Upcoming events
Social Enterprise for a Better World
Social Enterprise for a Better World Webinar
Tuesday, May 6 | 1:30–2:30 PM | Teams
What if our work could help build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world? Join us for an inspiring event that explores how social enterprise is creating real change — on campus and beyond.
Hosted by St. Thomas University’s Social Enterprise Hub and the Business and Social Entrepreneurship Program, this session will introduce you to a growing movement that blends innovation, community engagement, and a deep commitment to the common good. You'll hear stories of impact, learn about STU’s social enterprise program and hub, the hands-on experiences students are gaining through placements and partnerships, and discover how social enterprise is helping reimagine the future.
Whether you’re new to the idea or already passionate about social impact, this is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Local Investment for Local Impact
Building Community & Economic Resilience Through Re-localization:
Thursday, April 24 from 12-1pm ADT, webinar #2's theme is Local Investment for Local Impact and features a panel discussion/interview with Linda Best from FarmWorks Investment Co-operative, Paul Hill from Hill's Jamaican Jerk Sauce/Maritime Foods, and Sebastian Chow from Green Gardens Farm (two FarmWorks investees) for a conversation about their experience with and the impact of local investment.
Linda Best - FarmWorks Investment Co-operative:
Linda Best, BSc Acadia, grew up on an Annapolis Valley farm; Medical Microbiologist and Gastroenterology Researcher; former Director of Capital District Health Authority; operated an apple orchard; founded Frame Plus Art which grew to three stores. Awareness of food-related health issues led her to help establish Friends of Agriculture, which planted the seeds for FarmWorks Investment Cooperative Limited, a Community Economic Development Investment Fund. As a Founding Director, Linda continues to volunteer her time to support the vision of healthy farms, healthy food. To date, FarmWorks has raised $4.6 million and has loaned over $8.2 M to over 150 food related businesses across Nova Scotia.
Sebastian Chow - Green Gardens Farm:
Green Gardens is a small-scale, bio-intensive market garden that has grown vegetables and flowers since 2022. We look to limit our environmental impact by using low-impact, organic practices. Green Gardens caters to ingredient-driven chefs in Halifax, providing bespoke products to restaurants. During the growing season, we can also be found at the Halifax Brewery Market.
Paul Hill - Maritime Foods/Hill's Jamaican Jerk:
Maritime Foods is a local food manufacturing company based in Halifax Nova Scotia. The company was established in 2021 by Paul Hill with the goal of working with Sobeys, independent groceries, Loblaws and the local farmers in Atlantic Canada to help reduce waste and create more local products. Paul has a vision to improve food security in Atlantic Canada, help build our agriculture industry and to give customers more local options.
Paul is also the owner of Hill’s Jamaican Jerk which started in 2016 with his jerk sauce and has increased his Caribbean product line over the years with BBQ sauce, wing sauce and spices.
Webinar context:
The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, leaving many individuals and communities with a sense of uncertainty, and in many cases, worry. How do we respond to this rapidly changing world? How do we strengthen our local agency and resilience, socially, economically, and ecologically? With newly imposed tariffs that threaten to worsen the financial realities within our communities, we want to shine a light on thriving examples of re-localization in our region!
Re-localization is a concept and movement with an aim to become more self-reliant in our production and consumption (while reducing reliance on distant supply chains) in everything from energy, to food, to climate solutions, and beyond.
This series will be held on the last Thursday of each month from 12-1pm Atlantic and will explore examples of re-localization across Atlantic Canada.
Register here: https://bit.ly/CLPWebinar2
A Zoom link & calendar invitation will be sent after you register (by donation, suggested donation: $10).
What is a Worker Co-op?
Tuesday, April 11 at 11 am ET
Part of CWCF’s Free webinar series
This introductory training in the cooperative enterprise, covers the 4 main types of cooperatives and more specifically covers all the aspects affecting the functioning of a cooperative managed by workers: internal organization, legal guidelines, capital structure, conditions for success, etc.
