Tackle health challenges head-on
With an aging population, rising healthcare costs and increasing levels of chronic disease, the world needs new innovations that improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Here at the Centre for Social Innovation, we know that great challenges also present opportunities to make the world a better place. We set out to find innovators tackling health challenges head on for Agents of Change: Community Health.
In 2016, CSI and Green Shield Canada Foundation created the Agents of Change: Community Health program to give dreamers, doers and innovators in Toronto a helping hand in developing solutions to health problems affecting various communities.
Each agent received a $10,000-grant, a one-year membership at the Centre for Social Innovation, acceleration supports from leading advisors and educators in organizational and business development, and took part in special programming such as Peer Circles and events to support their work. They achieved a 195% increase in revenues, and a 97% increase in the number of people impacted.
- Program, Training
- Social Ventures
What is Community Health?
Imagine riding home from work along a freshly painted bike lane where Cycle TO is offering a cycling workshop. You watch a local running club training in the park as a group of seniors pass by on a walking tour led by Building Roads Together. You stop at a farmers market to purchase some local produce from Fresh City Farms. You pick up a few extra things for your neighbour, recently diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. You’re worried but feel relieved knowing that her friends are taking turns bringing her meals using the TYZE Personal Networks online platform. You make one last stop at the local Health Centre to pick up some brochures on how to be a caregiver.
What Participants Got
Agents gained access to workspace, meeting space and CSI’s dynamic, multidisciplinary community of more than 1,000 organizations and 2,500 individuals. Agents of Change winners also benefited from CSI programs.
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.
