Sobey Awards: Fueling Atlantic Canada's Future Business Leaders

STELLARTON, NS – February 12, 2026 – The Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies have unveiled the eight exceptional students who will join its prestigious fellowship, each receiving a transformative $45,000 award to pursue their entrepreneurial and academic goals. The announcement highlights a continued, decades-long investment in cultivating the next generation of business leaders within Atlantic Canada.

The 2026 recipients, chosen from a competitive pool of 34 nominees from universities across the region, are:

• Sujit Acharya, Acadia University
• Russell Noseworthy, Memorial University
• Bentley Huffington, Mount Allison University
• Charles Anderson, Mount St. Vincent University
• Olivian Sanderson, Saint Mary's University
• Conrad Scotchburn, Saint Mary's University
• Isaac Hierlihy, St. Francis Xavier University
• Jona White, St. Francis Xavier University

These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, proven leadership, and deep commitment to their communities—qualities that reflect the very ethos of the award's namesake. In addition to the eight winners, the remaining 26 finalists will each receive $3,500, acknowledging the remarkable caliber of all applicants.

A Legacy of Building the Region

The awards program is more than a scholarship; it is a cornerstone of the Sobey family's and Empire Company Limited's enduring commitment to Atlantic Canada. Established in 1989, the program honours the legacy of Frank H. Sobey (1902-1985), a visionary entrepreneur who grew a family meat business into the Sobeys grocery empire. His influence, however, extended far beyond the boardroom.

Frank H. Sobey was a dedicated public servant, serving as the mayor of Stellarton for 22 years and championing significant infrastructure upgrades. His most impactful role may have been as the head of Industrial Estates Limited, a provincial crown corporation where he was instrumental in attracting major international industries, including Michelin Tire, to Nova Scotia. This blend of shrewd business sense and unwavering dedication to regional development is the spirit the awards seek to instill in their recipients.

Since its inception, the program has awarded over $4 million to more than 230 students, creating a powerful network of alumni who are now leaders in their own right. This long-term philanthropic investment underscores a strategic belief in the power of education and entrepreneurship to drive the region's prosperity.

Cultivating Excellence in a New Generation

While the financial award is substantial, the selection criteria emphasize qualities that build strong communities as well as strong businesses. The committee seeks out students who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spark, a passion for innovation, and a history of giving back.

The 2026 cohort joins a lineage of ambitious and community-minded individuals. Past winners exemplify the award's impact. Anik Ahmed, a 2023 recipient, co-developed an app to support individuals experiencing domestic abuse, earning global recognition for his social enterprise. Ben Collings Mackay, a 2025 winner, founded a marine safety venture to create specialized life jackets for the commercial fishing industry, securing significant seed funding.

These examples illustrate the type of forward-thinking leadership the Frank H. Sobey Awards aim to identify and support. The 2026 winners—hailing from diverse backgrounds, from St. John's, Newfoundland to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia—are poised to make their own unique contributions. They represent the vibrant, globally-connected talent pool currently being educated in Atlantic Canada's universities.

More Than Money: The Mentorship Advantage

A defining feature of the Frank H. Sobey Award, often cited by past recipients as its most valuable component, is the mentorship program. Each of the eight winners is paired with an experienced business leader from the Atlantic Canadian community, creating a relationship that provides guidance far beyond what can be learned in a classroom.

This structured mentorship is a critical tool for professional development. Mentors provide practical, real-world insights into navigating complex business landscapes, helping students bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. They act as sounding boards for new ideas, offer invaluable career advice, and open doors to powerful professional networks that can take years to build.

Feedback from the program consistently highlights that this guidance is valued as highly as the financial support itself. For young entrepreneurs and aspiring executives, having a trusted advisor can accelerate their learning curve, help them avoid common pitfalls, and build the confidence needed to pursue ambitious goals. This focus on mentorship transforms the award from a simple prize into a comprehensive leadership development program.

A Strategic Investment in Atlantic Canada's Future

In an era where Atlantic Canada faces demographic challenges and works to retain its brightest minds, programs like the Frank H. Sobey Awards are not just charitable—they are strategic. By investing heavily in top-tier undergraduate business students, Empire Company Limited is helping to build a robust talent pipeline within the region.

The awards encourage students to see a future for themselves in Atlantic Canada, providing them with the resources and connections to launch businesses, lead organizations, and contribute to the local economy. The emphasis on entrepreneurship directly addresses the regional need for innovation and job creation, fostering a culture of self-reliance and economic dynamism.

By recognizing and rewarding students who combine academic prowess with community involvement and entrepreneurial vision, the award sends a clear message about the kind of leadership the region values. The eight winners will be formally celebrated at a luncheon on March 26, 2026. As they embark on the next chapter of their careers, they carry not only a significant financial boost but also the support of a powerful network and the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to building a stronger Atlantic Canada.