Award Gives Boost to Women-Led Student Businesses at Brock

Two Brock students will each receive $10,000 to support their four-month entrepreneurship co-op terms.

Two enterprising Brock University students set to make an impact on the entrepreneurial landscape at the University and beyond thanks to the Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Award.

Eva McDonnell has carved out a niche in social media management through her company, Rev’d Business Consulting, while Veronika Adamczyk specializes in high-quality landscaping services through Lawn Masters Property Services. Each will receive $10,000 to support their four-month Entrepreneurship Co-op terms at the Brock LINC.

Learn more about McDonnell’s business

Originally from Naas, Ireland, McDonnell turned her passion for social media into a thriving business. Starting with content creation and audience engagement, her services now encompass website design, email marketing, and tailored marketing solutions for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Supported by the Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Award, the fourth-year Business Administration (BBA) Co-op International Double Degree program student will spend her co-op term managing a diverse portfolio of clients, setting specific growth targets for existing clients, and developing effective marketing plans to launch new ones, despite the challenge of reaching her solo entrepreneur capacity.

McDonnell says she is thankful for the guidance of Brock LINC Program Manager Cassie Conte throughout the award application process. “I’m also grateful for the recognition and support from the Laura Sabia Award,” she says. “It’s a boost that will help me invest in software, equipment, and skills development to better serve my clients and grow my business.”

Learn more about Adamczyk’s business

Adamczyk, also a fourth-year BBA student, and her business partner Owen Sartor lead Lawn Masters Property Services. Beginning with a shared love of outdoor design and a commitment to exceptional service, their business journey now includes plans to enhance digital marketing strategies and upgrade equipment for improved service efficiency and sustainability.

She and McDonnell will receive mentorship and business coaching from the Brock LINC as part of the Entrepreneurship Co-op program.

What is the Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Award?

The Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Award is open to Brock co-op program students who identify as women, with up to five students receiving awards per year. Part of a $500,000 gift from Brock University Chancellor Hilary Pearson and her husband Michael Sabia, the awards support women in business and the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Laura Sabia, Michael Sabia’s mother, was a founding member of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, President of the Canadian Federation of University Women, and served on St. Catharines City Council from 1963 to 1968. In 1974, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her work toward improving the status of women.