When Nicholas Wong, a Grade 4 student from Mensa, began working on his business idea, it wasn’t the branding or the design that thrilled him most—it was the math.
“My favourite part of working on my business idea was the calculation of the possible annual revenue that my app could generate,” Nicholas said. “The astronomical number inspired me to actually start this business.”
That curiosity and clarity helped Nicholas secure first place in the Grade 3/4 category at the 2025 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, hosted by BNS News. His winning concept, Neighborhood Hero, is a community-based platform designed to match everyday service needs—like snow shoveling, tutoring, and pet care—with local service providers. It’s an idea that bridges digital convenience with grassroots connection.
A Business Built on Local Trust
Nicholas’s pitch demonstrated both creativity and practical awareness. When asked by judge Karen Lau what would happen if a user couldn’t find a specific service, Nicholas explained that users could request new service categories—an adaptable solution designed to grow with community needs. Judge Christina Mattina inquired about safety protocols, and Nicholas responded confidently, noting that the app would include basic credential checks such as government-issued IDs and professional qualifications.
For someone in Grade 4, this level of consideration—especially around trust and safety—was notable.
Numbers That Mattered
While many young entrepreneurs focused on product design or logos, Nicholas dug into the numbers. He projected a sizable annual revenue based on user subscriptions or service fees (depending on model evolution), and this financial modeling became his personal turning point.
“The astronomical number inspired me to actually start this business,” he reflected.
This analytical spark distinguished Nicholas’s presentation as both thoughtful and executable.
A Quote That Captures It All
“Building a business starts with a dream, then the next step is to make it happen.”
This quote, shared by Nicholas in his winner’s statement, embodies the spirit of the entire competition. While many participants had exciting ideas, Nicholas combined vision with a clear action plan—an entrepreneurial quality that left a strong impression on the judges.
Looking Ahead
With his app still in its early stages, Nicholas is exploring the next steps: refining the user interface, understanding more about vetting service providers, and continuing to evaluate potential revenue streams. Judges encouraged him to think big—beyond his local community—as the concept could serve neighborhoods across Canada and beyond.
Nicholas Wong’s “Neighborhood Hero” is more than just a school project—it’s a glimpse into the future of community engagement, built by someone who sees business not just as an idea, but as a way to make things better.
Congratulations, Nicholas Wong — 2025 Winner, Grade 3/4 Business Youth Category!