Stu Clark Centre - Our History
The Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship is celebrating 25 years of sparking entrepreneurial spirit!
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With 500+ Venture Coach meetings, over $1.5 million awarded in prize money given to student ventures, and with 1250+ students from all over North America having participated in Stu Clark competitions – there was lots to celebrate!
The existence and success of our Centre is thanks to visionary founding donors, the Asper Foundation and Stu Clark [BComm(Hons)/76, LLD/2011]. We would like to also thank The Associates of the Asper School of Business, who have continuously supported the Centre throughout these past 25 years.
The contributions and generosity of our donors and volunteers continues to fuel the development of Manitoba’s economy by creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Here’s to another 25 years!
About us
In 1997, through the vision of Izzy Asper and the Asper Foundation, the Asper Centre for Entrepreneurship was created to help encourage and support Manitoba’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
In 2008, the Centre received a generous donation from University of Manitoba alum, Stu Clark [BComm(Hons)/76, LL.D./2011] resulting in rebranding to the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. And throughout the 25 years, the Centre has continuously been supported by The Associates of the Asper School of Business.
The Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship's mission is to Ignite the Entrepreneurial Mindset in all University of Manitoba students and enable students to realize that entrepreneurship is a viable career choice regardless of their area of study or faculty.
Our history
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1997
Named the Asper Centre for Entrepreneurship after Israel (Izzy) Asper
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2008
Named the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship after Stu Clark
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2022
Celebrating 25 years of entrepreneurial spirit in Winnipeg!
Our donors
Stuart Clark
Stuart Clark [BComm(Hons)/76, LLD/2011] has a passion for entrepreneurship. He has given the Asper School of Business $5 million to support entrepreneurship; this is in addition to Stu’s initial gift of $1,000,000, which he made two years ago. In recognition of his generosity, the University of Manitoba has renamed the Centre from the Asper Centre for Entrepreneurship to the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. This is particularly fitting given Stu’s feelings about the late Izzy Asper.
Stu made his mark in the oil and gas exploration business in Alberta, where he now lives. While he is no longer involved with the day-to-day operations of running a business, he continues to be an active investor as a founding shareholder and board member of four companies.
Israel (Izzy) Asper
The original home grown entrepreneur. Twice named Manitoba Entrepereneur of the Year by his peers at the University of Manitoba. Also in 1997, the Asper Centre for Entrepreneurship was established in Mr. Asper’s name in recognition of his exceptional business leadership and through he generous contribution he made to the School of Business on the occasion of CanWest’s 20th anniversary.
Success stories
White Pine Bicycles
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Brendan started White Pine Bicycle Co. after trying to find a single-speed bicycle he could use to train on as he got back into racing shape. He didn’t need something overly light or fancy — just something simple that could take a beating on the country roads he would take it on. After searching locally, he found that his options were very limited and were priced much higher than he wanted to spend. In the end, he ordered a complete bicycle from California that was very expensive to ship and was not treated well in shipping. The experience left him wishing there had been an easier option, so after extensive research, Brendan set up a kiosk outside of The Forks market on June 25, 2014. White Pine Bicycle Co. then took up residence in the Johnston Terminal at The Forks for the next five years before expanding to a second location at 2059 Portage Ave.
Quantum Lock Technologies
- Quantum Lock Technologies is a patented hardware-software solution making facilities more secure and connected using completely unpredictable digital keys using quantum information. With their centralized hub, lock module, and proprietary software, they provide unparalleled security, real-time detection, and ledger updates. Quantum Lock Technologies competed and won the 2021 Stu Clark New Venture Championships graduate business plan competition.
How we help
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500 +
Venture Coach Meetings
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$750,000+
in prize money awarded to student ventures
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1250
students participated in competitions
Quotes
“Congratulations to the Stu Clark Centre for 25 years of sparking creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit in University of Manitoba students, in the community and in all of us. The Asper School of Business is proud to be home to the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship and even more proud of the Centre’s success in inspiring students and connecting the community far beyond the physical walls of the Drake Centre.”
Bruno Silvestre
Dean, Asper School of Business | CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership, CN Professor in Supply Chain Management
“The entrepreneurial journey is not a road that can be walked alone. We are here to help fuel Manitoba and Canada’s economy by creating opportunities for future entrepreneurs at the University of Manitoba. Whether that’s through programs, competitions, or coaching, we are here to walk that journey with them. One of the greatest attributes about Manitoba’s business community is they are willing to give back. Year after year, we are thrilled to see the number of volunteers who actively commit their time and talents to SCCE initiatives. I look forward to continuing those strong relationships as we move into the next 25 years.”
Debra Jonasson-Young
I.H. Asper Director of Entrepreneurship
Contact us
Marissa Naylor
Marketing Coordinator
Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
Room 212 Drake Centre
181 Freedman Crescent
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-470-8058