Winner of the 2025 Frank H. Sobey Award and third-year student in entrepreneurship and innovation, Dawson McCulloch, is a prime example of what it looks like when your community gives to you, and you give back to them.

At the age of 12, Dawson started working in lawn care when a neighbour needed help after a hip surgery. Coming to Acadia a few short years later, he was ready to go all in on lawn—and community—care.

“It’s the people in the Valley who helped me start my business,” says Dawson. “I love the people here, so I want to give back.”

Dawson was drawn to Acadia in part because he’s gained so much from being involved in the community around Acadia and his hometown of Port Williams, which is just a short drive from the university. “I’ve volunteered my whole life,” says Dawson, who is now a volunteer fire fighter in Port Williams. And upon arriving at Acadia in first year, he hit the ground running by getting involved in both Enactus and Launchbox, two student-led groups focused on business innovation and community engagement.

Joining both organizations gave Dawson the push he needed to start his business, Rustic Roots Lawn Care, after his first year at Acadia. “I met entrepreneurs in both groups that inspired me and gave me the confidence to start my business full time,” he says.

“Dawson's early exposure to entrepreneurship meant that before coming to Acadia he was already aware of critical facets of a successful business,” says Dr. Kristin Williams (F.C. Manning School of Business). “Once he started his business degree, his venture further accelerated with increased customers and transition to a full-time operation.”

Since coming to Acadia, Dawson has valued being able to rely on his professors for advice. “They provide guidance, and they give us their opinions and support. It’s something important that Acadia has offered. I feel connected to the professors here; it’s nice to be able to go have casual conversations with them.”

Growing local support

After Dawson finishes his degree next spring, he’s looking forward to continuing to contribute to the local business scene in Nova Scotia.

“In the past couple of years especially, and even more so right now, people here have been focused on supporting local products and services.” Having worked at a farm market, Dawson has seen first-hand that “Nova Scotians really value local connections.”

“People are willing to go to the farmer’s market on Saturdays and maybe spend a few extra dollars to support a local farmer.” Dawson anticipates that in the coming years, there will be a continuing shift towards supporting local business infrastructure and development, and he’s excited to be part of it.

“I see myself fitting into that shift by growing my own businesses and helping to mentor people who want follow that path.”

Dawson has already had an opportunity to participate as a mentor in Nova Scotia’s Options and Opportunities (or O2) program, which is designed to help high school students build the skills and confidence to move into the workforce. He’s proud to have the opportunity to bring up the next generation of entrepreneurs after him. “I even had some of the students text me over the summer to ask for advice. It was really nice!”

He hopes to come back to Acadia to speak to the next crop of students in Launchbox about his own experiences setting up a business in the Valley. “In whatever capacity I can, I want to stay connected to Acadia.”

But before he can come back to mentor future students, Dawson and the rest of the Enactus team are getting ready to head to Calgary to participate in the Enactus National Exposition, then it’s into high season for his lawn care businesses.

Even if he may not have much time to soak it all up in the bustle of the life of a young entrepreneur, Acadia is incredibly proud to see Dawson win this incredible award. “Dawson is resilient and hardworking,” says Dr. Williams. “He is open minded and compassionate. I believe he personifies the spirit of this award.” We can’t wait to see where he goes next!