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Agents of Change 2018-2019: Climate Solutions

An accelerator for early-stage social enterprises with promising products, services, and technologies that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Social entrepreneurs are turning the climate crisis into an opportunity to build the more resilient, clean, and low-carbon economy of the future.

Over two years, the Centre for Social Innovation is supporting 38 enterprises working on climate change solutions. Meet our second cohort!

Apply Now

HOW WE SUPPORTED THEIR SUCCESS

We supported these climate change-fighting enterprises with:

BUSINESS AND IMPACT EXPERTS

Top-rated, seasoned coaches to accelerate their growth and amplify their impact.

 

IMPACT MEASUREMENT

Personalized support to help them develop and track impact metrics, including GHG reductions.

CONNECTIONS

Advisory services from senior leaders, connection to our 2,500 members, and pitching to investors and partners on Demo Night.

PROGRAMMING

Take part in an enterprise bootcamp, workshops, monthly progress reviews and peer circles.

WORKSPACE

Free workspace for 12 months.

FUNDING

Over $20,000 in cash awards, access to microloans, and connections to funders and investors.

INCREASED PROFILE

Recognition as an Agent of Change, and promotional support to increase their reach.

MEMBERSHIP AT CSI

All the benefits of membership at CSI, including access to exclusive programs, member socials, discounts, and events.

Past cohorts of Agents of Change have seen impressive growth over a one-year period such as a 461% increase in revenues, and 214% increase in paid staff in Agents of Change: City Builders, and a 195% increase in revenues, and a 97% increase in the number of people impacted in Agents of Change: Community Health.

The 2017 cohort of startups have made incredible progress, such as securing investments, growing their revenues, hiring new staff, winning awards, and most importantly, towards reducing carbon emissions.

Ripple Farms Testimonial: Brandon Hebor and Steven Bourne, the founders of Ripple Farms, build vertical farms with integrated aquaponics systems using shipping containers. “The Centre for Social Innovation’s Agents of Change accelerator has been an invaluable experience in our start-up journey and continued growth. We became revenue positive during the program and were able to secure large sums of money to scale further. I truly believe that Ripple Farms wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for the AoC accelerator,” said Steven.

Green Story Testimonial: Akhil is the co-founder of Green Story, a marketing and analytics platform that helps green companies connect with customers by showcasing their positive environmental and social impact. “The Agents of Change program has helped Green Story grow. In addition to the amazing community and space at CSI, the program has provided technical help, connections, and business coaching and insights that have helped me expand my company,” he said. Peggy Sue Collection Testimonial: Peggy Sue Deaven,, founder of Peggy Sue Collection, is building systems for sustainable fashion. “As a CSI Agent of Change, we’ve seen some enormous successes, including winning Design Forward - Canada’s Sustainable Fashion Award and the Design Exchange’s Designer of the Year Award, launching our Fashion for All line, and keeping 6,325 lbs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Everything we’ve accomplished this year sets us up well for our five year plan when we will multiply that number by 10,” said Peggy Sue.

SWTCH Testimonial: Carter Li & Laura Bryson of SWTCH are creating an online marketplace for residential electric vehicle (EV) charging. “Early on, we were provided an opportunity to practice our pitching skills and later refine our business model with the support of more seasoned entrepreneurs. For us, the most beneficial elements of the program were access to experienced advisors in relevant industries and relationship-building opportunities with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges in growing their impact,” said Laura.

Part of the CSI Accelerates Initiative

At CSI, we support entrepreneurs with solutions that drive change through acceleration and incubation. Learn more about our approach here.

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