On February 21, Lalit Guglani, our Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, was invited by FedDev President Nancy Gardiner to participate in a Youth Entrepreneurship Roundtable with the Honourable Federal Minister Filomena Tassi, responsible for the Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), aimed to discuss ways to enhance support for entrepreneurship in the region. At the request of MP Shaun Chen, two of our Business School students, Olufadesomi Omofade and Ahmed Adekunle Sikiru, who are engaged in the Incubation Experience Program at the Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (COIE), were included in the discussion.
These students played a significant role at the roundtable, directly engaging with Minister Tassi and sharing their positive experiences and learnings from COIE. Their discussions sparked considerable interest from the Minister in our innovative approach and programming. Olufadesomi, who is developing a venture aimed at poverty alleviation, and Ahmed, working on an AI/VR-assisted retail solution, effectively represented COIE and Centennial Innovates. They provided insightful feedback on the challenges young professionals face and offered suggestions on how the government could better support emerging entrepreneurs.
Olufadesomi expressed her gratitude, stating, “It was an absolute pleasure to join the roundtable discussion today. I must commend Minister Filomena for her genuine engagement and dedication to fostering the growth of youth entrepreneurs in our community. The topics we covered were both relevant and insightful. Thank you, Minister Filomena Tassi, for your leadership.”
Ahmed also shared his enthusiasm. “The roundtable discussion was very stimulating and enlightening. We exchanged our experiences, challenges, and goals as young entrepreneurs and gained insights into the government's initiatives and support for the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Canada. I am grateful to MP Shaun Chen and Minister Filomena Tassi for hosting this event and for their leadership and dedication to promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in our country.”
The Minister showed a keen interest in COIE's programming and approach, engaging in detailed discussions with COIE Director Lalit Guglani. The Minister, President and their top team at the roundtable were very impressed with the agile, experiential programming at COIE and the opportunities the Centre provides to foster a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset and essential skills for future changeleaders.
This event highlighted the importance of dialogue between young entrepreneurs and government officials in shaping supportive policies and programs. It also underscored Centennial College's stellar role in preparing students for lifelong success through experiential learning and innovative programs. Learn more about Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (COIE).