Engineer Bradley Pierik invented a simple to use filtration device that purified water. Since there is a large market demand for clean water in developing countries, he decided that starting a business would be the best way to distribute his devices. He had a great idea for a business venture but he didn’t have the business knowledge or connections to turn his idea into reality. While studying engineering at UBC, he decided to take some business courses at the Sauder School of Business’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. After taking a course in technology entrepreneurship, he gained the skills necessary to enter the marketplace. He started working with the Canadian charity Water School to test his filtration devices in Uganda, the Dominican Republic, Kenya and Haiti, his work quickly attracted the Vancouver business Institute B. With the help of this institute, Pierik established his company Twothirds Water Inc. $10,000 in funds has been raised and his company is moving forward with 50,000 to 80,000 units in production.
This case exemplifies how applicable business skills are to everyday life. No matter how great your idea is, it’s often difficult to pursue a business venture without business knowledge and connections.