Sheridan students shine in pitching bold, innovative business ideas
May 22, 2025
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Students from the Pilon School of Business impressed judges and peers at the second annual Business Plan Pitch Competition, presenting standout ideas from AI health assistants to culture-driven cafés.
In April, nearly 70 students, judges, and staff gathered at Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga for the event, now in its second edition, jointly hosted by Sheridan EDGE entrepreneurship hub and PSB.
Entrepreneurship is a growing area of interest among students, and PSB integrates it across many of its programs. Building on this foundation, the idea of a business pitch competition — in collaboration with Sheridan EDGE — was born, providing students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting. Faculty members nominated standout student teams to participate, and winners were selected by a panel of judges, with one winner chosen by audience vote. The audience voters included virtual visitors from students at Saxion University in the Dutch town of Enschede.
PSB’s partnership with Saxion University allows students to study abroad and participate in COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) offering virtual collaboration between students at both institutions. Students in PSB’s entrepreneurship course can connect with their Saxion counterparts, exchanging ideas, providing feedback and learning how businesses work abroad.
“Our students were highly keen to share their ideas, develop compelling and innovative business ideas and master the art of public speaking – and the Business Plan Pitch Competition was the ideal platform for them to do exactly that,” said Karen Booth, Associate Dean of the PSB.
That enthusiasm and creativity was on full display as General Business and Business Administration - Marketing students Hannah Brah, Brandan Piccinin and Salam Al-Assali won top prize for a business idea centred around a fun and inviting ‘Culture Café’ language-themed hangout in Oakville, where coffee, culture, and conversation come together. They envisioned a welcoming place to study by day, before turning into a lively cafe-bar at night, where people can practice their speaking skills over drinks in a fun social setting.
Riya Gheek and Anmolpreet Kaur, both studying General Business at Sheridan, earned second place (Audience Choice) for their project. Care Connect featured an AI-powered health assistant, designed to provide efficient and personalized support. It included features such as emergency triage, allowing patients to receive guidance during medical emergencies. It also included a prescription and appointment management system to simplify healthcare tasks.
In third place, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration students Laura Zanini and Hamza Naeem were recognized for their business plan: Leaf & Lawn Experts. The business would focus on helping clients create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces — without the hassle, waste, or high costs usually attached to traditional lawn care.
“EDGE’s role is to foster opportunities for Sheridan students to participate in applied entrepreneurship experiences. The pitch practice sessions we conducted in the classroom and events like this pitch competition support students to build confidence in their ideas, inspire their peers and motivate them to keep going,” said Noreen Javed, Operations Manager at EDGE.
The team’s three judges included Deena Shaffer, a Sheridan EDGE Rise member, founder of Awakened Learning and a twice-bestselling author and TEDx speaker. Joining her on the panel was Manik Verma, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development at Euna Solutions and 2023 PSB Hall of Fame Inductee Dominic Gallego, founder of Snaptique and Nomad Custom Trailers.
“The event was really well planned. It’s great to hear others' ideas and change your way of thinking,” added Culture Cafe’s Al-Assali. “Events like this show the different types of industries that you may be interested in pursuing as well.”
Sheridan EDGE and PSB also collaborate more widely in offering programs, services and resources to support new entrepreneurs across southern Ontario, as well as building student skills in planning and launching new ventures.
Last year Sheridan EDGE reached nearly 4,000 PSB students via events, activities, class visits and more. 13 PSB students have also participated in Thrive, Sheridan EDGE’s signature entrepreneurship program since its launch in fall of last year, dedicated to supporting student entrepreneurs in their entrepreneurial journey and professional development. Thrive focuses on fostering an inclusive community of changemakers through individually tailored mentorship.
Sheridan EDGE and PSB have also collaborated on Black Founders in Clean Technology and the Afro-Caribbean Business Network Legacy Symposium. In addition, PSB mentors offer office hours to Sheridan EDGE entrepreneurs. Learn more.
In April, nearly 70 students, judges, and staff gathered at Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga for the event, now in its second edition, jointly hosted by Sheridan EDGE entrepreneurship hub and PSB.
Entrepreneurship is a growing area of interest among students, and PSB integrates it across many of its programs. Building on this foundation, the idea of a business pitch competition — in collaboration with Sheridan EDGE — was born, providing students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting. Faculty members nominated standout student teams to participate, and winners were selected by a panel of judges, with one winner chosen by audience vote. The audience voters included virtual visitors from students at Saxion University in the Dutch town of Enschede. PSB’s partnership with Saxion University allows students to study abroad and participate in COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) offering virtual collaboration between students at both institutions. Students in PSB’s entrepreneurship course can connect with their Saxion counterparts, exchanging ideas, providing feedback and learning how businesses work abroad.
“Our students were highly keen to share their ideas, develop compelling and innovative business ideas and master the art of public speaking – and the Business Plan Pitch Competition was the ideal platform for them to do exactly that,” said Karen Booth, Associate Dean of the PSB.
That enthusiasm and creativity was on full display as General Business and Business Administration - Marketing students Hannah Brah, Brandan Piccinin and Salam Al-Assali won top prize for a business idea centred around a fun and inviting ‘Culture Café’ language-themed hangout in Oakville, where coffee, culture, and conversation come together. They envisioned a welcoming place to study by day, before turning into a lively cafe-bar at night, where people can practice their speaking skills over drinks in a fun social setting.
Riya Gheek and Anmolpreet Kaur, both studying General Business at Sheridan, earned second place (Audience Choice) for their project. Care Connect featured an AI-powered health assistant, designed to provide efficient and personalized support. It included features such as emergency triage, allowing patients to receive guidance during medical emergencies. It also included a prescription and appointment management system to simplify healthcare tasks.
In third place, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration students Laura Zanini and Hamza Naeem were recognized for their business plan: Leaf & Lawn Experts. The business would focus on helping clients create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces — without the hassle, waste, or high costs usually attached to traditional lawn care.
“EDGE’s role is to foster opportunities for Sheridan students to participate in applied entrepreneurship experiences. The pitch practice sessions we conducted in the classroom and events like this pitch competition support students to build confidence in their ideas, inspire their peers and motivate them to keep going,” said Noreen Javed, Operations Manager at EDGE. The team’s three judges included Deena Shaffer, a Sheridan EDGE Rise member, founder of Awakened Learning and a twice-bestselling author and TEDx speaker. Joining her on the panel was Manik Verma, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development at Euna Solutions and 2023 PSB Hall of Fame Inductee Dominic Gallego, founder of Snaptique and Nomad Custom Trailers.
“The event was really well planned. It’s great to hear others' ideas and change your way of thinking,” added Culture Cafe’s Al-Assali. “Events like this show the different types of industries that you may be interested in pursuing as well.”
Sheridan EDGE and PSB also collaborate more widely in offering programs, services and resources to support new entrepreneurs across southern Ontario, as well as building student skills in planning and launching new ventures.
Last year Sheridan EDGE reached nearly 4,000 PSB students via events, activities, class visits and more. 13 PSB students have also participated in Thrive, Sheridan EDGE’s signature entrepreneurship program since its launch in fall of last year, dedicated to supporting student entrepreneurs in their entrepreneurial journey and professional development. Thrive focuses on fostering an inclusive community of changemakers through individually tailored mentorship.
Sheridan EDGE and PSB have also collaborated on Black Founders in Clean Technology and the Afro-Caribbean Business Network Legacy Symposium. In addition, PSB mentors offer office hours to Sheridan EDGE entrepreneurs. Learn more.
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