NWP Leads the Pack at 2026 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition

Students from Northwestern Polytechnic’s (NWP) School of Business and Education earned first place at the annual Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition this past week, outperforming teams from 13 universities, polytechnics, and colleges across the province.

Hosted at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) on March 12-14, the competition challenged student teams to analyze and present strategic recommendations for a complex real-world business scenario.

“Practical experiences like this are incredibly valuable because they bring together critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving,” said NWP President and CEO, Dr. Vanessa Sheane. 

“We are proud to see our students representing NWP so well and demonstrating the confidence and capability they will bring to Alberta’s business community.”

This year’s case focused on Taza, a major $10-billion,1,200-acre mixed-use development located on the Tsuut’ina Nation and along the southwest border of Calgary. Developed through a 50-50 partnership between the Tsuut’ina Nation and Canderel, Taza is one of the largest First Nation economic development projects in Canada. The initiative aims to foster economic independence, generate employment opportunities, and help bridge regional economic gaps. The development includes three interconnected community villages—Taza Park, Buffalo Run, and The Crossing—featuring residential, commercial, retail, and entertainment spaces.

“The scenario presented an exciting opportunity, complete with dynamic economic and community considerations,” said NWP School of Business and Education Dean, Chantel Lussier. “It challenged our students to come up with thoughtful business strategies that would ultimately support enduring partnerships and impactful development.”

Final standings at this year’s competition were:

• First Place: Northwestern Polytechnic
• Second Place: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
• Third Place: The King's University

Northwestern Polytechnic’s win continues a strong track record at the annual event, which rotates among host institutions across the province. While NWP was unable to compete in last year’s competition due to severe weather that prevented travel to Keyano College, the institution also captured first place in 2024.

This competition marks one of two major business milestones for NWP this month. On March 17, the Polytechnic will welcome students, business leaders, and community partners to the annual Student Business Conference at the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre. It is yet another example of the practical, hands-on learning experiences that differentiate northern Alberta’s largest post-secondary institution. Learn more about developing your business acumen at NWP.me/Business.