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NSCAD launches John Dobson Challenge for student entrepreneurs

The NSCAD John Dobson Challenge is a business pitch competition for students looking to launch or expand their creative businesses. This is a chance for student entrepreneurs to advance their businesses and help them participate in opportunities available for market growth. The prize is a grant totaling in $12,000 of start-up capital, awarded to 10 finalists.

Proposals can include need for: materials and equipment, upgrades to prototypes, developing a business’ online presence, advance their branding, securing membership in various e-commerce platforms or other sales venues, fulfill larger production runs or wholesale purchases, and much more. Proposals will be reviewed by a jury of external judges. 

All students who enter the competition are also eligible for a booth at the seasonal NSCAD markets. We can also connect them to other business networks to ensure the greatest chance of business success. 

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 9, 2024

ELIGIBILITY

  • You must be a current NSCAD student.
  • If your idea* involves individuals outside NSCAD, then one co-founder must be a current student.
  • Your idea has not yet received more than $10,000 in funding or revenue at the time of application.

* Not sure if your idea qualifies for this opportunity? Email cel@nscad.ca

HOW TO ENTER

Applications are accepted via email. Email cel@nscad.ca with the subject: “The Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs.” 

A complete application consists of:

Applicant details

  1. Full name, age, date of birth.
  2. Contact information – email, phone number, home address.
  3. Website or portfolio URL (if applicable).
  4. Online presence (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.).
  5. Student information: student number, major/minor, department, year of study

Proposal details

  1. A project summary (250-300 word max)

  2. Full proposal description (1000-1500 word max, approximately 3 pages): Your proposal should provide a comprehensive overview of your project. This should include, but is not limited to, the following elements:

    • Project Topic: What is the focus of your project?
    • Funding Purpose: How do you plan to use the requested funds?
    • Target Audience/Customers: Who are you trying to reach or serve with your project?
    • Engagement Strategy: What methods will you use to engage, attract, and retain your target audience or customers?
    • Financial Plan: How do you intend to balance project costs versus expected revenue?
    • Expected Outcomes: What are the anticipated results of your project?
    • Challenges: What obstacles do you foresee, and how will you address them?
    • Milestones: What are the key steps or achievements you need to reach to ensure project success?

      If your proposal addresses a social issue, please include a description of the problem and explain how your project aims to tackle or resolve it.

  3. Supporting material (upload to Sharepoint and share the link): please include images, links, drawings, or videos that would bring your idea to life. 

Contact cel@nscad.ca for any questions. You can also book one-on-one sessions with a CEL advisor to help guide you through the process.