In the lead up to its 60th anniversary in 2027, the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary has released an Economic and Social Impact Report highlighting the school’s role as a catalyst of economic prosperity, academic excellence and social progress in Alberta and beyond.
Conducted in collaboration with independent insights firm Hanover Research, the one‑year impact analysis was led by findings that the business school generates $2.42 billion in economic activity annually, based on 2024 data. Of this, $298 million came from direct school spending, and $2.12 billion in broader contributions driven by alumni wage premiums, event activity and ventures launched through school programs.
“From billions of dollars in annual economic impact to pro bono consulting for non-profits, and a thriving alumni network, the numbers tell a compelling story,” says Dr. Gina Grandy, PhD, dean of the Haskayne School.
The report found that Haskayne alumni generate $1.17 billion in annual wage premiums, highlighted by elevated earning power in sectors such as finance, energy, technology and consulting.
Overall, the report estimates the school’s annual activities support more than 1,000 jobs across Alberta.
Standing out among the school’s signature initiatives is the Creative Destruction Lab – Rockies (CDL-Rockies), a global mentorship program supporting initiatives at the seed-stage and one of only five such sites in Canada. In 2024 alone, CDL-Rockies firms raised $286 million in capital, generated more than $1.4 billion in equity value and created more than 231 jobs.
Meanwhile, in event activity, the school hosted more than 120 events in 2024, contributing $17.5 million in visitor spending to Calgary’s economy.
A ‘duty to equip’
Beyond its economic impact, Grandy notes that Haskayne’s role extends further, with a duty to equip leaders who are prepared to take complex challenges and actively shape the future of business.
To this end, the report highlights a range of distinctive academic offerings designed to meet this mandate. The Haskayne Adventure Leadership program, led by the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business, includes wilderness retreats and a leadership expedition – the latter of which is delivered in partnership with Outward Bound Canada.
“We do not take such an obligation lightly, and that deep sense of responsibility is evident in the people and programs at Haskayne,” says Grandy.
A cornerstone in the community
Haskayne’s social impact is equally profound. The report notes the school acts as a “cornerstone” of the business community, facilitating leaders, mentors and partners to deliver more than 5,000 volunteer hours through programs such as the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Jarislowsky Fellowship in Business Management and the BMO Mentorship Program.
Students also made a meaningful contribution through the Propel Business Project, delivering 4,500 pro bono consulting hours to 74 organizations — representing an estimated $322,000 in value across sectors including non-profit, health care and technology.
“Being a mentor is incredibly rewarding,” said Max Chan in the report. The senior vice-president of operations and engineering at Enbridge was among the more than 280 mentorship pairings hosted through the BMO Mentorship program in 2024.
“Supporting students as they shape their career goals and navigate such a formative stage of their lives is both exciting and deeply fulfilling.”
Access the full Haskayne Economic and Community Impact Report.