By: Sydney Thompson

EPCentre wrapped up the 2nd cohort of the Libro-EPIC Social Innovators Program on February 1st, 2020. Over the past two years, this program supported 7 social enterprises in the Windsor-Essex community and has made a lasting impact on our youth and how they see and run their businesses.

Through this program, social entrepreneurs are taught the basics of starting a business with a heavy emphasis on social impact and sustainability. Participants also receive mentorship, coaching, training and entrepreneurial skill development. Each social enterprise is also granted $8,000 in seed funding over the 4-month duration of the program.

It is with pleasure we announce the 4 social enterprises that graduated from the 2019-2020 Libro EPIC Social Innovators Program:
· Grown Lady Garments – inclusive, sustainable and ethical clothing boutique
· Kindness Café – “pay-as-you-feel” café that uses fresh food surplus from local restaurants
· Half Step Away Music Centre – fully inclusive music lessons focused on teaching individuals with disabilities
· West-End Farmers Cooperative – farmers cooperative that aims to use vertical farming units made with repurposed materials to grow fresh produce for residents in Windsor’s Westend. 

This initiative was made possible through the gracious support of the Libro Credit Union. And a very special thank you also goes out to Maureen Lucas – EPIC Mentor – for mentoring and guiding our 2019-2020 social enterprise cohort.

If you’re interested to learn more about our social innovators, we encourage you to check out our EPIC Social Enterprise Forum on March 12th. These 4 social enterprises, along with other social entrepreneurs, will gather for an evening filled with meaningful storytelling and fellowship. We hope to see you there!