Entrepreneurship
The Mulgrave Centre for Young Entrepreneurs and Changemakers (MCEC) is a structured programme, outside school hours, for students with an interest in starting or further developing businesses and social enterprises that will create positive change in our world.
The entrepreneurial mindset is one of the most sought after skills in the job market these days, and in a future that we can't predict. Whether students pursue a traditional career, or want to start a business of their own, thinking like an entrepreneur is a great way to get ahead and boost their career. Networking, building relationships, problem solving, grit, resilience, financial management, communication - talk to any industry leader and they will tell you these are all highly desired attributes. These are skills we focus on developing in the MCEC. The entrepreneurial mindset will give them the skills to navigate through that world to build a life they thrive in.
Young Entrepreneurship and Leadership Launchpad (YELL)
Grade 10 and 11 student participants (accepted by application), meet once a week after school for lessons on everything from conducting marketing research to networking. Experienced guest entrepreneurs also join each week to speak about their journey and how it pertains to the current lesson.
The course culminates in a group project in which students are paired with a mentor to build an innovative venture from the ground up, showcasing their collaborative and critical thinking skills. They pitch the merits of their solution at the Venture Challenge, a multi-province competition at the end of the year.
Networking Skills
In our Character Education class, students participate in session designed to build their confidence and networking skills. After lessons and some practice with their peers, parent volunteers attend sessions to further refine the skills of self-introductions and presentation. Volunteers are also engaged to help with mock job interviews to prepare students for experiences to come.
Clubs
Senior School students with an interest in business and entrepreneurship also have the option of joining lunch time clubs. An example is our Economics and Business Club. Participants engage in investment competitions based on their level and commitment, such as the Wharton Global Investment Competition and The Stock Market Game by SIFMA. Students also participate in case study competitions for high schools, hosted by universities such as Western and UBC. In addition, students manage a fictitious $100,000 portfolio with winning teams celebrated at the end of the first term. Some students also choose to pursue individual activities such as DECA competitions and JA Programmes, with faculty support.
YELL Success
Mulgrave teams represented our entrepreneurship programme very well at our first few YELL Venture Challenge competitions!
2021 Venture Challenge First Place: SignR, an AI-driven telecommunications programme translating speech to sign language for conference calls and broadcasting.
2022 Venture Challenge First Place: Ruby, a venture aiming to develop a biodegradable, plastic-free tampon and applicator.
2022 Most Impactful Venture Award: for a streamlined communications platform between medical practitioners, pharmacists, and clients.
2022 Most Investable Venture Award: for an e-commerce platform to aid consumers in finding the most sustainable shopping options in their area.