EPICentre will soon be graduating its newest cohort from the Libro-EPIC Social Enterprise Program in early May. Over the span of 3 years, this accelerator program has continued to expand and evolve because of the continued support by Libro Credit Union. This program is specifically designed for social entrepreneurs who are driven by a blended value proposition of financial, social and environmental returns. It seeks to advance socially minded people with business ideas by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to grow and flourish.

Our most recent cohort has supported 6 Social Enterprises working in many areas related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the areas of focus are, but not limited to: No Poverty, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Responsible Consumption & Production, and Quality Education. To learn more about our 2021 cohort, please click here.

Since early February, these social entrepreneurs have had the opportunity to virtually connect with like-minded people and other social enterprises. They’ve also had the opportunity to attend exclusive workshops with industry leaders and experts in topics such as Design Thinking, Social Impact, Storytelling, and more. Each of the teams also received $2,000 in grants toward their business, sponsored by Libro Credit Union. Each team also received dedicated coaching and support by Chris Zhang, Social Enterprise Consultant for Pillar Nonprofit Network & Co-Founder of Plant a Home. The 2021 program also welcomed amazing guest speakers, experts and community members. A special thank you goes to our workshop speakers:

• Andre Pawan Vashist, Collaborationist & Equity Seeker
• Jill Hooper, Founder, Jill Hooper Consulting
• Julie Forrester, Manager of Impact Consulting, Pillar Nonprofit Network
• Laura Tetrault, Founder, Inquisita Enterprises
• Shannon Dyck, Small Business Specialist, Libro Credit Union
• Taylor Lanoie, Founder, Taylor Lanoie Creative Co.

Thank you to the Social Entrepreneurs who participated in our virtual Social Enterprise Meet n’ Greet:

• Cook-Up Inc.
• Half Step Away Music Centre
• Jubzi
• Kindness Café

Our Final Event for the Libro-EPIC Social Enterprise program is our Final Pitch Competition happening May 6th, 2021. Our changemakers will be competing for one of two cash prizes, sponsored by Libro Credit Union. The Top Pitch Award worth $5,000 will be selected by our esteemed panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award worth $1,000 will be determined by the live audience. Support our changemakers by registering today: https://bit.ly/2ReIufy

Thank you to Libro Credit Union for their continued support of this initiative. For more information about the Libro-EPIC Social Enterprise Program, please click here.