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Product cover image for Becoming an Entrepreneur: Swing It Again Studios and the NDB Loan

Becoming an Entrepreneur: Swing It Again Studios and the NDB Loan

Yohan Fernandes, Elie Chrysostome, Tanay Rajwal, Sarthak Vasal

Product #:W42633
Supplier:Ivey
Discipline:Entrepreneurship, General Management
Setting:Canada, 2022
Details:Case (PDF) • 12 pages • 2025-03-14

Subjects:

Product positioningStart-upsLeadership and managing peopleEntrepreneurshipManagement

Industries:

Media, entertainment, and professional sports

Geography:

CanadaNorth America
Your Price:$10.54

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An account manager at the National Development Bank was tasked with evaluating a $400,000 loan application from Swing It Again Studios, an indoor golf simulation business located in Edmonton, Alberta. The proposal, submitted by the founder of the business, sought funding for advanced Golfman 4 simulators and facility enhancements to position the studio as a premium player in the market. While the business model demonstrated potential, uncertainties surrounding post-pandemic economic conditions, seasonal demand fluctuations, and reliance on projected revenues posed significant risks. The account manager had to weigh the opportunity to support a promising entrepreneurial venture against the necessity of adhering to the National Development Bank’s risk management criteria.

Learning Objectives

This case is suitable for undergraduate and graduate-level courses in entrepreneurship, small business management, or corporate finance. It fits well in modules focused on entrepreneurial financing, business feasibility assessment, or decision-making under uncertainty.

The case allows students to explore how financial institutions evaluate start-up loan proposals, balancing risks and opportunities. It also encourages critical thinking about how entrepreneurs can position their ventures in competitive and uncertain markets. This case works effectively in the mid- to late stages of the course when students have a foundational understanding of business planning, financial projections, and risk management strategies.

Analysis of the case will give students the opportunity to do the following:
  • Understand start-up challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the importance of a feasibility study.
  • Understand the processes that early-stage entrepreneurs go through when receiving funding.
  • Learn how to make business decisions with uncertain information.
  • Understand how entrepreneurs can position their new ventures in a competitive business environment.
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Case Study: Becoming an Entrepreneur: Swing It Again Studios and the NDB Loan (English version) | Ivey Publishing