Asper School of Business

Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship's mission is to ignite the entrepreneurial mindset in all University of Manitoba students and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. We provide a range of services and resources to help students, faculty, and alumni turn their ideas into successful businesses.

In today’s ever-changing career environment, the world will demand innovation and creativity more than ever before. We believe that by providing a supportive and collaborative environment, we can help drive innovation and economic growth while preparing the next generation of business leaders for success.

Our center offers a variety of services, including mentorship, education, networking opportunities, and access to funding. We collaborate with other departments and organizations within the university, as well as with local and regional business communities, to provide a comprehensive suite of services that can help entrepreneurs at any stage of their venture.

Startup Coach Program Webinar Series New Venture Championships Manitoba High School Pitch Workshop Our History Join our email list
stu clark

Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship

What we do

The Stu Clark Centre offers a variety of services and supports to students from all across the University of Manitoba wanting to explore entrepreneurship! 

Our Five Pillars of focus are aimed at the development of high-impact talent while delivering a transformative community engaged learning experience in support of our students, our business community and the economic prosperity of Manitoba.

  • Entrepreneurship Education
  • Exciting events and competitions geared to the Graduate/ Undergrad / High school level
  • Student Entrepreneurship Community
  • Startup Coach Program 
  • Connecting to the Manitoba Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Checkout the impact we've made! 

2023-24 SCCE Impact Report

2022-23 SCCE Impact Report

Stu Clark Webinar Series

Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 now available!

On November 20 you will learn first-hand experiences from these teams about their challenges, successes, and key learnings as they navigated from idea inception to market launch. 

Key takeaways include:

  • Practical advice on starting your own venture,
  • Strategies for overcoming common startup hurdles, and
  • Inspiration from fellow students who have turning their ideas into reality.

November 20, 2024 @11:30 am on Zoom

RSVP here

On December 4 you will learn how to navigate the legal frameworks of patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring your innovations remain secure.

Key takeaways include:

  • Identifying your intellectual property,
  • Understanding the application processes, and
  • Practical tips for enforcing your IP rights.

December 4, 2024 @11:30 am on Zoom

RSVP here

On January 17 you will learn how to access and utilize these resources, explore what is available to you, and see examples of data from each system.

Key takeaways include:

  • Mastering UM's research tools,
  • Techniques for effective market analysis, and
  • Strategies for precise target audience identification.

January 17, 2025 @11:30 am on Zoom

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On January 31 you will learn the key components of a successful pitch, including storytelling, visual design, and delivery techniques.

Key takeaways include:

  • Building a strong narrative,
  • Designing visually appealing slides, and
  • Honing your presentation skills to leave a lasting impression

January 31, 2025 @11:30 am on Zoom

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On February 28 you will learn how to identify social issues that resonate with you, develop business solutions to address them, and measure the impact of your efforts.

Key takeaways include:

  • Strategies for integrating social goals into business models,
  • Examples of successful social enterprises, and
  • Practical tips for launching your own socially-driven venture.

February 28, 2025 @11:30 am on Zoom

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On March 13 you will learn how to effectively transition from planning to execution, ensuring a smooth and successful launch.

Key takeaways include:

  • Strategies for funding your startup,
  • Tips for assembling a strong team, and
  • Actionable marketing tactics to attract your first customers.

March 14, 2025 @11:30 am on Zoom

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On March 19 you will learn how to apply the Getting Things Done and Kanban methodologies to keep your operations running smoothly.

Key takeaways include:

  • Setting up comprehensive business management systems,
  • Adopting effective task and project management practices, and
  • Using tools to streamline your business processes.

March 19, 2025 @11:30 am on Zoom

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On April 11 you will learn how to prepare your business for fundraising, craft compelling pitches, and choose the best funding strategy for your needs.

Key takeaways include:

  • Creating a fundraising plan,
  • Pitching to investors, and
  • Leveraging various funding sources effectively.

April 11, 2025 @11:30 am on Zoom

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On April 23 you will learn how to leverage these connections to bridge gaps in your startup journey and accelerate your business growth.

