Designing Calgary's Future: WIC Business Case Competition Success

Celebrating Creativity, Collaboration and Innovation with 106 Student Participants

On Friday, Oct. 18, WIC proudly hosted its most successful Business Case Competition yet, bringing together 106 students from WIC, Rundle College and CFIS to showcase their creativity, strategic thinking and entrepreneurial talents. 

The Challenge: Building Calgary’s Future

This year’s participants embraced the role of city planners tasked with designing a sustainable urban neighbourhood in Calgary to accommodate 500,000 new residents by 2030 and an additional 1,500 residents in the McKenzie Towne area.

The challenge required students to balance innovation and practicality, adhering to zoning laws while integrating key amenities such as schools, hospitals and emergency services. Using various housing types, they aimed to create efficient and livable designs that maximize quality of life while minimizing space inefficiency. The competition was a testament to the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of these young minds.

Celebrating Our Winners

• Innovation Excellence Award ($1,200) - Team 14 from Rundle College  
• Business Vision Award ($600) - Team 19 from WIC (Kennedy D., Sama A., Yelizaveta C.)
• Business Development Achievement Award ($450) - Team 7 from CFIS

Special Recognition: Team Haven 

We are incredibly grateful to Team Haven - Lily Z., Basil M., Atticus L., Leighton P., Griffin T., and Simon B. - for their outstanding leadership in organizing and planning this event. Since March, these student leaders have collaborated closely with Calgary entrepreneur and real estate investor Mai Lee to bring this business case to life. Their efforts in organizing and planning this event, from concept development to execution, were nothing short of remarkable.

Thank you, Team Haven, for your extraordinary contributions!

Acknowledging Our Supporters

This event would not have been possible without the incredible collaboration of our partners, mentors and sponsors:

• Kazir Consulting Inc. for creating a dynamic and impactful competition framework.
• Mai Lee, President of the Jury, for her leadership and expertise in real estate development.
• Ikjot S., Student-Coordinator of the Business & Entrepreneurship Institute, for her dedication.

We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors for their invaluable support:

• Stone Concept Ltd.
• Cass Lintott, President, Lintott Law
• Mai Lee, Investor/Developer, Atticus Properties Inc.
• The Dey Family
• Josh Oswald
• Canada ICI Capital Corporation

Your generosity and passion inspire us to empower the next generation of leaders.

Meet Our Esteemed Jury

We are truly honoured to have a panel of jurors who bring diverse experiences and industry knowledge to this competition. Their insights were instrumental for our students when they presented their business cases:

• Anne Davidson - Associate Broker, Bloom Real Estate Marketing Group  
• Brent Ellergodt - President and Principal Residential Designer at Ellergodt Design  
• Cameron Smith - Sr. Client Executive, VP Business Development  
• Carlos Quintero - Client Success Leader, Trusted Advisor & Relationship Builder  
• Colin Showalter - Residential Construction Expert  
• Darcy Tuer - CEO, Zayzoon  
• Davis Roman - Lead Software Developer at IRISNDT, Class of 2015 WIC Alum
• Imad Mohsen - President and CEO at PAREX RESOURCES  
• Janine Rogan - CPA, Speaker, Bestselling Author, Financial Equality Expert  
• Jason Cameron - City Builder and Champion of Municipal Innovation  
• Kazir Coulibaly - Honorary Consul of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire in Calgary  
• Mai Lee - Investor/Developer, President of the Jury  
• Nick Zackarias - Professional Analyst  
• Sam Raison - 1st Year Finance Student at Haskayne School of Business, Class of 2024 WIC Alum
• Thomas Graham - Business and Engineering Student at UCalgary, Class of 2022 WIC Alum
• Trung Bien - Real Estate Expert at eXp Real Estate Team
• Zara Punia - Real Estate Major at Haskayne School of Business, Class of 2024 WIC Alum

Join Us in Shaping the Future

The success of this event reminds us of the importance of the Institute Program providing unique and innovative opportunities for students to think critically, collaborate and innovate. If you’re interested in mentoring students, sponsoring future events, or partnering with WIC, we’d love to hear from you! Together, we can inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow.

Email sandrineberezowki@mywic.ca to explore ways you can contribute to the continued growth of this incredible initiative.

Congratulations Again!

To all participants, your creativity, teamwork and dedication have set a high bar for future competitions. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the years to come.

Contributor

Sandrine Berezowski 
Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship