A real client with a real business challenge will anchor a hands-on learning experience for Lethbridge Polytechnic students Wednesday, as teams from the Multimedia Production (MMP) and Digital Communications and Media (DCM) programs take on the Tecconnect Challenge.
Now in its 11th year, the challenge gives students five hours to build creative pieces and assemble a presentation to address pain points identified by an entrepreneur in the Tecconnect environment. Students then present their final pitches to the client, along with a panel of local entrepreneurs, marketing specialists and business advisors.
“This collaboration challenges our students to step into a professional mindset,” says Martina Emard, MMP and DCM instructor. “They work together to support a local entrepreneur, developing a full marketing strategy under real-world conditions including tight timelines, clear brand guidelines and defined budgets. It’s an invaluable hands-on learning opportunity.”
This year’s client, Roberta Mistaken Chief (Culinary Careers 2007), is the owner of Niitsitapi Eats & Treats – a food truck and mobile catering service offering delicious Indigenous fusion dishes like fry bread bites, Native tacos and bannock pizza. She will be asking students to develop promotional materials for her website, social media channels, menu and more.
The second-year Business Administration – Business Operations student is no stranger to pitch competitions. She won the University of Lethbridge’s LaunchPoint Pitch Competition last spring, thanks in large part to the support and resources she accessed through the polytechnic’s AgENT program, and used the $2,000 prize to further her entrepreneurial endeavours.
“Things seemed to explode for me,” she says, after winning the competition. “[My business] went from a dream and idea to something that can actually happen now.”
Since opening its doors back in 2011, Tecconnect has been a champion for entrepreneurship and innovation in Lethbridge and southern Alberta, offering information, support, resources and space where entrepreneurs can succeed locally, nationally and internationally.