The Path to Entrepreneurship Starts Here
The Contest
Thunder Bay Ventures is partnering with the business community for support with our Enter the Den (ETD) program/competition. It is important to show our future leaders the opportunities available in Thunder Bay and area for entrepreneurship as a viable career choice. Enter the Den is a business plan competition for Thunder Bay students (Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12). It is a gentler version of the TV show format with practical and encouraging feedback provided to all semi-finalists and finalists.
Win Cash for your Business Idea!
$1,000
$500
$250
The three cash prizes for each category will go to students with good business ideas that have been well researched, well presented, and well defended. Both written and verbal presentations will be required, and we expect that the students follow the format of a business plan in developing their business idea.
3 prizes for each grade category (Gr 7 & 8 and Gr 9-12) 1st place $1000, 2nd place $500 & 3rd Place $250.
This contest offers encouragement and supports students along the way. Several resources and supports will be available to assist students moving forward in the competition. This includes tips on writing the business plan, marketing do's and don'ts, presentation skills and more.
Students do not have to start a business - the goal of the competition is to teach students about what is involved in starting a business and to recognize that starting a business can be a career choice.
THE 2025 WINNERS ARE:
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Business Name |
Student Name |
School |
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Grade 7-8: |
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1st Place |
Layer by Layer |
Sam |
Bishop Gallagher |
$1000 |
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2nd Place |
Devin's Dynamic Designs |
Devin |
CD Howe (Superior HS) |
$500 |
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3rd Place |
Certified Fun |
Emily & Rya |
Pope John Paul II |
$250 |
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Runner-ups |
Ruff Knots Kicks Kingdom |
Brooke Yousif |
Crestview Woodcrest |
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Grade 9-12: |
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1st Place |
Replay Pedal |
Caleb |
Hammarskjold |
$1000 |
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2nd Place |
Williamson's Fabrication |
Sam |
Westgate |
$500 |
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3rd Place |
NWO Fresh Gear |
Tristan |
St Patrick HS |
$250 |
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Runner-ups |
Wabs Creations Tutor Pals |
Wabanaang |
Westgate |
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** Ask us about being a supporter for the 2026 Competition, email us at enterthedentbay@gmail.com
2026 Dates to Remember: TBA
ETD Dates to Remember
Business Idea Deadline
TBA
Semi-Finalist Competition
TBA
Finalist Competition
TBA
Our 2023 Sponsors:
