Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) has made its debut on the Loyalist College campus. Delivered by Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE), a national charitable organization, SIFE was initiated to teach and motivate young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. A global organization, SIFE is working to make positive changes through dedicated student teams on more than 1,800 college and university campuses in over 40 countries. Students are challenged to address economic, social and environmental issues in their personal entrepreneurial ventures and within their communities.
To date the group boasts 21 members and the team continues to grow. They are working with a Business Advisory Board which consists of ten community leaders who are providing invaluable support to the group.
“This is a student-run, not-for-profit organization which provides opportunities for students to enhance their college experience and generate personal and professional success,” said Professor Bob Millard, Loyalist SIFE Faculty Advisor. “The guidance of the Business Advisory Board will be an excellent resource for students to draw upon.”
“I am very pleased to be a member of the Advisory Board which helps support SIFE students to work as a team and implement worthwhile community projects that will have a significant economic impact in the Quinte region,” said Brian Smith, Director, The John M. Parrott Centre, Long-Term Care Home in Napanee for the County of Lennox and Addington. “SIFE allows students to apply their in-class learning and gain first-hand experience that they can apply to future employment opportunities. All the SIFE students at Loyalist are enthusiastic and committed to growth in our community.”
Rob Huddleston is the SIFE President at Loyalist. “Through SIFE, students find a positive environment of like-minded individuals. Members are encouraged to apply skills they are learning within their class settings, life experiences and creativity to develop a unique and successful SIFE team.”
“It was an honour to be chosen to be part of the Business Advisory Board,” said Michael Pothier from Nortel. “I saw this as a win-win scenario for the students, community and me — and I jumped at the chance to be involved. The students will participate in projects that will challenge and develop business skills which will help them to become great business and community leaders. The Quinte region’s community concerns will get immediate attention by creative and energetic students. Personally, I am grateful to have this opportunity to meet and work with very talented students and community leaders while giving back to a great community that has given my family and me so much.”