This training is for:
> entrepreneurs
> potential new members of cooperatives
> the curious
Presented by Hazel Corcoran, Executive Director, CWCF and Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyido
STU Harvard Pitch Competition
St. Thomas University is launching an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their social enterprise ideas and win an all-expenses-paid trip to FounderCrush at Harvard University on May 1st, 2025. This prestigious event connects emerging changemakers with global leaders in innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. The competition invites students to develop a social enterprise concept that addresses a real-world problem. Students will deliver a 5-minute pitch to the audience, including a panel of judges comprised of leaders from the social entrepreneurship and university community. At the event, up to four students will be selected to join the Social Enterprise Hub team on an all-expense paid trip to Harvard University to attend the FounderCrush event.
📅 Thursday, April 10, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Margaret McCain Hall 308, St. Thomas University
🍩 Light refreshments proudly provided by Neighbourly Coffee
STU Social Enterprise Showcase
This fun and engaging showcase event will give students in Introduction to Social Enterprise (BUSI 1003) the opportunity to present the social enterprise ideas they have been developing in the course.Two parallel sections of the course (one in-person and one online) are sharing their pitch ideas in this exciting event. It’s a science fair or poster session-style event, so you would be able to hear students' rapid elevator pitches at their poster stations. This also means that you don't have to commit to the entire event - you can come when you want, and stay as long as you want.
📅 Wednesday, April 9, 2025
🕙 9:00 – 10:30 AM
📍 Dawn Russell Student Lounge, James Dunn Hall, St. Thomas University
🍩 Light refreshments proudly provided by Neighbourly Coffee
Atlantic Ecosystem Peer-to-Peer
Startup Atlantic Network
Quarterly Peer Collaboration Forum
Join us for a quarterly forum where the Atlantic ecosystem comes together to collaborate, share ideas, and solve problems. Themed breakout rooms allow you to pick the discussions that matter to you the most.
Why join?
What’s working? Let’s share what’s driving growth and innovation in the Atlantic ecosystem.
What’s not working? Bring up the challenges and roadblocks we’re facing and let’s talk about what’s not clicking.
What can we do? Collaborate on actionable steps and brainstorm solutions to improve support for founders and how we work together.
We’ll gather notes from all of you and facilitate actions we can take to move forward. This is your chance to be part of the change!
Join experts, founders, and ecosystem supporters (BAIs, Investors, EiRs, etc.) to share insights, collaborate, and take action.
Disclaimer: It’s a space for open discussion, collaboration, and action. No selling, no pitching, no strutting, just real conversations.
Crafting Your Entrepreneurial Narrative
Oriana Cordido is the Manager of Entrepreneurial Services at Ignite, where she is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and helping businesses grow. With a focus on impact, she is inspired by working on projects that create positive change in their communities—whether social, environmental, or economic. Oriana is particularly motivated by the opportunity to guide clients through the entrepreneurial journey, from idea to execution. As a newcomer to Canada and a STU alumna, she is proud of the community she's become a part of. Oriana will be speaking to us about the importance of pitching and storytelling in entrepreneurship, sharing her insights on how these skills can help businesses succeed.
What is a Worker Co-op?
Tuesday, March 13 at 12 pm ET
Part of CWCF’s Free webinar series
This introductory training in the cooperative enterprise, covers the 4 main types of cooperatives and more specifically covers all the aspects affecting the functioning of a cooperative managed by workers: internal organization, legal guidelines, capital structure, conditions for success, etc.
This training is for:
> entrepreneurs
> potential new members of cooperatives
> the curious
Presented by Hazel Corcoran, Executive Director, CWCF
Galerie Sans Nom: New Brunswick Performance Art Tour 2025
Une autre année impaire, une autre tournée PERF𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮!
La GSN est fière d’annoncer la 5ième tournée provinciale d’art performance PERF𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮! Initiative des membres de la GSN @mlegerart et @lindaraedornan , la tournée à pour but de faire connaitre l’art action comme pratique artistique dans les quatre coins de la province. Avec les performances des artistes invités @anniefrancenoel , @thequeermummer, @maestro__mario et @hollytimpener !
