At our most recent Dragons’ Den, where the Foundation listens to a variety of presentations from clubs and teams in need of funds, the Foundation was interested to learn that many of the newer clubs at North Toronto have a business bent. It appears that North Toronto students are becoming astute businesspeople even before they graduate and head off to Rotman or Ivey.

One club with a business focus was DECA, associated with DECA Ontario, where members compete at regional, provincial and international case study competitions for awards and scholarships. While competition is a major part of the club, students also have a chance to network with other business students and business leaders around the province.

Another club that requested funds was the NT Business Club, which host events at which successful businesspeople speak to students about the realities of business and what it looks like in the real world. Both these clubs are indicative of where NT students are planning to go when move on to post-secondary studies. The Foundation is happy to support these clubs, and we encourage the learning and experience that can come from them. We also recognize that there are many NT alumni in the business and finance sectors, and we hope to play a role in building connections between them and these clubs.