Another successful Business Challenge case competition in the books

The 17^th annual CPA Education Foundation Business Challenge case competition brought together 12 teams from post-secondary institutions across Alberta to compete for the top prize. The three-day competition, held March 5, 6, and 7 in Calgary, gave these future business leaders a chance to use what they’re learning in the classroom to solve real-world business problems.

This year’s case partner, AdaptAbilities, provided a unique opportunity to learn about and analyze the operations of an organization in the not-for-profit sector and consider outcomes that go beyond the financial. After the student teams spent an intense day of strategizing, they presented their solutions to a panel of CPA judges comprised of Foundation Board members, CPAs, and representatives from the case partner.

As in all competition, only one can emerge victorious…congratulations to the University of Alberta for the first-place victory! The list of podium placements of the 2025 CPA Education Foundation Business Challenge Case Competition is:

• First: University of Alberta
• Second: MacEwan University
• Third: University of Calgary

The Foundation congratulates all participating teams for the commitment, creativity and thoughtfulness they brought to this year’s case. Of course, this competition would not be the success it is without the support and keen insight of our volunteer judges:

• Michael Burnyeat FCPA, FCA
• Michelle Hordal
• Jennifer Neal CPA, CMA
• Ceilidh Osland CPA, CMA
• David Tao
• Alan Aburto CPA
• Brian Banderk CPA, CA
• Sarah Carver CPA
• Vicky Cato CPA
• Nicole Finnigan CPA, CMA
• Elyse Krause CPA
• Katherine Martens CPA

And also a special thank you to Michelle, Jennifer, Ceilidh, and David for representing our case partner, AdaptAbilities.

If you are a CPA interested in being a judge at next year’s Business Challenge, or if you are looking for other ways to share your time, talents, and expertise with the next generation of CPAs, apply to become a CPA Education Foundation volunteer: CPA Education Foundation Volunteer Contact Form.