Two local entrepreneurs are pushing forward with startups powered by their interests and experiences.

Brock graduate Lena Miele (BEd ’09, MEd ’16), founder of Pathways to Purpose, and second-year Sport Management student Isaac Dance, founder of Hang Time Display, took home top honours and a $2500 prize at the Navigate pitch competition on Wednesday, April 1.

The event celebrated the latest cohort of Brock LINC’s 11-week Navigate program, which helps participants test and develop early-stage business ideas through market research, mentorship and customer feedback.

Miele, an experienced educator, shared in her presentation that many students lack access to supports that strengthen lifelong independent learning skills. She is developing Pathways to Purpose to help students in Grades 7 to 12 build stronger independent study habits, learning strategies and time management skills.

Second-year Sport Management student Isaac Dance (left) and Lena Miele (BEd ’09, MEd ’16) won $2500 each at Brock LINC’s Navigate pitch competition on Wednesday, April 1.

“The Navigate program gave me valuable insight into my audience, strengthened my value proposition and helped me move Pathways to Purpose forward in a more intentional and strategic way,” she said. “It also gave me the clarity to position my work not just as support for students, but as a broader solution for families, educators and community organizations navigating gaps in students’ independent study skills.”

Dance’s passion for the business and innovation side of sport inspired him to develop Hang Time Display as a way to help fans celebrate memories tied to sport, identity and personal milestones. His initial product is an affordable, attractive solution for displaying meaningful jerseys.

“Navigate was just about the best thing that could have ever happened for my business. I cannot imagine where my idea would be right now if not for the incredible mentorship team at Brock LINC. They helped me grow like I could have never imagined,” he said.

Brock LINC Entrepreneurship Program Manager Tamara Jensen said Miele and Dance’s final pitches reflected the commitment participants bring to the program week after week.

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our participants show throughout the full 11 weeks of Navigate,” she said. “What makes this program so meaningful is seeing entrepreneurs take an idea that matters deeply to them, test it, strengthen it and then share it with confidence. Lena and Issac both demonstrated just how powerful personal passion can be when it is paired with curiosity, discipline and a willingness to learn.”

The event also featured an panel highlighting past Navigate participants who have continued to build on the momentum of their early entrepreneurial journeys through additional programing at the Brock LINC, including Alex Fischer, co-founder of MosoPlay Games; Kelsey Pitt, founder of The Selfie Spot; and Justin Mafie, founder of CREOVA. Their reflections offered current Navigate participants insight into potential next steps on their entrepreneurial journeys, from refining business models to growing visibility and confidence as founders.

Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 cohort of Navigate. The free program is open to Brock students and employees as well as members of the Niagara community. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 29. For more information, contact Jensen at [email protected]