Innovation Cluster and Cape Breton University Announce Groundbreaking Partnership for Social Innovation Microcredential
August 23, 2023 – PETERBOROUGH, ON – The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (“ICPK”) is thrilled to announce a formal partnership with Cape Breton University’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This collaboration will launch the Social Innovation microcredential, focusing on creativity, design thinking, innovation, and social business models.
This unique 4-week course will be held on Thursdays from 4-6 pm ET, starting September 7, 2023, and continuing on the 14th, 21st, and 28th. Participants will have the opportunity to learn alongside Jasmine Alam, a renowned expert with a Ph.D. focused on Social Innovation in a sector that is currently experiencing tremendous growth.
The course is being offered at a cost of $500 per participant and at a discounted rate of $250 to ICPK clients. This pricing reflects the Innovation Cluster’s commitment to making top-tier education in the booming field of social innovation accessible to a broader audience. By focusing on creativity, design thinking, innovation, and social business models, this course is aligned with the demands and opportunities of today’s dynamic landscape in social innovation.
Jasmine Alam, the Centre director and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Strategy at Cape Breton University, is optimistic about the collaboration. She states, “Our partnership with the Innovation Cluster is an exciting step towards fostering social entrepreneurship in Canada. The course reflects our shared mission to engage and equip innovators to create social impact while also being profitable.”
Nicole Stephenson, Interim CEO of the Innovation Cluster, added, “The alliance between the Innovation Cluster and Cape Breton University further fosters our commitment to build a prominent and vibrant centre for the incubation of innovation. Their exceptional program in social innovation aligns seamlessly with our goal to drive innovation-focused economic growth and continuously provide new opportunities for our clients.”
The program offers four modules, culminating in a pitch competition, where participants can obtain funding for their idea. Current Trent and Fleming College students, alumni, and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in social innovation enterprises are invited to participate.
Registration for this groundbreaking course is now open, and those interested can enroll via the application link here. Upon successful completion, a badge will be issued by Cape Breton University in partnership with the Innovation Cluster.
Jasmine Alam adds, “This partnership is about more than a course; it’s about building a community of innovators. By working together, we are confident we’ll witness a significant rise in social entrepreneurial activity.”
The Innovation Cluster and Cape Breton University are excited about this promising alliance and look forward to nurturing a new wave of innovative and impactful entrepreneurs.
About the Innovation Cluster
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) is a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs to launch, grow and scale their businesses. They help entrepreneurs reach their business goals so that our local community, job market, and economy continue to grow.
The ICPK supports startup businesses by providing dynamic programming, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs through three core programs.
STARTUP INCUBATOR – a full-service Startup Incubator Program
STARTup Visa Program Canada – an Immigrant Entrepreneurship Program
Student Entrepreneurship Program
The Innovation Cluster operates across multiple locations, one of which includes LAUNCH Kawartha, a dedicated space for incubation programming situated in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes. For additional information, please visit www.innovationcluster.ca.
Core Funding is provided by The City of Peterborough, Trent University, Fleming College, The City of Kawartha Lakes, OMAFRA, Feddev Ontario, and Franklin Empire.
About Cape Breton University (CBU)
Located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, CBU is renowned for its commitment to excellence in teaching and research. With a unique blend of degree, diploma, and certificate programs, CBU offers a comprehensive range of educational opportunities in fields such as arts, sciences, health, business, and engineering technology.
CBU is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. Through collaborative partnerships, community engagement, and a focus on experiential learning, CBU prepares its students to become leaders in their fields and agents of positive change in their communities.
For more information about Cape Breton University and its programs, please visit: https://www.cbu.ca/
Media Contact
Innovation Cluster
Nicole Stephenson
Interim CEO
nstephenson@innovationcluster.ca