NSC Competition Showcases Student Strategy, Grit and Teamwork
Entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving were on full display May 2 at North Seattle College’s 2nd Annual International Business Case Competition. The event brought together 31 students from North Seattle, South Seattle, and Seattle Central colleges for a high-energy day focused on strategy, collaboration, and innovation.
Teams competed in a full-day entrepreneurship case developed by faculty and centered on Cascadia Wild Seafood Co. Students were tasked with designing practical, forward-thinking strategies to address real business opportunities and challenges facing the company.
The morning kicked off with simultaneous presentation rounds across two classrooms, where teams delivered their analyses to panels of judges. Evaluations focused on creativity, strategic insight, feasibility, and the strength of each team’s recommendations.
After the initial rounds, the top five teams advanced to the finals, held in the library auditorium following a midday break. Lunch provided participants an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and reflect on their morning performances.
The final round introduced an unexpected twist: teams learned that Cascadia Wild Seafood Co. was facing a supply shortage. With just one hour to respond, teams had to adapt their strategies, select from four response options, and update their presentations accordingly. The challenge tested adaptability under pressure, a hallmark of real-world business environments.
Finalists rose to the occasion, demonstrating critical thinking, agility, and strong teamwork. Judges were particularly impressed by how quickly teams recalibrated while maintaining clear, professional presentations.
Students described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
“This was my first time, and it became one of those experiences I’ll remember for a long time,” said participant Mai Nguyen. She noted that the competition strengthened her ability to translate research into actionable recommendations and think beyond prepared materials during judges’ questioning.
Participant Ha Thanh Vu emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Getting everyone on the same page took way longer than expected, but that’s exactly what made it real,” Vu said. “It taught me that the hardest part of business isn’t always the analysis; it’s aligning people who genuinely see the world differently.”
The event was supported by 16 industry professional judges, including eight Business BAS alumni and five North Seattle College faculty members from the Accounting, Business and Real Estate departments who helped organize the competition. Two seafood industry experts participated in the final round, offering students valuable insights grounded in industry experience.
Nausica Zorzi, Interim Associate Dean of Business and Accounting Programs, highlighted the event’s impact, saying it is inspiring to see students move from theory to practice by applying their learning and entrepreneurial drive to real business challenges. She also expressed gratitude to the team whose commitment to student success and community sustainability makes the event possible.
Honorio Todino, Head Faculty of the International Business BAS Program, reflected on the collaboration behind the event, noting that an impressive outcome can be achieved with a small, dedicated team.
First Place Winners: Ivy Vo, Kate Vo, Kevin Nguyen
Competition Winners
- First Place: Ivy Vo, Kate Vo, Kevin Nguyen
- Second Place: Nhien Nha Xiao, Linh Le Gia Tran, Duong Thuy Nguyen, Mai Nguyen
- Third Place: Ryan Komba, Susanna Wu, Sofia Jun
- Fourth Place: Khatanbold Khongor, Lucia Martin, May Thu Khaing
- Fifth Place: Cherry Nguyen, Le Gia Bao Tran, Panha Reth, Long Khang Nguyen
All winning teams received cash prizes in recognition of their performance and dedication.
Reflecting on the experience, first-place winner Ivy Vo said that beyond the win, she is leaving with new knowledge and meaningful connections made throughout the process. Teammate Kate Vo added that the competition offered a chance to dive deeper into market and financial analysis while developing strategic coherence, noting that late-night collaboration and diverse perspectives played a key role in their success.
The International Business Case Competition continues to grow as a signature experiential learning opportunity at North Seattle College, giving students hands-on experience in problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world business decision-making.