CALGARY, AB – Bow Valley College and Craig Elias, Entrepreneur-In-Residence, have won gold at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards of Excellence in the entrepreneurship category. This global awards ceremony took place October 8-10, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia at WFCP’s annual World Congress conference.  

The awards seek to distinguish WFCP member institutions, whose exceptional initiatives are strengthening applied learning and research outcomes. Bow Valley College and Elias were recognized for demonstrating excellence in integrating community entrepreneurship into academic curriculum and/or implemented innovative entrepreneurial activities.  

Elias was nominated for this award by his colleagues in Bow Valley College’s International Education department for his outstanding contributions to building entrepreneurial learning. Tristan Cole, International Development Officer says the nomination was inspired by Elias’ passion for entrepreneurship and his ability to focus on community engagement.  

“His work at Bow Valley College has enabled our aspiring entrepreneurs to be exposed to actual entrepreneurs, discuss their own stories and pathways of entrepreneurship, and put into practice what they have learned through competitions and real-life entrepreneurship scenarios,” Cole states.  

Elias has played an active role at Bow Valley College, providing students with the tools and problem-solving skills to foster a business idea, and launch a viable start-up. He also helps them build confidence in creating valuable connections with key influencers and business leaders.  

“I’m excited to help so many learners act on their aspirations of owning a business,” says Elias. “Receiving this award highlights how learners from any background at Bow Valley College can have confidence in their innovative thinking and make a living while solving real-world challenges.”  

Since February 2014, Elias has spearheaded Bow Valley College’s sustained efforts to provide experiential opportunities and activities for aspiring entrepreneurs and learners.  In 2016, he began sharing his resources and opportunities across Alberta by creating a five-day Innovation Rodeo and in 2017, he created a province-wide initiative called 150  Startups that works with 25 Alberta colleges and universities to help additional post-secondary school students to become first-time entrepreneurs.  

He also developed VentureQuest, a social entrepreneurship learning opportunity that provides Bow Valley College learners the chance to innovate, collaborate, network, develop their business ideas and receive the support they need to launch their business plans successfully.

For more information, please contact:

Donna Gray

Media Relations Officer


Bow Valley College


*Mobile: 403-831-1150

Direct: 403-770-5150


Office: 587-393-2628



Email: dgray@bowvalleycollege.ca



About Bow Valley College Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 15,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, community studies, creative technologies, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning.