Earlier this school year, we introduced a unique learning experience and competition called Pitch Your Vision, generously supported by Desjardins. This 6-week competition brought together 140 students in grades 9 to 12 from schools across Oakville, Mississauga, Newmarket, Markham, and Oshawa.

Students were inspired to unleash their inner entrepreneur, through creativity and innovation by developing a product or service idea aligned with and supported one of the 17 UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The sustainable development goal is a universal call to action that aims to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure by 2030, all people around the globe can enjoy peace and prosperity. 

How it works

In groups of 2-5 members, students created a business model canvas, conducted market research to ensure their business idea was feasible and produced a pitch deck submitted alongside their peers to our preliminary judges - determining the top 6 finalists. The top teams showcased their business ideas live through a Dragons' Den-style virtual event. 

The Finalists  

A job well done to all teams participating in this competition and the top six finalists: 6th cents, The BlackKettle, Gardenia, Hockey Stick Bag, Plantaging, and Period Rooster!

And a big congratulation to the winning team – BlacKettle, comprised of Aidan K. and Andreo C. from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School.

“Pitch your Vision helped me develop my entrepreneurial skills and gave me hands-on experience in running a business!" – Andreo C.

Their product featured a kettle that harnesses sun rays to boil and filter harmful bacteria from water.

Click here to learn more about JA’s Pitch Your Vision.