L’équipe de PERF𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 et de la GSN sont reconnaissantes de l’appui du programme de l’aide à la tournée provinciale et au programme d’appui au bilinguisme de la Province du Nouveau-Brunswick, ainsi qu’à tous les partenaires de présentation.
Tous les événements sont libres d’entrée et les performances sont suivies d’une période de questions et réponses avec les artistes dans les deux langues!
___
GSN is proud to announce the 5th edition of the provincial performance art tour PERF𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮! An initiative lead by GSN members Mathieu Léger and Linda Rae Dornan, the tour seeks to promote action art as an artistic practice through all four corners of the province. With guest performances of artists Annie France Noël, Mario Cormier, Lucas Morneau and Holly Timpener.
The PERF𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 and GSN teams are grateful for the support of the Province of New-Brunswick’s touring and bilingualism support grants, as well as all of our presenting partners!
All events are free admission and the performances are followed by a questions and answers period in both languages with the artists!
Schedule of Events:
Sunbury Shores Art & Nature Centre, Saint Andrews, 28 February, 5 PM
Galerie Marie-Hélène-Allain, Bouctouche, 2 March
Circolo @ Gare de Matapédia, Matapédia, 6 March
Galerie Colline, Edmundston, 7 March
Third Space Gallery @ Saint John Art Centre, Saint John, 8 March
Connexion ARC, Fredericton, 9 March
Galerie Sans Nom, Moncton, 16 March
Struts Gallery, Sackville, 21 March
From STU Grad to Social Entrepreneur: Unlocking Financial Opportunities for Emerging Start-Ups
Join us for an engaging talk with Elizabeth Murphy as she shares her inspiring journey from STU student to social entrepreneur. Elizabeth will not only offer valuable insights into the financial opportunities available for emerging start-ups, but also share her own story of how she built a career with a focus on social impact. Drawing on her experience in fundraising, communications, and community-building, Elizabeth will highlight ways businesses and nonprofits can diversify revenue streams, secure funding, and grow their social and environmental impact. Whether you're thinking about launching your own start-up or interested in supporting others, this talk will provide both practical advice and an inspiring example of how to make a difference.
When: Friday, February 28, 9:00-10:20 AM
Where: Edmund Casey Hall, Room 103, St. Thomas University
Funding Beyond Grants: Exploring Social Finance for Nonprofits
Join Kristi Fairholm Mader, Managing Director at Thrive Impact Fund, for this 45-minute webinar to explore how your nonprofit can access social finance as a funding tool that can help grow and sustain your impact.
Nonprofits often struggle to find resources that go beyond traditional grants and donations to fund impactful projects. This event will provide nonprofit leaders with the insights and practical knowledge needed to explore social finance as a viable option.
Key Learning Outcomes
Gain a clear understanding of how social finance can support nonprofit growth
Hear real-world examples of nonprofits successfully leveraging social finance to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Learn the differences between traditional funding methods and social finance, including flexible debt and revenue-based financing
Explore practical scenarios where social finance can be applied, such as program expansion, asset acquisition, and social enterprise growth.
Discover how to assess your organization's readiness for social finance.
Who Should Attend? This event is perfect for nonprofit leaders, managers, and Board members who want to learn about how to access innovative financing options to support their impact and growth.
About the Speaker: Kristi Fairholm Mader is the Managing Director at Thrive Impact Fund and an experienced leader in the social finance sector. With decades of experience in helping nonprofits access flexible and innovative financing solutions, Kristi is dedicated to empowering organizations to think beyond traditional funding models and achieve lasting change.
Ducks Unlimited: Nest-box program
📢 Interested in learning more about our nest-box program?
Join us for a free nest-box workshop on February 26 at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown, PEI.
We’ll be answering any and all questions about installation, inspections, and how to use our nest-box app.
