full Details check out www.SAGECanada.com/workshops

Our next workshop will prepare you for the upcoming 2011 SAGE Canada National Competition. There are key changes in the program that will affect your presentation and how you will be judged.

You will be working with a SAGE Canada member to:

• Discuss changes of the 2011 SAGE Canada National Competition
• Discuss which documents are necessary for the National Competition (including annual reports and team data sheets)
• Outline all current and future projects for your SAGE team (please refer to template)
• Plan for the next 4 months of your SAGE projects

The workshop will be held on February 5th, 2011 from 12pm-3pm and will be hosted at Ted Rogers School of Management located at 575 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C5. Please register each team member attending by Wednesday, February 2nd. We are looking forward to seeing your team and having another successful workshop!

CHECK OUT StartMeUpRyerson.com/bpc for FULL DETAILS!

WHAT IS THIS COMPETITION ABOUT?

The competition is about you, an aspiring Ryerson student who has a great idea for a new
business, a burning desire to launch it, and a need for some seed capital to get it started. Thanks
to a generous donation from Mr. Allan Slaight of Slaight Communications, Ryerson University
is able to operate a competition where committed entrepreneurial students can be supported in
their desires to create new businesses in the community.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The $25K Slaight Business Plan competition is open to all current Ryerson University students. A majority of the business owners must be current students (full-time, part-time, con-ed).

IMPORTANT DATES:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH 2011 – First Round Submissions (OPTIONAL)

• Plans can be submitted electronically to submissions@startmeupryerson.com

and will receive feedback from MBA students, you will get your plans back on February, 25th, 2011

FRIDAY, MARCH 11th 2011 – Final Submission Date (MANDATORY)

FRIDAY, MARCH 18th 2011 – Top Five Teams Will Be Notified

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30TH 2011 – The Big Event

• The top five teams present their plans to a panel of expert judges

WHY YOU SHOULD ENTER:

There are lots of reasons. It’s a fun experience. It looks great on a resume. And if you are serious
about starting a business, it’s a great way to get expert feedback on your idea and your plan. You
can make some great new contacts that can help you get started on your business idea and get
you some media attention. You might even meet an investor who wants to put money into your
business. And if your goal is to successfully implement your idea, there’s the small matter of the
$25,000 prize.

HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS:

1. Register Your Team

Please register to become an active participant in the Business Plan Competition.

To register please send an e-mail with the following items listed below to: bpc@startmeupryerson.com
• Company Name
• Names of Team Members with Accompanying Student Numbers
• Company Biography
• **Attached Team Photo (Optional)
• **Attached Company Logo (If Applicable)

In addition, registering entails that your team fully understands the rules and details of the $25,000 Slaight Communications Business Plan Competition.

Note: If you submitted your plan for the first round of submissions, you do not need to resubmit
your company information for registration, but you must resubmit the plans according to the
guidelines for the final submission.

2. Create a Business Plan

You have a great idea, so why not turn it into something real? Create a business plan, using
everything you’ve learned about business, and every source of help you can tap into. Submit
your plan and make the shortlist.

3. Present Your Business Plan

If you make the shortlist, you will be invited to make a live presentation to the judges of the
competition along with an audience that may consist of entrepreneurs, investors, local media, and
Ryerson faculty members.

Win $25,000!!!!!!

If you win, you will be able to reimburse your valid business expenses by drawing against your
$25,000 prize amount.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PROVIDE:

You enter the competition by providing the requisite copies of a business plan, at the stated time
and place. (Please refer to the link “Submitting Your Business Plan” for details)

If you decide to enter the competition, you are implicitly agreeing to the following:

- To have your plan read by the judges and SBM faculty members, and to have it retained for
future comparison purposes.

- To sign a waiver of liability in favour of the University and Slaight Communications. You must
sign the waiver or you will not be permitted to present to the judges.

- To present your business idea to the judges and an audience of the general public (top 5
competitors).

- To meet with and provide information to representatives of the local media

- To participate fully in the awards night ceremony, including being on stage to receive your
prize, and having your photograph taken and used for promotional purposes by Ryerson
University or Slaight Communications.

WHO CAN I TALK TO IF I HAVE A QUESTION THAT IS NOT ANSWERED HERE?

General inquires can be made to: bpc@startmeupryerson.com

Ryerson University has transformed dramatically from the polytechnic university it was many years ago. For SIFE Ryerson, the support from administration has been overwhelming including flying to Los Angeles and hanging out with the team. Ryerson University has allowed the success of SIFE Ryerson and the growth of our programs.

TEDxRyersonU

On Saturday, November 27, 2010, it was the first year a TEDx conference was held at Ryerson University; TEDxRyersonU. The theme of  the event was “Inspiring Your Future.” Andrea Belvedere, former President of SIFE Ryerson and Co-Founder of SAGE Canada, was a speaker at the event.

Andrea’s goal of her talk was to illustrate on how she discovered her potential and how you can too. Andrea defined her journey as riding a bike; she mentioned “I just kept pushing myself.” From being guided by SIFE Ryerson’s Faculty Advisor, Dr. Steve Gedeon to taking opportunities that came to her, Andrea explained that even when she felt when the odds were against her, she kept pushing.The talk was finished with one message, “Dream big but act even bigger.”

