Ottawa, 2007
Introduced in 1997, this award is the result of a burning entrepreneurial passion by founder Wes Nicol, a successful Ottawa-based business leader, to create a unique, national-award program for young entrepreneurs. Wes’ vision was to introduce an award that:

• Recognized, celebrated, and championed the entrepreneurial spirit
• Mirrored real-world pressures and conditions that an entrepreneur must face to get the financial backing and support required for his or her idea
• Attracted the brightest students from multiple disciplines in addition to business: engineering, philosophy, science, art, and others
• Helped to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs to drive the Canadian economy

This vision has become a respected annual event that consistently attracts the brightest up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the country. The original Award was endowed at Carleton University, Wes’ alma mater, and has been a successful annual event at the Sprott School of Business ever since. Today fifteen Canadian universities host Local Competitions that culminate in the very best teams being sent to Ottawa for a National Competition and an exhilarating, prestigious gala event.
http://www.nicol-award.com/alumni/2007/waterloo.html