Activate!Vaughan for a sustainable future

Oct. 10, 2019 9:00 a.m.
City of Vaughan
New program encourages business collaboration for environmental innovation
 
One ground-breaking idea has the power to transform an industry and create meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable future. The City of Vaughan is launching the Activate!Vaughan Innovation Challenge by calling on entrepreneurs to pitch, present and collaborate on solutions to advance environmental sustainability.
 
The Activate!Vaughan Innovation Challenge empowers businesses to work together to move new ideas forward and rethink the way organizations operate. Through the program, local startups can connect with business leaders, gain market knowledge, and pitch to earn funding. Corporate enterprise partners will gain access to local entrepreneurs who can help generate solutions to sustainability challenges such as packaging innovations, energy-saving technologies, creative waste-reduction methods and identify resource-sharing opportunities.
 
The program will consist of five different challenges over the next 2½ years – the first challenge focuses on sustainable transformation:
 
  • Activate! Vaughan Innovation Challenge
    Date: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019
    Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    Details: Startups are invited to pitch their sustainable solutions at the Activate!Vaughan Innovation Challenge in front of a panel of judges comprised of the City’s corporate enterprise partners. Selected presentations will earn a $5,000 provincial grant to help commercialize their business solution.
    Registration: Sign up to pitch or volunteer as a mentor.
 
Programs like Activate!Vaughan catalyze Vaughan’s economic prosperity, showcase its entrepreneurial spirit and promote environmental stewardship – all priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
 
For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit vaughan.ca/activate.
 
QUOTE
 
“Ideas have the power to transform the way businesses operate. By implementing environmentally sustainable techniques, programs and initiatives, organizations play an essential role in contributing to the low-carbon economy. In Vaughan, we believe in providing entrepreneurs with the tools that are required to drive innovation and achieve the ultimate goal of creating a successful and environmentally sustainable business. The Activate!Vaughan Innovation Challenge is a fantastic concept because it provides meaningful programming and face-to-face engagement opportunities that facilitate business growth. By fostering connections between Vaughan’s corporate leaders and its resilient entrepreneurial network, together we are creating a more sustainable future for our city.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • The Activate!Vaughan Innovation Challenge is calling on entrepreneurs to pitch environmentally sustainable business solutions for a chance to earn a $5,000 provincial grant and take part in business acceleration programming.
  • Vaughan’s corporate enterprises looking to support the development of environmentally sustainable solutions and mentor future leaders are encouraged to join the program. Partnering enterprises include: Alectra Utilities, Centre for Social Innovation, IKEA, MNP, Nature’s Emporium, The HUB Vaughan, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and ventureLAB.
  • The program consists of five different challenges over the next 2½ years. In addition to sustainable transformation, other themes include health and wellness, smart city, transportation and community well-being.
  • The City of Vaughan is an economic powerhouse.
  • Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council recently endorsed the creation of Vaughan’s Economic Prosperity Task Force. Beginning January 2020, the task force will help improve the City’s economic development strategies, explore ways to invest in existing businesses and strengthen the local workforce.
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