Key takeaways include:

  • Understanding the roles of various ecosystem partners,
  • Strategies for effective networking, and
  • Accessing support for funding, mentorship, and innovation

April 23, 2025 @11:30 am on Zoom

RSVP here

Access Past & Future Webinar Line-Up
November 20 Stu Clark Webinar
December 4 Stu Clark Webinar
January 17 Stu Clark Webinar
January 31 Stu Clark Webinar
February 28 Stu Clark Webinar
March 13 Stu Clark Webinar
March 19 Stu Clark Webinar
April 11 Stu Clark Webinar
April 23 Stu Clark Webinar

Competitions & Events

Entrepreneurship education

The Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship is passionate about igniting the entrepreneurial spark in students from all faculties, helping them to recognize that entrepreneurship is a viable career path!

  • ENTR 2030: Introduction to Entrepreneurship: Business and Social Perspectives

     This course is a fantastic opportunity for students to be exposed to the entrepreneurship thought process and gain some perspective on what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

    If this sparks your interest entrepreneurship may be your career path.

    ENTR 2020: Starting a New Business

    Not an Asper student? No problem. ENTR 2020: Starting a New Business will give you a fantastic overview and cover a broad range of topics to increase your understanding of what it takes to succeed in an entrepreneurial career.

  • Bachelor of Commerce - Entrepreneurship major

    We are proud to have a popular major in BComm Hons major in Entrepreneurship Small Business where students are exposed to the process of a new venture startup, social initiatives, small business management and family business. 

    Asper MBA Program - Entrepreneurship and Innovation theme

    Whether your goal is to start a company or innovate in an existing organization, this MBA theme will hone your understanding of value creation and re-creation by exploring creative, innovative and entrepreneurial perspectives and behaviours.

Startup Coach Program

Students in any faculty at the University of Manitoba have access to Ben Isakov, the Startup Coach at the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship.

Stu Clark Startup Coach

The Startup Coach at the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, can lead you into start-up land with free one-on-one meetings! No matter what stage in your entrepreneurial journey you are at, the Startup Coach is a great resource to provide coaching, guidance and mentorship to help start, build and scale your business. 

Book your FREE meeting!

Learn more about how the Startup Coach can help you! 

Community Connections

Winnipeg’s vibrant, active and knowledgeable entrepreneurial ecosystem has some key players that we are honoured be connected with. It takes a village to raise a start-up!

Winnipeg’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

For our full list of partners  Click Here

About our benefactor

Stu Clark smiling, wearing a UM sports jacket.

STU CLARK

Stu Clark [BComm(Hons)/76, LL.D./2011] is a Calgary oil and gas entrepreneur. He was the director and Chairman of the Board of Storm Resources Ltd., a TSX listed oil and gas exploration company which was sold in December 2022, as well he is the Chairman of the Board of Alliance Trust Company, a private trust and shareholder services firm, servicing public and private entities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Mr. Clark was born and raised in Manitoba and educated in Brandon and Winnipeg, before beginning his entrepreneurial career in the oil and gas industry in Calgary.

Mr. Clark earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Manitoba in 1976, and in 2011 was recognized by the University of Manitoba with an honorary Doctor of Laws for his contributions of time and resources to the University, the I.H. Asper School of Business, and the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. Over three decades, Mr. Clark translated his education into starting, running and then selling several oil and gas exploration companies. Mr. Clark moved to Calgary in 1984 with the Northland Bank. In 1986, he founded Pinnacle Resources Ltd. and raised $2 million of shareholder capital. In 1998, Pinnacle was sold for over $1 billion. Mr. Clark has been involved in the start-up and reorganization of a number of Calgary-based public and private entities during his career.

A renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist and volunteer, Mr. Clark is recognized for his tireless dedication to supporting a variety of charities and educational institutions in Canada. One of his many donations to the    University of Manitoba enabled the establishment of the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship in the I.H. Asper School of Business. Mr. Clark has also been a strong supporter of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Mr. Clark continues to support his philanthropic interests in Alberta and Manitoba.

Contact us

Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
Room 212 Drake Centre
181 Freedman Cres.
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4

Marissa.naylor@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8443