Seventy-two high school students from across Manitoba are in Brandon this week to compete in the 2023 Manitoba Business Case Competition.

The event kicked off Thursday evening with a welcome event hosted by Assiniboine at the college’s North Hill campus.  Participants enjoyed a meal and a fun evening of trivia to meet, mingle and get ready for the competition that followed on Friday.

Students were delighted to learn that they each had the opportunity to claim a $1,000 tuition credit toward Assiniboine’s Business Administration program. The winner in each division, entrepreneurship and personal finance, will also receive an additional $1,000 tuition credit.

“The intent with this case competition and tuition credit is to expose high school students to our ‘learn by doing’ approach while reducing barriers students may face in obtaining a post-secondary education by offering some financial support,” said Geoff Milne, Academic Chair, Business at Assiniboine. “Helping students obtain a college education, master their skills and start a viable, rewarding career helps not only the student, but also the community they are serving.”

The case competition took place today at Brandon University, where teams of three received a case study – a scenario or specific set of circumstances – that was to be completed in a limited period of time. Teams had to identify the most prominent issues presented in the case study and develop a customized strategy to solve these issues and achieve the stated goals. At the end of the time period, competitors presented their recommendation to a board of judges.

Competitors were judged on their ability to identify the key issues, present creative solutions and communicate effectively.

“Practical, real-life scenario competitions like this help students to experience hands on learning and prepare them for their post-secondary education and careers. We are pleased to be able to take part in this event to broaden the students view on the business world and their career opportunities,” said Milne.

Assiniboine offers a variety of certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma certifications in a wide range of business-related programs. The college’s two-year Business Administration diploma is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and offers specialization in accounting, financial services, human resource management and marketing. In recent years, the college has also partnered with Cape Breton University to deliver their Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development on campus in Brandon.