RICHMOND, B.C. — A FIFA World Cup watch party at TWU Richmond became something more than a place to catch a match. It became a space where student entrepreneurs shared their ideas, business leaders built new relationships, and the Richmond community gathered around a shared interest in innovation.
Hosted in partnership with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the event welcomed more than 80 attendees, including Chamber members, local entrepreneurs, business professionals, TWU students, and community leaders. While the World Cup provided the backdrop for the afternoon, the energy in the room came from the conversations taking place between people eager to learn, connect, and explore new opportunities.
For TWU Richmond and the School of Business, the event reflected a growing commitment to strengthening ties between students and the Richmond business community.
“The School of Business has a long history of engaging with the Richmond business community. Events like this create meaningful opportunities for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs to learn from one another while building relationships that contribute to the region's economic and social vitality.”
— Rebecca Swaim, Executive Director, TWU Richmond
Putting entrepreneurship in the spotlight
A highlight of the afternoon came at halftime when attention shifted from the soccer pitch to a different kind of pitch. As the action paused on the field, student entrepreneurs took the stage to share innovative ideas with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members.
Through EMBARK, TWU's venture incubator, attendees were introduced to student entrepreneurs who shared their businesses and the stories behind them. The presentations gave founders an opportunity to engage directly with experienced business professionals while receiving exposure to a broader network of community leaders and potential supporters.
The pitches offered a glimpse into the entrepreneurial mindset that EMBARK seeks to cultivate. Rather than focusing solely on business concepts, students demonstrated the creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills required to build and grow a venture.
For many attendees, the chance to meet entrepreneurs at an early stage of their journey was one of the most valuable aspects of the event.
Building bridges between classroom & community
Entrepreneurship thrives in community. The watch party brought together students, founders, business professionals, and Chamber members for an afternoon of networking and idea-sharing. For students, it provided valuable exposure to the local business community; for business leaders, it offered a chance to connect with the next generation of entrepreneurs emerging from TWU's School of Business.
A gathering place for innovation
As TWU continues to expand its presence in Richmond, events like the FIFA World Cup watch party demonstrate the University's role as a connector within the local business ecosystem.
Through initiatives such as EMBARK, the School of Business is creating opportunities for students to move beyond the classroom and engage directly with the entrepreneurial community. Partnerships with organizations like the Richmond Chamber of Commerce strengthen those efforts, helping students develop networks, gain practical insight, and explore pathways for future growth.
The World Cup may have been the reason people first came together, but the lasting impact of the event was found in the relationships built, ideas shared, and entrepreneurial journeys encouraged along the way.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. TWU has its main campus in Langley, B.C. and campus sites in Richmond, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont.
Learn more at twu.ca or follow @TrinityWestern on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.