George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
The pandemic forced many people to put plans on hold. That’s why Desjardins has partnered with George Brown College and will provide a two-year donation to help young people make their business and social innovation ideas a reality. The funding will support programs that help budding student entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground.
This donation will fund activities and programming through to 2023 at startGBC, George Brown’s entrepreneurial hub. Programming includes:
- The startGBC Entrepreneur Discovery Summer Camp
- A variety of entrepreneurship competitions, including PITCH IT GBC!, Entrepreneurial Mindset Design Jam and the Business Model Canvas
- Work-integrated learning (WIL) placements for 60 students per year
“We are grateful for this financial support from Desjardins—funding that will have a direct impact on our students,” said Neal Lilliott, Manager of startGBC. “We’re eager to continue supporting our students’ entrepreneurial goals with resources, mentorship and real-world experience.”
Desjardins recently outlined a commitment to funding initiatives for youth whose education and plans were dramatically altered by COVID-19 and have been feeling increased anxiety about their path forward.
"We need to be direct about just how big the challenges are for future generations and act accordingly,” said Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group. “Desjardins wants to support youth through initiatives that encourage them to dive into something, exceed their own expectations, take on new challenges and above all, believe that anything is possible."