Media releases

• Brock program to help Niagara entrepreneurs kick-start their business ventures

  Thursday, September 15, 2022 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 14 September 2022 – R0103

  Drew MacNeil and Evan Sitler never thought of themselves as business owners, but that all changed once they met in Brock University’s Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship (KSE) program.

  The newfound friends quickly evolved into business partners, forming the e-learning and virtual reality consulting firm XpertVR.

  MacNeil says the program, which is now recruiting for its next cohort of entrepreneurs, has had a considerable impact on their business venture.

  “There were so many benefits: from working with other entrepreneurs in the program, receiving feedback from mentors and ongoing support, and gaining confidence from bouncing our ideas off other KSE members,” he says.

  The Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship program is aimed at young Niagara entrepreneurs, encouraging them to explore their innovative ideas and advance their early-stage entrepreneurial aspirations. Currently recruiting for its next cohort, the program is delivered by Goodman Group in collaboration with Brock LINC to provide youth with seminars and events, in addition to mentorship and advisory services from Venture Development, Brock LINC and Innovate Niagara.

  “The KSE program is essential for anyone with a business idea,” says Jenny Camargo, Goodman Group’s Manager of Professional and Executive Development. “It has been created to provide fundamental information about a business idea, how to evaluate it, the steps to starting a business, networking opportunities and one-on-one advisory meetings.”

  She said participants will “benefit from each component of the program, so they are able to make informed decisions on their path to success.”

  After completing Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship in 2016, XpertVR went on to win Brock’s Monster Pitch competition, and has worked with several incubator programs. The company, which recently marked its fifth anniversary, has expanded its team to 14 employees.

  “KSE was an amazing environment to take the leap into entrepreneurship,” MacNeil says.

  The Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship program is open to Brock University students, staff and faculty, as well as members of the community. The deadline to apply for this cohort, for which applications are now open, is Wednesday, Sept. 28.

  The program will be offered Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. from Oct. 5 to Dec. 7, with a kick-off networking event held Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 5 p.m.

  Questions about the program can be directed to [email protected]

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Doug Hunt, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 905-941-6209

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock’s Homecoming celebration primed for big return

  Thursday, September 15, 2022 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 14 September 2022 – R0102

  With a mix of past favourites and engaging new offerings, Brock University’s Homecoming celebration is making a big return next week with a variety of in-person events and online sessions.

  After two years of virtual-only programming, more than 550 alumni and their guests will return to campus between Sept. 22 and Sept. 25 to participate in Homecoming activities. Registrations continue to climb steadily as Badgers ready to gather in person for the largest alumni event of the year.

  “Homecoming is the perfect time for our graduates to gather with each other and to reconnect with the University’s vibrant campus community, faculty and staff,” says Terry Cockerline, Director, Alumni Relations. “It’s a precious opportunity to celebrate the many ways Brock has enriched their lives and to share that joy with their peers and families.”

  The extended weekend celebration will include opportunities for Badgers of all ages to celebrate their connection to their alma mater, reconnect with friends, meet recent graduates and make new memories.

  This year’s schedule welcomes the highly anticipated return of alumni favourites, including the Grape Stomp, Steel Blade Classic, Alumni Recognition Reception, and Brock Night at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival.

  Alumni VIP tickets to the Steel Blade Classic grant registered graduates, faculty and staff access to the club level of the Meridian Centre, swag, light refreshments and some of the best seats in the arena for the much-anticipated hockey game.

  Tickets to Brock Night at the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival will give attendees a fast pass into Montebello Park, a commemorative festival glass and drink token, and all-night access to The Grove and its upgraded amenities. Attendees will have the opportunity to savour local wine by alumni winemakers and old-fashioned barbecue away from the crowds.

  In honour of the return to in-person activities, a variety of new offerings have been added to the Homecoming events roster, including an engaging and educational coffee tasting experience hosted by Brock alumnus and 416 Coffee Co-founder Chris Battagli (BBA ’18), guided yoga sessions hosted by Brock alumna Sonia Reynolds (BA ’13), and a free skate in the state-of-the-art Canada Games Park co-sponsored by the Brock University Alumni Association and Goodman Alumni Network.

  Enhanced tour opportunities will also allow alumni to explore Brock’s evolving main campus, as well as its underground tunnels, the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Canada Games Park and some of the most interesting pieces in the Brock University Library’s Archives and Special Collections.

  Brock’s Homecoming celebration will also serve as a conduit for some significant milestone reunions, including the 40th anniversary of the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department and the Nursing Department’s 20th anniversary reunion.

  “Alumni continue to be involved and engaged with Brock year-round,” says Cockerline. “They are a valued and integral part of the Brock community. We’re ecstatic to welcome our graduates back to campus for in-person Homecoming activities to honour and celebrate their ongoing relationship with the institution.”

  Brock University alumni, faculty and staff are encouraged to register online to participate in this year’s Homecoming activities.

  A full list of Homecoming events, including registration details, is available at brocku.ca/homecoming

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Doug Hunt, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 905-941-6209

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  Categories: Media releases