Is it possible to grow the local economy, support new entrepreneurs, protect the environment and do good for the community?

The Centre created the Social Venture Challenge to do exactly that. We’ve just wrapped up the program for the third year in the Sea to Sky Corridor that culminated in the pitch event on June 28th with six entrepreneurs presenting their business idea to a panel of judges and a room-packed audience for a chance to win a cash prize.

The Social Venture Challenge supports entrepreneurs with the development of a business that aims to create social and/or environmental impact. Using the Business Model Canvas, entrepreneurs go through each aspect of developing their business concept, from identifying their unique value proposition to sales channels to revenue streams.  Each year, innovative businesses have been launched through our program, including: Dooshi, which is sushi for pets made from upcycled salmon skins sourced from sushi restaurants and blended with pulp from organic juice bars; Ski Heaven that diverts skis and snowboards from the waste stream, turning them into art and furniture; and Positive Paddle that offers workshops for First Nations youth to learn to build wooden standup paddleboards.

This year, the winner of the Social Venture Challenge was Gear Share Hub, a peer-to-peer outdoor gear rental website aimed at building connections, reducing consumption, supporting local economies and promoting outdoor activities. Read our blog about Gear Share Hub.

Read about this year’s other Social Venture Challenge participants here.

To find out more about this program and how to bring it to your community or region, please contact Cheeying Ho at 604-388-8421.