At Branksome Hall, we have always known that our students are world-changers. Now, the international academic community is taking notice. 

A study led by researchers at Branksome’s Chandaria Research Centre (CRC) was recently published in the prestigious International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship. The article, “Business Innovation Accelerator: An Entrepreneurship Education Program in a K-12 Canadian Independent School for Girls,” highlights how the school is redefining entrepreneurship education for young women through Noodle, Branksome’s signature business innovation accelerator. 

Authored by Drs. Natasha Koustova, Jordan Sutcliffe, Mira Gambhir and Tanjin Ashraf, the paper chronicles the journey of Branksome’s very first Noodle program cohort from 2019–2020, capturing the energy and ambition of a group of students who didn't just study business theory—they built real ventures from the ground up. From engineering innovative accessibility devices to launching sustainable fashion brands, the study showcases how Branksome students are tackling modern challenges with grit and creativity. 

The Secret to Noodle’s Success

The student participants developed a wide range of business skills through the Noodle program, including public speaking, financial management, market research, and technical prototyping. The research explored the ‘secret sauce’ behind the program’s success, identifying three key pillars that help Branksome students thrive:

• How a supportive, collaborative cohort of like-minded girls creates a safe space for bold risk-taking.
• The vital role of hands-on teacher guidance in helping students navigate the "messy" middle of the startup process.
• Finding the perfect mix of autonomy, agency and expert support to foster a true entrepreneurial mindset.

Shaping Future Leaders

“Noodle is about more than just starting a business,” notes Dr. Koustova, lead author and Director of the Chandaria Research Centre. “It’s about developing the confidence and resilience to navigate a rapidly changing world. Seeing this work recognized in a global journal validates Branksome’s commitment to being at the forefront of girls' education and innovation.” As Noodle continues to grow, this research provides a roadmap for how K-12 schools can empower the next generation of female founders to break barriers and lead with purpose.

We invite our community to read the full article online at the International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship website. If you have trouble accessing the link, please contact the Chandaria Research Centre at crc@branksome.on.ca to request a copy of the paper.