After being titled the Most Innovative Minds in Canada in 2011 for the Grow Mugs project, five Brandon University students just returned from a week-long entrepreneurship workshop in Liverpool.

Over the span of one week, the five students, Stephanie Fung, Stephen Chychota, Kayvon Razzaghi, Liam Goring, and Nicole McLeod, were offered countless different workshops and talks to learn more about the world on entrepreneurship.

"Being at the introduction networking event was mind-blowing," said Razzaghi.

"People from everywhere across the world were there; all inspired by entrepreneurship. Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs came to talk from literally all over the world. The networking opportunities were fantastic and getting to hear stories and advice from everyone was awesome."

The group also had the opportunity to listen to Sir Richard Branson do a question and answer presentation.

"We got to hear more of a personal side of his business life as opposed to him giving a speech," said Chychota.

"It wasn't what we were expecting really, but it was still really interesting."

Originally, after winning the You Innovate Canada Tournament, only one member of the group was going to be sponsored to attend the conference, but thanks to support from the school and community, the group was able to raise enough money to ensure everyone could attend.

"We really want to thank the community for helping to make this possible," said Razzaghi.

"Both through the Grow Mugs project, and by supporting this trip, Brandon has been really supportive of us."

"The congress meeting itself was amazing," said Fung.

"It was really well done with a great collective of people talking about entrepreneurship and their experiences with it. There were more than 3,000 people at the conference, with 500 VIP delegates like us from across the globe."

"It was a real eye-opener," said Goring.

"Learning about just how much of the labour force small businesses make up, and seeing just how true that is across the globe was really interesting. They had a great variety of speakers, from older, experienced business owners to younger, fresher entrepreneurs; getting to compare and contrast opinions and advice was great."

About the Grow Mugs Project

Last December, the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) announced the 2011 national winners of the You Innovate Canada Tournament: four Brandon University students. Stephen Chychota, Stephanie Fung, Jeanette Hudon (who was unable to attend the Liverpool conference due to class obligations at both ACC and BU) and Kayvon Razzaghi, all senior BU students, rose to the top with their winning entry entitled Grow Mugs. They now hold the title of Most Innovative Mind(s) in Canada.

"The students have every right to be proud with what they have done," said Michael Malazdrewicz, the faculty member who guided the quartet in their quest.

"They got an idea and then, despite challenges, turned their idea into an actual product. They managed to create sales and also a learning opportunity for elementary school children. The end result was a profit that was donated to a charitable organization, some happy customers and excited kids. We can all feel confident that the future is bright with young people, like the Grow Mugs Team, in our community."

The Grow Mugs Project team used personalized recycled mugs to grow herbs and teach children about plants and healthy eating.

"We took donated coffee mugs from around Brandon, painted them with chalkboard pain and grew herbs in them to sell back to the community," said Chychota.

"We also had a do-it-yourself kit that was really popular with some of the younger classes at elementary schools around Brandon."

About The Canadian Youth Business Foundation – Canada's Entrepreneur Gateway
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is the 'go to' place for youth entrepreneurship. It is a national charity, dedicated to growing Canada's economy, one young entrepreneur at a time. Character, not collateral, is considered when providing youth, age 18-34, with pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and mentoring. CYBF helps them launch and sustain a successful entrepreneurial business. www.cybf.ca

"The YOU Innovate tournament encouraged Canadians to engage with, connect to and see the value of entrepreneurship in their everyday lives," explains Vivian Prokop, chief executive officer, Canadian Youth Business Foundation.

"The extraordinary creativity of the tournament champions is a true demonstration of the inspiring young minds who will soon be driving Canada's future."