Please pre-register here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wood-duck-nest-box-workshop-tickets-1223333025009
Charlotte Street Arts Centre: Member’s Collage Event
Calling all current members of the 732 Crew. We have an afternoon collage workshop coming up on March 9 from 1-3 p.m. Join fellow member and artist Jacqueline Carr for a relaxing afternoon of collage work. Create your own unique piece of art and meet other members of the 732 Crew at the same time.
This workshop is free to all members. Registration is required to ensure enough materials and supplied will be on hand. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/732-crew-members-collage-workshop
Not a member yet? Visit charlottestretarts.ca to learn about how you can support the Charlotte Street Arts Centre and gain access to discounts and events.
Pop-up Black Owned Business Showcase
Support Black entrepreneurs by exploring a showcase of Black-owned businesses offering a range of products and services.
Cuffman Elementary Book Drive
What we’re looking for:
New or gently used books suitable for elementary students (Ages 4-11)
English and French books accepted
Everyone who donates will be entered into a draw to win a $25 gift card
Questions? Email: hnpmw@stu.ca
STU Winter Clothing Drive
Help support Grade House in our winter clothing drive
Drop off:
Feb 18th in JDH
Feb 10-14th in BMH 202 and 205
Donate new or gently used hats, mittens, boots, jackets, ski pants and other winter accessories
Make a donation to help support this local women’s shelter
Learn more about Grace House and their contributions to the community
Any questions about the drive? Email jillianshodgson@gmail.com
Or visit the Grace House website to learn more about them at: https://www.theshelters.ca/our-spaces/grace-house/
STU Enactus: ‘Fast Fashion Exposed’
This interactive 45-minute session will explore the environmental and human costs associated with fast fashion. Also, there is a chance to win a $25 gift card or upcycled items (created by our amazing Enactus STU alum, Estefania!) by participating in our quiz at the end!
Research Webinar: Scaling Social Enterprise
Webinar from Social Enterprise Solutions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/research-scaling-of-social-enterprises-tickets-1216397610999?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thursday 13 February 2025
10:30-12:00 GMT
Research Webinar:
90-minute practical dissemination workshop on the learnings from my PhD research titled:
What are the key considerations of social enterprises planning to scale, and how do these considerations interact to shape the scaling journey?
The session will include:
An update on the social enterprise landscape in Ireland
A high-level overview of the current academic research on the scaling of social enterprises
The findings of my research, including the presentation of a practical framework outlining the factors to consider when scaling a social enterprise.
The challenges faced by social enterprises as they scale and the social enterprise ecosystem that supports them
An opportunity for Q&A
Please register here
This research was supported and funded by TU Dublin, Ireland
Flavours of Success: The Story Behind Divine African Market
Join us for an inspiring presentation by Bolaji Akintola, the founder of Divine African Market, a vibrant hub in Fredericton that brings authentic African flavours to the local community. From humble beginnings in her apartment to opening a thriving brick-and-mortar store, Bolaji will share her incredible journey of entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and building a business that celebrates cultural diversity. Whether you're interested in learning about African cuisine, the power of community, or the story of an immigrant entrepreneur, this talk is not to be missed. Come hear how Bolaji is changing the landscape of Fredericton, one product at a time!
Structuring your Community Organization for Success
Join us for Episode 4 of the PeerUp Series, hosted by the Social Innovation Community of Practice (CoP), as we explore strategies for structuring your community organization for long-term success.
In this session, Colin Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CSCNL), will share insights on how to:
Leverage your organizational structure to enhance impact and mitigate risk.
Develop strategies to boost long-term sustainability and resilience.
This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and community advocates who want to ensure their organizations are equipped to adapt, thrive, and deliver meaningful impact in an ever-changing landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Explore corporate, governance, and financial structures that strengthen your organization.
Learn how to align your structure with your mission and vision for greater impact.
Gain tools to identify and mitigate risks within your organization.
Develop strategies to promote sustainability and long-term success.
Meet the Speaker:
Colin Corcoran
Colin is the CEO of the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CSCNL). With a strong background in social innovation and a commitment to building vibrant, sustainable communities, Colin has dedicated his career to empowering organizations to achieve their goals and maximize their impact.
