Carleton University secures $10M gift to boost entrepreneurship and student learning

Carleton University in Canada has received a $10 million gift from alumnus and long-time donor Eric Sprott to strengthen entrepreneurship, expand innovative learning opportunities and enhance the student experience at its Sprott School of Business.

The contribution builds on Sprott’s landmark $10 million donation in 2001, which helped shape the school’s growth and development. The latest investment is expected to support innovative curricula, applied learning environments and opportunities for students to turn their ideas into practical solutions.

Sprott, a prominent Canadian investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, said higher education plays a vital role in helping young people develop critical thinking, creativity and the confidence to challenge conventional approaches.

“Higher education changes lives,” Sprott said, highlighting the importance of mentorship, exposure to diverse perspectives and personal growth alongside academic learning.

Reflecting on his own experience at Carleton, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1965, he said the friendships and experiences he gained at university had a lasting influence on his life.

He added that university education should remain accessible and that those with the means to give back should support institutions that help young people realise their potential.

Investment to shape the next generation of business leaders

The donation comes as Carleton University begins looking towards its centennial in 2042 through its long-term strategic vision, Towards Carleton@100: From Promise to Inclusive Impact and Prominence.

University President and Vice-Chancellor Wisdom Tettey said collaboration with alumni, donors and other supporters would remain central to the institution’s ambitions and its ability to create lasting social and economic impact.

He noted that innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, responsible leadership and creative problem-solving were becoming increasingly important as businesses and societies confronted complex global challenges.

Tettey said the investment would help prepare the next generation of business leaders to address pressing issues in Canada and around the world, expressing gratitude to Sprott for his continued commitment to Carleton students.

The gift was formally announced on October 26 at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Sprott School of Business receiving its name.

Dean Howard Nemiroff said Sprott’s original contribution had helped put the school on a path of sustained growth, innovation and wider impact. The latest gift, he added, would help build on that foundation and strengthen the school’s role in developing future leaders.

Building on 25 years of growth

Over the past 25 years, the Sprott School of Business has secured international accreditation, opened the Nicol Building, expanded its research activities and introduced new opportunities for hands-on learning.

The school has also tripled the number of degree programmes it offers and welcomed its first Canada Research Chair. Among its newer offerings is the Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, described by the university as the first university degree of its kind in Canada.

Sprott’s latest contribution will support further development of curricula and learning environments that place practical experience at the centre of business education. Students are expected to benefit from more opportunities to test ideas, apply their knowledge and build skills relevant to the evolving business landscape.

As the school looks towards its next 25 years, the investment is intended to sustain its growth, encourage entrepreneurial thinking and prepare graduates to develop solutions that support shared prosperity and strengthen Canada's global competitiveness.