The University of Windsor EPICentre is pleased to announce that we will once again be partnering with Libro Credit Union to promote and support social entrepreneurship in Southwestern Ontario through The Libro-EPIC Social Enterprise Program. Valued at over $6,000 this 13-week program is specifically designed for aspiring social entrepreneurs who are driven by a blended value proposition of financial, social, and environmental or cultural returns.
“As advocates for positive change, we are thrilled to continue this partnership with Libro Credit Union to support existing and upcoming social enterprises,” said EPICentre Director Wen Teoh.
With the continued support from Libro Credit Union, this initiative aims to help our community address the most challenging issues within our region by supporting budding changemakers in their journey through social entrepreneurship. Through this program, participants will receive tailored coaching, specialized resources, tools, and networks to help them build a thriving social enterprise.
“At Libro, we’re delighted to be able to continue our partnership with the University of Windsor EPICentre as part of our ongoing work together to build knowledge, capacity and an ecosystem of social enterprise and social innovation in our region,” said Lori Atkinson, Libro’s Regional Manager for Windsor-Essex. “Libro is a financial institution with a social purpose and cooperative that is also a certified Benefit Corporation. Imagine if all businesses could operate in a way that was good for them, and good for society and the environment. Just imagine what we could achieve together.”
Libro-EPIC Social Enterprise Program participants chosen for this program will have access up to $2,000 in funding on eligible business expenses – such as marketing initiatives, accounting and/or legal services, product development, and more. At the end of the 13-week’s, they will also have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges for their chance to win an additional $5,000 grand prize sponsored by Libro Credit Union.
“I would like to thank Libro Credit Union for their continued support of this very important initiative facilitating positive societal change on our campus and in our region,” said Dr. K.W. Michael Siu, Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Windsor. “Not only will their contribution help to promote social entrepreneurship, but it will allow the next generation of social entrepreneurs to address critical challenges facing the communities they live in.”
Applications for this program are now open, to learn more, please visit our website
Media Contacts:
Wen Teoh, EPICentre Director
wteoh@uwindsor.ca
519-253-3000 ext. 3913
Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager for Windsor-Essex Libro Credit Union
519-776-4373
