Andrew Cripps is an EMBA ’26 candidate and the National Sales Manager for HOLOS Foods. With more than 11 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, he has worked closely with brokers and distributors, specializing in new product launches. As part of his entrepreneurship course in Ivey’s Executive MBA program, he recently visited the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship Powered by Ivey’s new Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Below, he reflects on how, through the Institute, Western and Ivey are equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks to turn their ambitions into reality.
Exploring entrepreneurship at Western and Ivey
As we continued our journey through the Ivey EMBA program, our cohort had the opportunity to tour the newly constructed Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This new space is designed to foster innovation and creativity and is a great springboard for those looking to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and become leaders among their peers. With readily available resources, the Institute is well-positioned to support and empower students to reach their full potential.
A starting point
The Morrissette Institute offers many ways to get started. If you’re looking to explore entrepreneurship but don’t know where to begin, the Institute provides OnDemand Learning to help advance your skillset. Through the Makerspace events, you can participate in sessions like How to Pitch with Nick Fox & Matthew Travis, part of the Entrepreneur Workshop Series, or attend an open house and Ask a Founder through the Founders Program. With additional services such as coaching, community building, and business or product promotion, the Morrissette Institute is here to guide you.
Beyond programs and dedicated workspaces, there are also cutting-edge tools at your disposal. The Institute features a state-of-the-art Hilti workshop, Ultimaker 3D printers, CNC laser cutters, engravers, and many more tools to help bring your innovations to life. I found this to be a remarkable space, especially considering that not everyone has access to such resources. Western University’s investment in these facilities empowers students to pursue their vision and creativity.
The biggest hurdle – getting funded!
Most entrepreneurs need funding to get their ventures off the ground. It is great to see that Western provides space for entrepreneurs to start and also offers crucial funding resources. Through Seed Your Startup, a program designed to help transition ideas into formalized action plans, you can receive up to $2,000 to kickstart your business. If you're looking for hands-on experience in how businesses operate, the Entrepreneurial Summer Internship (ESI) Program provides valuable opportunities to gain real-world insights. For those who are serious about pursuing their venture, the Western Accelerator Program offers structured support as you develop your business. And if you’re further along in your entrepreneurial journey and ready to scale, the Angels’ Demo Days can help you secure funding. With an impressive $6.3 million in private investments raised through Angels’ Demo Days to date, Western University is proving to be a powerful launchpad for emerging entrepreneurs.
Insights from entrepreneurs
After touring the facility, we had the pleasure of attending a Fireside Chat featuring two entrepreneurs who have become industry leaders in Canada. Christopher Misch and Tarique Al-Ansari sat down with Eric Morse, Executive Director of the Morrissette Institute, to discuss the challenges and opportunities they faced throughout their entrepreneurial journeys as they navigated the evolving landscape of modern technology. Misch reflected on the difficulties of being at the forefront of EV technology, facing resistance from traditional energy sectors and the challenges posed by Canada’s climate. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and, at one point, held the world record for the longest green highway.
Al-Ansari, an alum of The Ivey Academy's QuantumShift™ program stressed the importance of knowing when to accept a deal or walk away – while also acknowledging that there’s no perfect formula for making that decision. He highlighted how entrepreneurs can only control what happens within their business, while external factors – such as economic downturns or global crises – can ultimately shape their decisions. Whether a recession leads to regret over turning down an offer or a pandemic accelerates innovation through co-opetition, the risks entrepreneurs take are deeply personal. However, entrepreneurship doesn’t always have to be high-risk. Opportunities can arise through mergers, acquisitions, or even recognizing when a company has an owner looking to exit. Opportunity doesn’t just happen – you often have to create it yourself.
Photo above (l-r) Eric Morse, Christopher Misch, and Tarique Al-Ansari
Feed Your Startup: A recipe for success
As the event ended and we left the building, I couldn’t help but wonder how I could get involved. When I learned about the Feed Your Startup event, I knew this was where I needed to be. This program is designed for food and beverage entrepreneurs looking to create products that sell. Participants gain valuable insights into recipe development, scaling up, regulatory requirements, food safety, branding, manufacturing, and distribution – all essential for taking a business idea to the next level. If you’re interested, be sure to check it out!
Investing in the future of Canadian entrepreneurship
With a renewed sense of excitement and motivation, I was reminded of the invaluable support the Morrissette Institute provides – enhancing the resources available through both Western University and Ivey for students and alumni alike. It’s always inspiring to see initiatives that invest in Canadian entrepreneurs and their future.
View more photos below
A 3D printer
A CNC machine
Hilti tools
The woodworking space
A sign advertising the Seed Your Startup program
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