The Thompson Rivers University SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) team would like to introduce the Tony Brower Innovation Exposition (TBIE). It is an excellent opportunity for students to test their skills and knowledge in the business world. TBIE is an innovative and unique business plan competition initiated by the team. SIFE is a student organized, business development association dedicated to creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs around the globe. The competition is open to anyone currently attending a post-secondary school (on a part or full time basis) in North America.

It provides students with an opportunity to present their business plans to a committee of experienced and knowledgeable judges. Not to mention a chance to win the $7500 (CDN) first prize and $2500 (CDN) second prize, and the opportunity to network with the many prestigious and valuable contacts who will be in attendance at the exposition.

The exposition is inspired by the late Tony Brower, a professor at TRU, who believed not only in the power of innovation, but also the learning and growth that competition outside the classroom can bring to students. Tony Brower began his time at TRU in August 2001, as a full time instructor in Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management. Tony spent many volunteer hours organizing, coaching and supervising the teams he lead to competitions, with not only winning as a goal, but as well the power of experience. The Tony Brower Innovation Exposition hopes to embody these goals for all involved, providing students with a new and creative way to learn and compete.
Business plans from all over North America, including Queen’s University, Columbia University, University of Michigan, North American Institute of Technology, Simon Fraser University, and Thompson Rivers University, are currently being reviewed in the preliminary round of judging.

The top 5 Final Round competitors will be announced on the TBIE website on March 15, 2010. The live competition where the top 5 finalist teams will present to the panel judges using video conferencing software and broadcasted live on the internet, will take place on March 27th, 2010. The public is welcome to be a part of the studio audience in the TRU Clock Tower Auditorium on the competition day. Doors open at 9:30am and the competition will kick off with a keynote speaker at 10am.
For more information take a look at our website – www.tonybrowerexposition.com