Students from across Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Faculty of Business and Management programs gathered in Moose Jaw on April 29 to showcase projects tackling everything from environmental sustainability to international trade and sport marketing during the institution’s annual student showcase.

Held in the Macoun Lounge at Sask Polytech’s Moose Jaw campus, the fourth annual Faculty of Business and Management Student Showcase brought together students, faculty members, and more than 50 industry representatives to explore applied learning projects developed throughout the academic year.

Kirsten Downey, academic chair for the Faculty of Business and Management, said the showcase is designed to highlight both the creativity of students and the value of hands-on industry experience.

“This was our fourth annual showcase and the third time we’ve hosted it in Moose Jaw,” Downey said. “The intent is really to highlight all of the great work our students have done throughout the year, along with the innovation and creativity they’ve applied to work-integrated learning. It’s also an opportunity for industry to come in, connect with students, and see all of the work they’ve done.”

The event featured 19 student projects involving business, logistics, marketing, procurement, recreation and tourism management. Some projects were completed in partnership with community and business organizations, while others challenged students to develop solutions to broader community and environmental issues.

“I think what stood out most was the breadth of knowledge and the wide range of issues the students tackled, along with how they applied their learning to real-world projects,” she said.

Sustainability project earns top recognition

The winning project, selected through voting by attending industry representatives, was the “Introduction to Procurement: Edible Spoon Sustainability Initiative,” developed by Johnson Akinwale, Mansi Gadher, Shubham Malhotra, Indrajit Prakash Maru, Rashmi Mehta, and Naitik Sanjay Bhai Rajput.

The proposal focused on reducing single-use plastic waste through a grain-based edible spoon pilot program using locally sourced agricultural materials. Downey said the project impressed judges through its integration of the provincial agricultural supply chain while addressing environmental concerns surrounding disposable plastics.

Downey said the judging process was intentionally industry-driven, giving business and community leaders direct involvement in recognizing student work.

Other featured projects included a marketing audit for Hollandia Soccer in Saskatoon, an export strategy for Saskatoon-based Black Fox Distillery developed in partnership with the City of Glasgow College, and a partnership development strategy supporting preparations for the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games.

Students also participated in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, helping provide tax filing support in the community.

Downey said the applied learning opportunities help students build confidence and practical skills before entering the workforce.

“It’s really great when students have the opportunity to engage with industry and hear about the real-world projects they’ll be tackling,” she said. “It helps them deepen their knowledge and apply that learning before entering industry, while also allowing them to practise those skills so they’re even more prepared for their careers once they graduate.”

CFUW New Beginnings Grant

The event featured recognition for Moose Jaw student Abreana Deneyou, who received a $5,000 New Beginnings Grant from the Saskatchewan chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Downey said the scholarship helps support students who may have strong potential and career goals, but face financial barriers to accessing post-secondary education.

“It was a great opportunity for her to receive that support and really help her financially,” she said. “The scholarship was based on financial need, whereas many other scholarships are based on academic achievement.”

Downey said the showcase would not be possible without continued support.

“Really, we want to thank industry for its engagement in the event,” she said. “Without that engagement, we wouldn’t have the projects, nor would we have people coming in to see the students’ work.”

To learn more about Sask Polytech’s Faculty of Business and Management programs, visit SaskPolytech.ca.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express