By Suzanne Robicheau |
Two programs offered by the Sobey School Business Development Centre —Options and The Spark Zone—took “Best in North America” at the Global Best Awards, sponsored by the Conference Board of Canada and the International Partnership Network. A previous Global Best Awards winner, Options has successfully helped more than 300 marginalized-youth transition into jobs and further education through mentorship, skill building, financial literacy, and work experience. The Spark Zone, a student business sandbox with a physical space on Saint Mary’s campus, is a collaboration between Saint Mary’s University and three other institutions – Mount Saint Vincent University, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and the Nova Scotia Community College. It focuses on growing student businesses through business modeling, pitch competitions, training sessions, conferences, speaker series, and mentorship opportunities. “We always feel that we are making a significant impact at the local level,” says Michael Sanderson, Manager of Skill Development and Training at the Sobey School Business Development Centre. “To see that work recognized on a global scale is a tremendous achievement. We are truly honoured.”