Direction of Ryerson University

With President Sheldon Levy’s leadership, the university transforms every day. This year, Ryerson had more than 60,000 applicants for less than 7,000 positions. The direction Ryerson University is progressing in is one that will put university on the map internationally. As an organization, we are proud to be associated with a university that values the success of its student, alumni and its city!

November 18

Mystique Presents: “White Noise: Discover the Unheard” Fashion Show and Bazaar; Atrium 3rd Floor – George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, 6-9pm

This year the theme is “White Noise: Discover the Unheard” where there will be an all white dress code at the Atrium. The show will have 2 performances, 2 speakers, and the opportunity to mingle with industry leaders and mentors. Following the show, there will be a bazaar, where designers will have their creations for sale. Come and support them at this year’s fashion show.

Tickets are only $10!  Purchuse them here.

Tickets are limited!

Global Entrepreneurship Week at Ryerson

For one week, millions of young people around the world join a growing movement of entrepreneurial people, to generate new ideas and to seek better ways of doing things. Countries across six continents come together to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity. To think big. To turn their ideas into reality. To make their mark.

From November 15 – November 19, StartMeUp Ryerson and SIFE Ryerson is hosting Global Entrepreneurship Week at Ryerson University.

Through this initiative, the next generation of entrepreneurs are inspired and can emerge. In doing so, they will begin to acquire the knowledge, skills and networks needed to grow innovative, sustainable enterprises that have a positive impact on their lives, their families and communities.

November 15

Discover Entrepreneurship with Dr. Steve Gedeon; Pod250, 6-9pm

For the Kick off to the Global Entrepreneurship Week, join us as Dr. Steve Gedeon presents Entrepreneurship through his eyes/experiences. From starting up many ventures to successfully exiting, Dr. Gedeon will discuss what entrepreneurship means for him and will inspire you to become a successful entrepreneur.

November 16

$tart $mart Presents: The Debt Free Graduate; TRS 1-003, 4-6pm

Can you afford your debt slow you down years after you finish your university career? In collaboration with Ryerson OSAP Financial Office and Credit Canada, The Debt Free Graduate seminar will help students understand how student debt accumulates, how to manage it and how to get rid of it after graduating.

StartMeUp Ryerson presents: A night with Kevin O’Leary from Dragon’s Den; TRS 1-148, 6-9pm

He’s been called a shark, a dragon and the Merchant of Truth.   Every day he brings business advice to hundreds of thousands of investors across North America.  He is the one, the only, Mr. Kevin O’Leary and on November 16th he will be coming to Ryerson as part of GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK.  Come join one of Ryerson’s Entrepreneurship professors, Sean Wise, as he sits down one on one with the always entertaining financial guru for an in-depth discussion of all things money.

Following the event, at an exclusive meet and greet, Kevin will sign autographs and take pictures.

November 17

Training Track #6: How to Win Friends and Influence People; Library Building – Lecture Room 72, 6-9pm

This seminar will show you how to communicate in ways that help others feel important and appreciated, and ultimately become better performers. You can improve your ability to get things done by learning how to flex your influence muscle, and persuade others to your way of thinking without leaving them feeling manipulated.

By using tried and true Carnegie methods you’ll discover how you can set an example to foster a kinder, gentler and open communication environment. Lead with deeds and words to gain commitment, and achieve your goals.

November 18

Mystique Presents: “White Noise: Discover the Unheard” Fashion Show and Bazaar; Atrium 3rd Floor – George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, 6-9pm

This year the theme is “White Noise: Discover the Unheard” where there will be an all white dress code at the Atrium. The show will have 2 performances, 2 speakers, and the opportunity to mingle with industry leaders and mentors. Following the show, there will be a bazaar, where designers will have their creations for sale. Come and support them at this year’s fashion show. This event is sponsored by SIFE, StartMeUP, GEW, & W Burger Bar.

November 19

Global Entrepreneurship Week Wrap-Up Party!; WBurgerBar (10 College St. West), 6-9pm

After a long week of events, networking events and excitement, wrap up your week at WBurger Bar! Located on the Northwest corner of Yonge Street and College Street. StartMeUp Ryerson and SIFE Ryerson has reserved the part of the restaurant out for this GEW Wrap Up Party. Meet leading entrepreneurs in the city and enjoy fresh, never frozen burgers that make you melt!

If you have any questions or concerns about Global Entrepreneurship Week, please contact us at info@startmeupryerson.com.

GEW Supporters

Team Canada booth at the SIFE World Cup Cultural Fair

Many people that hear about the SIFE World Cup believe that it is all about competition. There’s more to it. On the surface, some believe that the purpose of the SIFE World Cup is to bring delegates from 40 countries around the world to a convention centre and make them compete for one team to be ranked one as the winner.

If you’ve ever been to the SIFE World Cup, you know that is only the tip of the ice berg.