He is a seasoned social entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning finance, tech, and rural business. Beyond his professional achievements, he's a trusted advisor, former mayor, and active community leader. With a passion for social finance and rural connectivity, Colin also shares his knowledge as an instructor and cherishes his role as a family man.
Learn more about Colin's professional journey and expertise:
LinkedIn Profile
Event Partners:
This session is a must-attend for changemakers looking to future-proof their organizations!
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and elevate your organization!
Registration Information:
Participation is free, but space is limited! Reserve your spot now to join us in person or online.
Register now to secure your spot!
What is a Worker Co-op?
Tuesday, February 6 at 1 pm ET
Part of CWCF’s Free webinar series
This introductory training in the cooperative enterprise, covers the 4 main types of cooperatives and more specifically covers all the aspects affecting the functioning of a cooperative managed by workers: internal organization, legal guidelines, capital structure, conditions for success, etc.
This training is for:
> entrepreneurs
> potential new members of cooperatives
> the curious
Presented by Hazel Corcoran, Executive Director, CWCF
Brain Waste: Evidence of Immigrants’ Job-Education Mismatch in Canada
Dr. Fariba Solati (Economics) will speak on “Brain Waste: Evidence of Immigrants’ Job-Education Mismatch in Canada” as part of the Dialogos faculty seminar series.
The event will take place in Margaret Norrie McCain Hall 204.
The Peoples Social Impact Conference
Our Mission is to engage and provide meaningful opportunities to the historically under-represented communities in the social economy, social finance, impact investing and cooperative ecosystems.
Our Vision is committed to building a world that thrives on innovation and diversity as catalysts for community prosperity and inclusivity.
We aim to co-create a social economy ecosystem in Canada that; Will reflect the diverse genders, races, cultures, orientations, and perspectives of constituents across Canada. Nurtures broad coalitions to cultivate respect and establish intergenerational collaboration that will foster empathy between diverse opinions, beliefs, and interests.
What is a Worker Co-op?
Tuesday, January 7 at 12 pm ET
Part of CWCF’s Free webinar series
This introductory training in the cooperative enterprise, covers the 4 main types of cooperatives and more specifically covers all the aspects affecting the functioning of a cooperative managed by workers: internal organization, legal guidelines, capital structure, conditions for success, etc.
This training is for:
> entrepreneurs
> potential new members of cooperatives
> the curious
Presented by Hazel Corcoran, Executive Director, CWCF
What is a Worker Co-op?
Tuesday, December 10 at 12 pm ET
Part of CWCF’s Free webinar series
This introductory training in the cooperative enterprise, covers the 4 main types of cooperatives and more specifically covers all the aspects affecting the functioning of a cooperative managed by workers: internal organization, legal guidelines, capital structure, conditions for success, etc.
This training is for:
> entrepreneurs
> potential new members of cooperatives
> the curious
Co-presented by Hazel Corcoran, Executive Director, CWCF and Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyido, CWCF BIPOC board advisor.
ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024
The 2024 ICA Global Conference will hit Indian soil for the first time in its 130 years! New Delhi will host cooperators from around the world, who will explore the role of cooperatives in creating a collective, peaceful and prosperous future for all.
Summit on Entrepreneurship & Social Change
Develop and pitch your social impact venture ideas and learn about entrepreneurship while networking within the Maritimes’ ecosystem!
Social Value Conference 2024
The leading not-for-profit Social Value event, bringing together experts and practitioners from the public, private and third sectors. The conference will facilitate sharing best practices and innovative ideas for Social Value and discuss how organisations across sectors can do 'good business’.
Opportunity Collaboration 2024
The Opportunity Collaboration is a global network of leaders dedicated to building sustainable solutions to poverty and injustice. We annually convene a 3-day collaborative summit that is uniquely designed to help you forge alliances and advance your organization’s social impact initiatives.
The Gap in Between
The Gap in Between-Annual Summit is a platform where a diverse range of actors come together to tackle the most pressing social and environmental challenges.