RBC Fast Pitch Competition 2016

What is the RBC Fast Pitch Competition?

The RBC Fast Pitch Competition represents the culmination of the Entrepreneurial Thinking (ENTI) 317 course at the Haskayne School of Business. Watch as 12 student teams pitch their new business concepts to a panel of expert judges for more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes to help turn their business concepts into reality.

Who are the judges?

• Jeff Boyd, Regional President, Alberta & The Territories, RBC Royal Bank
• Keith Brown, President, Trailtech Inc.
• Joon Chan, Partner, PwC Canada
• Jerilynn Daniels, Sr. Manager, Community Investments and Marketing, Alberta & The Territories, RBC Royal Bank
• Kari Gordon, Executive Director, Startup Calgary
• Kris Hans, Strategist, Market Grade
• Derrick Hunter, President, Bluesky Equities Ltd.
• Charlie Locke, Proprietor, The Locke Stock & Barrel Company/The Lake Louise Ski Area
• Sarine Mustapha, Senior Vice President and Associate Portfolio Manager, BMO Nesbitt Burns
• Jim Pasieka, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault
• Jeff Robson, President, Vada Capital
• Jodi Scarlett, President, ProStar Cleaning and Restoration

Who are the finalists?

The 12 RBC Fast PItch competition finalists, in alphabetical order:

1. AgriSwamp
2. B-Clean
3. Canine Hoodie-Footie
4. Cups2Go
5. eGrain
6. Fresh N’ Fast
7. Impakkt
8. Lance-A-Lot
9. Oh Hail No
10. Snowbot Industries
11. STOCK
12. Stop & Start

What are the prizes?

Competition prizes have been made available through the generous support of RBC, PwC Canada, Market Grade and McCarthy Tétrault..

First Place Prize

• $10,000 cash (RBC Foundation)
• $20,000 in-kind services (Market Grade)
• $20,000 in-kind services (PwC)
• $20,000 in-kind services (McCarthy Tétrault)
• $40,000 seed funding (Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

Second Place Prize

• $5,000 cash (RBC Foundation)
• $10,000 in-kind services (Market Grade)
• $10,000 in-kind services (PwC)
• $10,000 in-kind services (McCarthy Tétrault)

Third Place Prize

• $2,500 cash (RBC Foundation)
• $10,000 in-kind services (Market Grade)
• $10,000 in-kind services (PwC)
• $10,000 in-kind services (McCarthy Tétrault)

What is the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation?

The Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Haskayne School of Business is focused on shaping a new generation of entrepreneurial thinkers. Entrepreneurial thinking is a way of approaching decision-making and problem-solving through an entrepreneurial lens. It involves creative, progressive thinking and an interest in continuous improvement – recognizing opportunities and knowing how to capitalize on them in real time. The centre promotes an inclusive, action-based and practical methodology for applying entrepreneurial thinking across all organizations, large and small. Research in the areas of entrepreneurship and innovation provide the impetus for curriculum development and new program ideas. Both undergraduate and graduate students benefit from action-based learning in all aspects of entrepreneurial thinking and action, and have the opportunity to test their skills in class and in partnership with industry.
 
Haskayne’s Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was established in February 2013 thanks to a lead donation of $5 million from Doug and Diane Hunter and nearly $3 million in additional support from Calgary entrepreneurs Wayne Henuset, David Robson, Charlie Locke and Keith Brown.