Each year we invite social enterprises to join us for 6-months of integrated, supported learning at Innovation Works. Supported by Libro Credit Union, we provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, learning opportunities and resources to boost the impact of these social enterprises.
Social Enterprise Incubator participants receive:
- 6 months access to Innovation Works
- 1-1 Coaching with Pillar's Social Enterprise Coach
- 1-1 support from a volunteer Business Advisor specialized in your area of need
- A network of social enterprises at all stages of development
- Additional social enterprise & business resources
Six new social enterprises will be joining us from January - June 2018, each with a unique business model and positive community impact!
Abilities in Motion
Abilities In Motion is a non-profit organization that offers outdoor physical activities to people of all ages and abilities. Through their adaptive canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding classes, Abilities in Motion promotes and encourages inclusive outdoor activities for all abilities. Whether disabilities are physical, cognitive, social or emotional, Abilities In Motion provides introductory experiences, training days and skill development opportunities through events and regularly scheduled paddle days.
SEED Learning
Mission: reduce bullying, juvenile suicide & crime & severe the cycle of poverty by teaching skills to manage emotions & their impact on communication. Seed Learning is an educational technology startup delivering social & emotional intelligence training & support to school age children & their families.
Skill Decor
Kay Habib is a home designer and stager who is taking her business to the next level by adding social enterprise to her work. Skill Decor will be working with marginalized/immigrant women to earn an income by utilizing their sewing skills to create decorative pillows.
The Phoenix Canine Initiative
Started in St. Thomas, The Phoenix Canine Initiative is a therapy dog program that focuses on individuals who are at risk for OSI and PTSD in their service to the public. Therapy dogs work with first responders, social service workers and other at risk pubic servants in our communities, reducing the occurance and effects of occupational stress disorders.
Urban Roots
Urban Roots is a non-profit organization which focuses on two things: using vacant city spaces to produce food, and strengthening community connections. These five social entrepreneurs believe that the roots of our community and the roots of our food grow best when they grow together. Working together, Urban Roots is committed to organic growing practices and using local food waste for compost. The food produced provides fresh, local food for markets, donations to community programs and families unable to afford high quality, fresh produce.
Yotuni
This First Nation (Indigenous) grass roots social enterprise provides programs and services for at risk First Nation children and youth. Yotuni creates spiritual growth, strong hearts and strong minds through mentoring, guidance, cultural educational teachings, workshops for mental and physical health, as well as healing circles. Yotuni provides the tools and life skills needed to live positive and healthier lifestyles.
Want to be part of our next cohort? Applications for the Libro Social Enterprise Incubator will re-open in March!
Interested in accessing support for your social enterprise, or just learning more about social enterprise?
Join our community every Friday mornings 9:30-11am for Socialpreneur Chats at Innovation Works. Come with an idea to share, a challenge to discuss, or a listening ear!
Learn more about Pillar's support for social enterprise at www.pillarnonprofit.ca/socialenterprise or contact Julie Forrester, our Social Enterprise Coach at secoach@pillarnonprofit.ca.