Ideas and happenings in our community
Elisa went through a life-changing ritual a few years too late, experiencing a coming-of-age ceremony as an adult. But this experience put her on a path to revive this ancient ceremony for modern day girls. Read on to see how personal transformation is a constant element in Elisa’s journey as a social entrepreneur.
Meet Anna Bohn was freelancing when she came to Groundswell in 2016, seeking a way to bridge her design talents with her passion for environmental sustainability. Now, her design studio employs 3 people and works across North America, and she’s developing a Lighter Footprint app with UBC, taking on the challenge of entrepreneurship in many different arenas.
Irina came to Canada with a background in law and retail, and a love of fashion and the environment. She was also done with a regular career. She turned a lay off at work into the springboard she needed to jump into a new life as an entrepreneur. Read how she made the leap and is now leading the conversation and taking action in textile recycling and reuse in Metro Vancouver with her three ventures.
I find much inspiration in the work of Buckminster Fuller and feel that his wisdom will resonate for many who are connected to Groundswell. Whether this is an initial introduction to ‘Bucky’ or a reminder to those who are familiar, his response to an inquisitive ten year old is a refreshing read. As we heed entrepreneurial advice to do the work, to show the love, to just keep going, to be the change, to let go of certainty, to defy fear- these insightful words can be a grounding place to return to on the journey.
Groundswell and Helder Ventures, an impact investment firm, are partnering to offer scholarships for newcomer women to Canada to give them the confidence, skills, tools and space to find their unique gift and put it to work for themselves and for their community. Read more to apply and share the news!
Groundswell is looking for part time (20 hours per week) Marketing Coordinator who is energetic, motivated, organized, and a great fit for our hardworking team and fast-paced startup. The position is permanent position with a potential to become full time in Summer 2019.
Jack explore bias, brains, and the challenge of building a transformative project.
Meet Miri, who learnt about Groundswell’s Build program 4 days before it started! Luckily for this hypnotherapist, a seat was free. Read Miri’s first hand experience of taking that leap and finding herself equip with a clear vision for her practice, a plethora of business skills, and a team of mentors and peers supporting her and her purpose driven business just half way through the program.
The power of Meetup groups, fun, and finding motivation in what you love: Mark relights the fire to an old hobby and is happily surprised when he finds he is far from alone in it!
Colienne wonders why our economy doesn’t work like the rest of nature: in sustainable, regenerative loops, like the leaves that fall and fertilize the trees.
What is Groundswell? Alum Rob Wallace, Upbeet Farm, takes a stab at defining it to those curious about what he’s up to these days…
Cohort member Daniela presents a series of quotes she collected from the female entrepreneurs that she turns to for inspiration as she build her business.
Gabby kicks off Cohort 8’s Student Blog series from her vantage point as a participant in Groundswell’s Build program. She remembers to follows her own advice of putting time for reflection and restoration ahead of your other tasks to be a better friend, colleague, and be more effective at everything else you do.
Some people are just bursting with can-do attitude and back it up with an incredible range of hard earned expertise and experience. Meet Groundswell mentor and big-hearted Tiffany Shen. Entrepreneur, tech whiz, foodie, tea geek.
Are you thinking about taking the LEAP into social entrepreneurship? You’re in luck! Our co-founders Gilad Babchuk or Paola Qualizza would like to offer you a chance to book a FREE 40-minute, one-on-one conversation where you can ask them all your burning questions around starting a social business, understanding the marketing engine that drives your venture forward, all the legal and accounting bits in between. Let’s do this!
Each Groundswell cohort member writes their own reflections and ideas while they are in the Build program. Read about their experiences and learnings here: