Students in the applied commerce program at Portage Collegiate Institute showcased their business ventures last week after a semester of hard work. The event featured student-run companies offering everything from custom apparel and cleaning services to marketing strategies and community-focused food programs.
Gavin Taylor, who teaches applied commerce at PCI, says the event gives students a real taste of entrepreneurship.
“We’ve got some students selling lip gloss, bracelets, snacks, social media marketing services, house cleaning, clothing, lots of variety,” notes Taylor.
Each visitor acts as a judge, receiving ten $1,000 PCI Bucks to invest in their favourite student businesses. Though friendly, the competition is designed to simulate real-world decision-making and customer engagement.
Community response energizes students
Taylor says the energy in the room was palpable.
“The students are nervous at first, but they’re very, very excited. They’re doing very well. I’m really, really proud.”
This is the third year Taylor has helped run the event, and he says it’s grown every time. He credits continued local support, including partnerships with community organizations that mentored students and provided prize money during a pitch competition in February.
“I’m really happy that the community is buying in and recognizing what’s going on here. They see the value of what we’re doing at PCI, which means a lot to myself and the students,” adds Taylor.
Although there were no official prizes this time, students competed to collect the most PCI Bucks through customer interest and engagement.
Student businesses tackle social issues
Grade 11 student Alexis Nearing presents a plan to deliver freeze-dried meals to people with physical and mental disabilities. The meals would be shelf-stable for up to 14 months and help ensure consistent nutrition for those unable to leave their homes.
“This is just a showcase, obviously, but hopefully in the next couple months we hope to deliver full-on meals to the mentally and physically disabled,” says Nearing.
She says she’s received helpful feedback from attendees and hopes to continue developing the idea.
Raising awareness through sales
Classmate Callum Smith launches “Merch for Meals,” selling T-shirts and donating all profits to United Way Portage la Prairie. While not distributing food directly, the donations support broader efforts to combat hunger and other local needs.
“My main focus is to raise awareness to the fact that food insecurity is really bad in Manitoba and just Canada in general right now,” says Smith.
He says the shirts are a simple way to start a conversation; and make a difference.
Marketing with strategy and vision
Another student, Sofiia Ivlieva, offers branding and promotion through her social media marketing business. She helps companies define their goals, build brand identity, and grow their digital reach.
“My business is like social media marketing—businesses to create strategy. I do the design, I do the strategies, the promotion, so they can get more sales, reputation, get more customers,” she says.
She has already built her own website and provides window display concepts for local companies. Her method includes assessing the business’s goals, target audience, strengths, and weaknesses before developing custom strategies.
Building future entrepreneurs
Taylor says the event is less about competition and more about confidence and real-world learning.
“It’s my main priority; them showing up and showcasing their hard work. It’s showing their passion for business with their friends and the community,” he adds.
With local interest growing each year, PCI’s student entrepreneurs are proving they’re ready to take bold steps... and give back in the process.
