Mapping Out an Inclusive Path for Future Entrepreneurs in Ontario
Roundtable gathered political and educational leaders with young entrepreneurs to talk about the role of equity, diversion and inclusion in building a strong innovation economy
On Jan. 10, 2023, the Honourable Filmona Tassi, the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (external link) (FedDev Ontario), hosted the Future Entrepreneurs Roundtable at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre.
FedDev Ontario, a federal agency that delivers programs and services to support innovation and economic growth in southern Ontario, invited Dr. Wendy Cukier, founder and academic director of the Diversity Institute (DI) to moderate the conversation.
The rich discussion focused on the perspectives of young and future entrepreneurs working out of post-secondary institutions in the Toronto area, as well as organizations that support them. Young and future entrepreneurs from Toronto Metropolitan University, Centennial College, Seneca College, Sheridan College, Ontario Tech University and York University spoke about their experiences in starting and growing their ventures.
Member of Parliament Han Dong and leaders from prominent educational institutions and support organizations also attended, including Linda Franklin, president of Colleges Ontario; Rhonda Lenton, president and vice chancellor of York University; and Shane Flynn, director of talent development at The DMZ.
Dr. Cukier encouraged discussion about the barriers faced by young entrepreneurs, and how post-secondary institutions, government and the private sector can work together to support young entrepreneurs. She also spoke to how the entrepreneurial ecosystem can collectively ensure a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for young Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+ and women entrepreneurs within southern Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.
As the research lead for the Future Skills Centre (external link) , DI uses and advocates for a systems approach in defining, understanding and addressing the barriers to employment faced by equity-deserving groups, including young and future entrepreneurs.
Such an approach considers policy and stereotypes at the societal level; policies, processes and practices at the organizational level; and knowledge, beliefs and behaviour at the individual level. This approach informs the research and programming conducted by DI’s Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (external link) , Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network, and Advanced Digital and Professional Training program, a no-cost skills training program provided to new and recent graduates.
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