TD Bank Group supports aspiring NAIT entrepreneurs to move their ideas forward

Published on March 03, 2022

More NAIT students will have the opportunity to seek guidance and mentorship to turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses because of a donation from TD Bank Group (TD).  

Through the TD Ready Commitment, the bank's global corporate citizenship platform, TD is contributing $300,000 over three years to increase student access to the polytechnic’s Entrepreneurship Blue Book Program. Participants receive guidance and mentorship to refine their business ideas, pitch to business leaders, develop marketing and financial plans, and, if they choose, start a company. 

“There are so many NAIT students with great ideas for new ventures. But starting and sustaining a business is tough. That’s why we want to give aspiring entrepreneurs a leg up,” said Ryan Young, associate dean of industry engagement with NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business. “TD’s investment means more students will tap into advice from people who have experienced the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.” 

"Entrepreneurs have long played a pivotal role in Alberta's history," said Robert Ghazal, senior vice president of branch banking in the Prairie Region for TD. "And we know the next generation will continue to play a major part in shaping our province for decades to come. TD is proud to support a program that provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the guidance needed to launch their ideas, so they too can make their mark on our industries and economy." 

Launched in 2021, the Entrepreneurship Blue Book Program is offered through NAIT’s Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student Entrepreneurship. To apply students must have a business idea to explore, be enrolled in at least one course at NAIT and live in Canada. As a result of the TD funding, the program’s capacity will increase from 30 to 60 students in three years.  

About NAIT   

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With 35,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to the provincial economy. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping business and industry become more competitive with Industry Solutions offered through its Productivity and Innovation Centre, including technology adoption, business and product innovation and industry-driven research. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.

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