A new gift from Desjardins to 91亚色鈥檚 Innovation 91亚色 will expand two critical accelerator programs that provide training and support in entrepreneurship and help promote innovation.
The funding will continue both Desjardins and 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to fostering positive change for diverse local communities and uniquely global perspectives.
The gift supports two initiatives at 91亚色, with an infusion over five years to GENIAL (Glendon Entrepreneuriat et Innovation A L鈥橧nternational) and over two years to ELLA (Entrepreneurial Leadership & Learning Alliance).
鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with Desjardins to create greater access and opportunities for women-led businesses,鈥 says Jennifer MacLean, assistant vice-president, innovation and research partnerships at 91亚色. 鈥淭his partnership will enable 91亚色鈥檚 YSpace to expand our impact in the community and continue to foster the skills and talents of young entrepreneurs.鈥
GENIAL is a bilingual initiative that offers training, extracurricular activities, and a research program in entrepreneurship and innovation. Desjardins鈥 gift will allow GENIAL to scale up its bilingual Entrepreneurial Skills Passport (ESP) program that is currently offered to Glendon students. Through the ESP program, GENIAL has trained a diverse population of students from liberal arts and business backgrounds, including domestic and international students enrolled in business, economics, communications, translation, international studies, sociology and psychology. GENIAL was launched in 2017 by Angelo Dossou-Yovo, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship.
Desjardins also supported 91亚色鈥檚 first accelerator focused on supporting women-led product- and service-based businesses. The donation to ELLA 鈥 a program created by women, for women 鈥 will support the program for the next two years. The funding will help with the sustainability of ELLA鈥檚 accelerator programming that provides women entrepreneurs with access to the community, knowledge and resources they need to scale their business.
鈥淲ith Desjardins鈥 support, YSpace鈥檚 ELLA program will be able to help more women entrepreneurs, particularly those in consumer packaged goods and professional services, take their businesses to greater heights and scale up into national and international markets,鈥 said David Kwok, associate director, entrepreneurship. 鈥淭his gift recognizes the value in supporting women-led product- and service-based businesses, providing them with resources as robust as those currently found in the tech sector.鈥
To recognize their contribution and commitment, Desjardins is invited to take part in ELLA鈥檚 national advisory committee and act as subject-matter experts to help shape the program鈥檚 future.
鈥淓ntrepreneurs play an important role in our society. They are creating innovative solutions to the needs of Canadians and the challenges they face,鈥 said Guy Cormier, president and CEO of Desjardins Group. 鈥淲e are proud to support 91亚色 and their young entrepreneurs. They will help shape the world of tomorrow and we鈥檙e incredibly happy to be part of something that will give them the resources and tools they need to pursue their goals in life.鈥
Students and other members of the 91亚色 community are invited to attend a public talk by Cormier on Sept. 12 at the Schulich Executive Learning Centre on 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus. Hear Cormier鈥檚 professional journey, starting as a cashier, and how he worked his way up through Desjardins to become the youngest president in the history of the organization. He will also talk openly about the challenges he鈥檚 faced in his career and his vision of modern leadership, and answer audience questions.
Click here to register for the event on Sept. 12: .