The Path to Entrepreneurship Starts Here
The Contest
Thunder Bay Ventures is partnering with the business community for support with our Enter the Den (ETD) program/competition. It is important to show our future leaders the opportunities available in Thunder Bay and area for entrepreneurship as a viable career choice. Enter the Den is a business plan competition for Thunder Bay students (Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12). It is a gentler version of the TV show format with practical and encouraging feedback provided to all semi-finalists and finalists.
Win Cash for your Business Idea!
$1,000
$500
$250
The three cash prizes for each category will go to students with good business ideas that have been well researched, well presented, and well defended. Both written and verbal presentations will be required, and we expect that the students follow the format of a business plan in developing their business idea.
3 prizes for each grade category (Gr 7 & 8 and Gr 9-12) 1st place $1000, 2nd place $500 & 3rd Place $250.
This contest offers encouragement and supports students along the way. Several resources and supports will be available to assist students moving forward in the competition. This includes tips on writing the business plan, marketing do's and don'ts, presentation skills and more.
Students do not have to start a business - the goal of the competition is to teach students about what is involved in starting a business and to recognize that starting a business can be a career choice.
2025 Dates to Remember:
Deadline to Enter: February 25, 2025
Semi-Finals: April 8 & 9th | Finals: April 29th
A shout out to our 2025 Supporters:
** Ask us about being a supporter for the 2026 Competition, email us at enterthedentbay@gmail.com
2025 Finals Details
The media and public are invited to the Enter the Den School Business Plan Finals on April 29th at Confederation College (Room D322 – Shuniah Bldg) and there will also be live stream through zoom (details listed below). Starting at 9:30am with a lunch break at 12noon.
We expect to announce the winners around 2:30pm
ZOOM DETAILS:
Topic: ETD Finals - Morning session
(Gr 7 and 8 presentations)
Time: Apr 29, 2025 09:00 AM till 12 NOON - Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/92282012911?pwd=yGKwPKCPQr76b2JNNpW8hDnFOzV3WN.1
Meeting ID: 922 8201 2911
Passcode: 467829
Topic: ETD Finals - Afternoon session
(Gr 9 to 12 presentations – Winners announcement between 2:30 and 2:45pm)
Time: Apr 29, 2025 1:00 PM till 3:00 PM - Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/98064543337?pwd=UxPPvUBnJMk6IYRFHBNx0y6YatpzyM.1
Meeting ID: 980 6454 3337
Passcode: 487005
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Schedule for 2025 Enter the Den Finals on April 29, 2025
Location: Confederation College (Rm #322 TBayTel Lecture Theatre - Shuniah Building)
Presentations are every 20 minutes – |
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10:00 am |
Gr 7-8 Presentation #1 |
Sam |
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10:20 am |
Gr 7-8 Presentation #2 |
Devin |
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10:40 am |
Gr 7-8 Presentation #3 |
Brooke |
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11:00 am |
Gr 7-8 Presentation #4 |
Yousif |
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11:20 am |
Gr 7-8 Presentation #5 |
Emily & Rya |
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11:45 –12:30 |
LUNCH BREAK |
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12:40 pm |
Gr 9-12 Presentation #6 |
Sam |
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1:00 pm |
Gr 9-12 Presentation #7 |
Wabanaang |
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1:20 pm |
Gr 9-12 Presentation #8 |
Caleb |
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1:40 pm |
Gr 9-12 Presentation #9 |
Tristan |
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2:00 pm |
Gr 9-12 Presentation #10 |
Eryn (via zoom) |
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2:20 pm |
ETD Slide Show |
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2:30 pm |
Winner Announcements & Celebration Mingle |
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ETD Dates to Remember
Business Idea Deadline
TBA
Semi-Finalist Competition
TBA
Finalist Competition
TBA
Our 2023 Sponsors:
