More than 100 high school students from across Manitoba gathered in Brandon this week for the 2026 Manitoba Business Case Competition, hosted by the Peters School of Business at Assiniboine College. The competition has four categories -- Personal Finance; Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking; Accounting; and Marketing -- and is supported by Fusion Credit Union and the Applied Commerce Educators of Manitoba (ACEM).
"Competitions like this immerse students in real-world business scenarios early on, giving them a first-hand look at what studying at the Peters School of Business and pursuing a career in the field can be like," said Geoff Milne, Academic Chair in the Peters School. "Students are challenged to think critically, collaborate under pressure, and clearly communicate practical solutions to complex problems. It's an experience that mirrors workplace realities and helps students see where a future in this field could take them."
The festivities launched Wednesday evening with a welcome event hosted by the Peters School, where students heard from keynote speaker James Chambers, entrepreneur and co-owner of the popular Chez Angela Bakery and Café in downtown Brandon.
The competition was first launched in 2017, drawing inspiration from similar events in neighbouring Saskatchewan. It was spearheaded by Kyle Prevost alongside a group of Manitoba business educators, with support from the local business community. The Peters School of Business took over operation of the competition in 2022.
"The Peters School is excited to welcome students to this competition," said Terry Burgess, Dean of the Peters School of Business. "We're grateful to the industry professionals, academics, and business leaders who lend their time and expertise as judges. Their insights help make this a truly meaningful learning experience, giving students valuable feedback and a clearer connection between classroom learning and real-world business challenges."
For Fusion Credit Union, its involvement as a title sponsor goes hand-in-hand with the work it aims to accomplish in the communities it serves. "We're proud to support an event that challenges students to think critically, work together and develop skills that will benefit their future careers and communities," says Kyle Enns, Branch Manager at Fusion Credit Union. "As a judge of the competition, it's always inspiring to see the innovative and creative ideas from students. At Fusion, we believe in supporting the next generation of leaders and creating opportunities that inspire growth, learning and confidence."
All competitors will receive a $500 tuition credit from the Peters School of Business, with finalists in each category receiving an additional $500. These opportunities were made possible through a philanthropic gift from Gord and Diane Peters in 2023 and include resources to help the college provide exceptional learning experiences, reach more students, and enhance financial supports for learners.
The college's two-year Business Administration diploma is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and offers specializations in accounting, financial services, human resource management, and marketing. In recent years, the college has also partnered with Cape Breton University to deliver its Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Community Economic Development on campus in Brandon.
For students interested in studying at the Peters School of Business, please visit assiniboine.net/peters.
