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International Business University Marks a Transformative First Six Months of 2026 with Convocation Milestone

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TORONTO, July 6, 2026 /CNW/ – For nearly 700 International Business University (IBU) students, Convocation 2026 marked the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and academic achievement. Held across June 11 and 12, the milestone celebrated a graduating class that has grown from just 11 graduates in 2024 to nearly 700 in 2026, reflecting the rapid evolution of IBU and the increasing demand for its career-focused business education.

A Culmination of Student Achievement

Convocation 2026 brought together students, faculty, families, and the broader IBU community to celebrate the achievements of a diverse graduating class. Graduates were formally conferred their degrees and welcomed into IBU’s growing alumni network.

Each graduate crossed the stage and was recognized by Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chancellor of IBU and Member of the Order of Canada, marking the completion of their academic journey and the beginning of the next chapter in their professional lives.

Six Months of Momentum and Growth

While Convocation celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026, it also represented the culmination of a period of significant momentum for the university.

During the first half of 2026, IBU expanded its footprint through the opening of new campuses in Toronto and Ottawa, creating additional spaces for learning, collaboration, and community engagement. The university also strengthened its academic offerings with the launch of the Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MSc in Applied AI), reflecting its commitment to preparing graduates for emerging industries and the evolving needs of employers.

IBU further enhanced student and graduate opportunities through new pathway partnerships like with Sheridan College, while initiatives such as Bank Your Future, delivered in partnership with Scotiabank, connected students directly with employers and career pathways. Participation in events such as the Black Creator Academy’s Big Pitch showcased the university’s support for entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging talent.

Beyond academics and career development, IBU continued to strengthen its growing community. The inaugural IBU Alumni Meet brought graduates together to foster professional connections and mentorship opportunities, while the IBU Signal provided a platform for thought leadership and knowledge sharing among students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners.

The university also expanded its engagement within Canada’s innovation ecosystem through participation in Sovereign 2026 with Canurta Therapeutics and Toronto Tech Week and its MOU with Kanata North Business Association, reinforcing its commitment to connecting students with leaders and opportunities at the intersection of business, technology, and innovation.

Together, these achievements reflect IBU’s commitment to building an educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. Convocation 2026 stands as the culmination of these efforts and a powerful reminder that the university’s progress is ultimately measured by the success of its students.

Looking Ahead

As IBU enters the second half of 2026, the university will continue building on the momentum generated during the first six months of the year. With expanded campuses in Toronto and Ottawa, new academic offerings, strengthened industry and academic partnerships, and a growing alumni community, IBU remains focused on creating innovative learning experiences that prepare graduates for an evolving global economy.

The achievements of the first half of 2026 have established a strong foundation for future growth and impact. As the Class of 2026 joins IBU’s alumni network, the university looks forward to continuing its mission of developing business leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will contribute to industries and communities around the world.

https://ibu.ca/press-release/international-business-university-marks-a-transformative-first-six-months-of-2026-with-convocation-milestone/

About International Business University

International Business University (IBU) is Ontario’s first independent, not-for-profit university exclusively dedicated to business education. Guided by its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and personalized learning, IBU prepares graduates to thrive in a global, purpose-driven economy.

With Centres of Excellence such as the Future Talent Research Institute and the Centre for Sustainable Business, IBU ensures its curriculum is continuously aligned with employer demands and emerging workforce needs. Through small class sizes, industry-engaged faculty, and innovative teaching methods, IBU delivers a higher education that is practical, globally relevant, and deeply connected to the real world of business.

From its foundation, IBU has integrated sustainability, innovation, and industry collaboration into every program–positioning itself as a forward-looking institution committed to shaping Canada’s next generation of business leaders.

SOURCE International Business University

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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