The Impact of the SIFE World Cup on Team Canada

Canada was able to bring about 30 delegates from Team Canada (SIFE Ryerson) and a total of 100+ delegates from across the country. These Canadian leaders got exposed to the initiatives from other SIFE teams around the world. Most importantly, Canadian delegates were fortunate enough to hang out, laugh and share stories on challenges and success they have experienced with their SIFE teams.

After the competition was said and done, there was one word I kept hearing after talking with SIFE teams; inspiration. They are inspired to dream bigger, to push harder and make a greater difference in their community and around the world.

What was most important for SIFE Ryerson was that we came together as a team. There are times where we have a lot going on in our lives like SIFE, midterms, a job, family and friends. Sometimes, we take each other for granted and forget to appreciate the hard work each and every member puts in to make SIFE Ryerson what it is today. The SIFE World Cup gave the opportunity to turn off the phone, stay away from email, Twitter, Facebook, the headaches of life (bills don’t pay themselves, lol) and spend quality time with each other.

It could be laughing hysterically at a dumb joke about Drew Carey on the Price is Right or hanging out  in an extended Hummer Limo at midnight (living the good life…it was rented). We all had a lot of fun and there are many takeaways from the trip but building stronger relationships with the go-getters around you is truly invaluable.

An experience like this for our team was priceless and something we will cherish for a lifetime.

The result of the SIFE World Cup for Team Canada

Out of 39 teams that competed at the SIFE World Cup, Team Canada is ranked Top 16. We are fortunate to be ranked Top 16 out of 1500+ SIFE teams around the world.

As a team, this is a big milestone for SIFE Ryerson. Here is why:

• SIFE Ryerson was only established 5 years ago. We are thankful for the fact that we competed against strong teams like SIFE Memorial, SIFE Okanagan, SIFE Niagara College, etc and advanced to the next round of competitions.
• SIFE Ryerson received recognition on the world stage. There are 39 other countries Team Canada can collaborate with and grow with. With Canada having a noticeable presence at the competition, it places SIFE Ryerson is a position to succeed in the future.
• An accomplishment fuels the team and its supporters. It fuels the success of Ryerson University as more high school students look at the university from a different, more favourable perspective. It motivates our strategic partners to support and cheer us on to further grow our programs. And lastly, it fuels the SIFE Ryerson team to create a more meaningful impact.

We Want to Thank You

There is a reason why SIFE Ryerson continues to grow and succeed: our supporters. We couldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for our supporters. We want to thank:

SIFE teams from across Canada. Being there with us in Anaheim, dancing at the after party, cracking jokes and just shooting the breeze made us feel like a big SIFE family. Thank you for your support at the SIFE World Cup. Being there and cheering us makes us feel loved; big hug!

All of our strategic partners. There are many organizations in Toronto and worldwide that support SIFE Ryerson. They love SIFE and the endless energy we have. We can’t run successful programs without the network around us. The guidance and direction each strategic partner provides makes a difference.

VP of University Advancement, Adam Kahan and Dean of the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ken Jones

Ryerson University, the best university administration. The overwhelming support of President Sheldon Levy has been almost too much to swallow. He is a true champion of SIFE and trusts SIFE Ryerson blindly with projects that are close to his heart. VP of University Advancement, Adam Kahan and Dean of the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ken Jones blew us away with supporting us by visiting Team Canada in Anaheim, cheering us on and hosting a Thanksgiving dinner as we weren’t able spend it with family; your presence meant a lot to us.

ACE Canada. The time you put in to make our journey to the SIFE World Cup perfect was worth it. The 2010 ACE Canada Showcase of Champions was a lot of work over a short period of time and you guys made it a lot easier for us to go through. We were sometimes hard to get along with (we’re students, come on!) but we really appreciate the effort you made day in and day out to help us along the way. We will never forget it!

Our family and friends. We wake up at 6am to get to class, forget to call you throughout the day, come home at 10pm, kiss you hello, finish work and go to sleep for the day to start all over again. We make sacrifices today for a happier and brighter future. Hope you understand

Our Faculty Advisor, Dr. Steven Gedeon motivating and inspiring.

Our faculty advisor, Dr. Steven Gedeon. Steve, what can we even say? Steve, you mean a lot to us. There are hundreds of things you can be doing right now, starting up rock solid businesses, exploring the world and spending time with your loved ones. Instead, you spend endless hours motivating us, coaching us when we’re weak, bringing us back to reality when we’ re out of it and take the steps to pave a path for our professional and personal success.

We want to thank you for giving up a lot to be with SIFE Ryerson and we want you to know that it means the world to us.

Taking the Next Step

Now, SIFE Ryerson is back in Toronto. At the end of the day, the title of the 2010 ACE Canada Champions is temporary. We have to prove ourselves this year by working hard, staying focused and running programs as a team to have the same opportunity we had this year.

We are excited about the road ahead!

Missed our previous articles?

For a breakdown of our trip to Anaheim, here are links to older posts:

• Day 0: SIFE Ryerson is Off to the SIFE World Cup
• Day 1: SIFE Ryerson Lands in Anaheim
• Day 2+3: The Excitement of SIFE World Cup

Written by Nehal Kazim