The StFX Extension Innovation and Enterprise Centre is pleased to award four Wallace Family Summer Internships to seven innovative StFX students.
Applicants to the Wallace Family Summer Internship went through an extensive review process with the top applications being invited to participate in a student pitch competition. This competition allowed the students to better hone their business ideas and share them in-person with the judging panel. Following the pitch component, four groups were selected to receive Summer Internships.
Jonathan Maillet
Cape Breton Pulse Co. – Maple Bean CocoButter
Jonathan developed Maple Bean CocoButter in preparation for the Mission: ImPULSEible food product development competition sponsored by Pulse Canada. Maple Bean CocoButter is a chickpea-based dessert spread that offers consumers an alternate to natural peanut butter and is gluten free.
Jonathan intends to further develop the texture of this product to better meet consumer preferences. He also hopes to make connections within the broader food industry and gain valuable insights on how to develop a successful go to market strategy for his company.
Heather-Ann Burrell and Amanda Rees
Crackin’ Chickpeas Vegan Egg Alternative
Heather-Ann and Amanda developed Crackin’ Chickpeas Vegan Egg Alternative as part of the Nutrition Department’s product development class. The pair also entered their product in the Mission: ImPULSEible competition placing second overall. Crackin’ Chickpeas is a pulse based dry mix that, with the addition of water, creates a vegan egg alternative to be used in omelets, scrambled eggs, quiches, and frittatas.
The pair intend to improve their original product through the competition of additional studies and market research. Heather-Ann and Amanda both hope to expand upon their previous success and explore additional product offerings.
Catherina MacIntyre, Kathleen Melanson, and Tarun Porter
So You’ve Made it to University: A Mental Health Survival Guide
Catherina, Kathleen, and Tarun are three education students making a difference. Using research developed by the Nova Scotia government the team aims to create a collaborative board game for first year university students to help them transition from high school to post-secondary studies. Using the concepts of Mental Health Literacy (MHL) the game hopes to help young people navigate the realities of everyday university life.
The group of three intend on making connections with members of the Residence Life staff on campus to further test their game’s design and promote its use in a variety of scenarios. Not only does the development of this game assist those who play it, the widespread play of this new game will also give greater exposure to Mental Health Literacy and promote better understanding of mental illness and self-care strategies.
Hannah Chisholm
Egg-citables
Hannah has developed a plant based liquid egg-substitute aimed at meeting the consumer needs of those with egg allergies or who do not wish to consume products made with animal by-products. Her product not only has superior health benefits when compared to traditional eggs, but it will also be available in easy to pour packaging.
Hannah intends on learning more about the food industry, market information, and improved nutritional science information through this internship opportunity.
About the Wallace Family Summer Internship
The Wallace Family Summer Internship provides StFX University (StFX) students with a self-directed learning experience that helps strengthen entrepreneurial skills through the exploration and development of their own innovative enterprise endeavour. Students who have an innovative idea and who are interested in starting a new venture, developing a new prototype or applying innovative approaches to a particular product or service are encouraged to apply. Interns receive coaching and assistance from StFX Extension Innovation and Enterprise Centre staff and faculty mentors and engage in learning activities that help them explore and develop an enterprise. Business incubation space will be provided to all interns and discussions with investors and partners are encouraged. Perhaps most importantly, interns have the opportunity to work together and participate in a learning experience for innovative student entrepreneurs – offering award winners the chance to network and be exposed to mini-seminars, guest speakers, and other entrepreneurial ideas.
The internships support full-time employment for StFX students for a 12 week period during the summer (May-August) period, the funding provided through the Wallace Family Entrepreneurship Fund. In 2017, there are four internships available, worth up to $6000 each, or $10,000 for a team. The internships are open to students enrolled in full-time study at StFX.