The U of M has dedicated the month of November to celebrating entrepreneurial thinking and innovation within the community. 

Michael Benarroch, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, invited the campus community to participate in free events that will be hosted within the university. “We want to help you bring your big ideas to life,” said Benarroch.

Benarroch emphasized the inclusivity of the event for all attendees. “These events are for everyone, even if you don’t see yourself as a traditional entrepreneur,” he stated. 

“At UM, we nurture entrepreneurial thinking in every faculty as part of our pursuit of big ideas — big ideas that help mitigate climate change, bolster human health, advance reconciliation and so much more,” Benarroch added.

This November marks the university’s second annual entrepreneurship and innovative thinking month. The goal for this month is to celebrate entrepreneurs, help community members access the supports that are available to them on campus and provide the community with opportunities to build entrepreneurial skills. 

Janine Carmichael, a specialist in entrepreneurship from the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning stated that “we tried it for the first time last year, and we are excited to do it again in 2024.” 

“In entrepreneurship and innovative thinking month, folks have an opportunity to learn some important competencies that are important in entrepreneurship — like empathy, […] being able to understand the needs of others so that we can serve others well,” Carmichael said. She also noted that it is a great opportunity for refining problem solving strategies and building innovation skills.

Some of the events happening include a pitch competition, with over 200 students from ENTR 2020 classes (starting a new business) and ENTR 2030 classes (introduction to entrepreneurship: business and social perspectives) pitching their innovative ideas. Additionally, there will be a webinar on legal essentials for startup and an Indigenous winter market where community members can come to support the businesses of Indigenous students. 

There will also be an event entitled “Better Together,” focused on helping individuals develop entrepreneurial thinking skills. It’s worth noting that students who participate in this event will receive an honorarium to recognize their time and contribution, said Carmichael.

For more information about entrepreneurship and innovative thinking month, visit umanitoba.ca/entrepreneurial-thinking/month.