*WOSEN programs seek to address gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to support women-identified and gender non-binary entrepreneurs from underserved and underrepresented communities. This includes Indigenous women, women in rural or remote regions, racialized women, newcomer women, LGBTQ2+, women with disabilities, and those who identify as gender non-binary. Learn more about WOSEN here.
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Please note: Registration for this program is now full. Please continue to registration to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!
Research and lived experience reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified social inequities and highlighted existing barriers for entrepreneurs from marginalized communities. This is especially true for woman-identified and nonbinary entrepreneurs*, whom are often unable to access what they need from business coaching and traditional supports in order to build thriving and sustainable social enterprises.
We have a chance to collectively rebuild our economy in a way that includes and supports all entrepreneurs, while also fostering social innovation that will positively impact our communities. As coaches, mentors, and community leaders, your role in the system allows you to be changemakers as we rebuild towards this shared prosperity.
This program is created for coaches, mentors, advisors and community leaders to develop key competencies, build capacity across communities, and learn how to respond to the needs of all social entrepreneurs and innovators with an inclusive lens.
You will gain:
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A shared vision for an inclusive, sustainable and just economy
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A better understanding of the current economic system: the gaps; barriers; inequities; what works and where change is crucial
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Some time for self-reflection to consider your role and impact in the larger entrepreneurial ecosystem
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New skills and resources to expand your toolkit
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Socially innovative approaches and frameworks to better serve unique entrepreneur needs
This program will:
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Be offered digitally
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Build the learning in 4 separate Modules
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Include learning and connection opportunities in between modules
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Run regionally in Southwestern Ontario
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Establish a post-program community of practice
- Conclude with a Certificate of Completion (must attend all sessions)
PROGRAM DETAILS
Module One: TOWARD A SHARED VISION
Friday, November 6, 2020
9am-12pm
In this module, we ask the question, “What does something better look like?” We will lay the foundational groundwork for this series by co-creating a shared vision for the future. We will identify our role as changemakers and recognize that our collective influence, as the entrepreneurial ecosystem, has enough power to change the status quo.
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Module Two: MAPPING THE SYSTEM
Friday, November 20, 2020
9am-12pm
In this module, we create a realistic snapshot of our current work within nested systems. We will gain a deeper understanding of what got us here and how we have consciously or unconsciously upheld oppressive structures. We will consider the barriers that marginalized entrepreneurs are navigating and how we, as supporters, can shift this reality. We will also examine the impact of COVID-19 and how it has exacerbated already entrenched inequities.
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Module Three: PERSONAL POWER
Friday, December 4, 2020
9am-12pm
This module invites personal reflection around power, privilege and identity. In order to create change, we have to recognize where we hold power, so that we can influence positive shifts in the economic landscape. We will also consider the impact of our identities and privilege on those we intend to serve.
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Module Four: ACTION!
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
9am-12pm
In this module, we put it all together and ask, “So, what now?” Now that you have gained a new awareness and understanding, we will review the practical tools that enable you to better serve all entrepreneurs. Throughout the program, you will have been gathering resources to expand your toolkit so the entrepreneurs you support can step out of the margins and be positive and active contributors to their communities. We will also co-create a plan to stay connected, continue the learning and build our network.
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*Please Note: Registration is intentionally limited in order to create a deep and enriching learning experience.
If you are unable to commit to the whole program, please reconsider registering.
Sessions will not be recorded.
