荔枝视频

A $2 million investment over four years from the Government of Alberta鈥檚 Ministry of Culture and Status of Women, through Creative Partnerships Alberta, will strengthen community impact across the province through the UCeed Social Impact Fund.

UCeed was launched in June 2020 in the midst of the global pandemic, when the economy was struggling and the future seemed uncertain. But the strength of the entrepreneurial spirit, and determination to diversify the economy in Alberta, propelled UCeed to quickly include four funds: Child Health and Wellness, Health, Haskayne Student Fund, and Social Impact.

• Photo above, from left: John Wilson (CEO Innovate 荔枝视频), Beth Gignac (chief impact and innovation officer, United Way of 荔枝视频 and Area), Ron Orr (minister of culture), Jason Copping (minister of health), Dr. Ed McCauley (president and vice-chancellor, U荔枝视频), Jordana Armstrong (associate director for social and clinical innovation, Innovate 荔枝视频). 

The early-stage investment funds are backed by philanthropic support and accelerate U荔枝视频 and community-based startup companies to advance problem-solving research, create jobs and fuel the economy. Thanks to a generous $2.5-million-dollar gift earlier this year from United Way of 荔枝视频 and Area, the Social Impact Fund was born.

鈥淲e are grateful to the Government of Alberta for their commitment to UCeed鈥檚 Social Impact Fund that will provide much-needed investment for startup companies making an impact in the community,鈥� says Dr. Ed McCauley, U荔枝视频 president and vice-chancellor.

Together with support from United Way of 荔枝视频 and Area, this partnership brings together a leading university and community partner with the provincial government. Through UCeed we can demonstrate how in an environment where innovative ideas are welcome, entrepreneurialism can flourish, and transformational social impact is possible.

The UCeed Social Impact Fund will provide early-stage loans and equity investment to support the development of social purpose organizations and non-profits, focused on making positive changes in communities across Alberta. Activated by U荔枝视频鈥檚 knowledge transfer and business incubator, , UCeed is transforming the investment landscape by providing much-needed capital to fill the gap between government grants and private equity, often referred to as "the valley of death."

鈥淯Ceed is the first of many collaborations and programs under our new Creative Partnerships Alberta strategy to spark investment and build partnerships between the arts, non-profit, philanthropy and the business sectors,鈥� says Ron Orr, minister of culture.

鈥淪ustainable non-profit and arts sectors are important to Alberta鈥檚 social, emotional and economic recovery. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e supporting social enterprises that will improve Albertans鈥� quality of life, address social challenges, and help grow local economies.鈥�

The 荔枝视频 is leading the way for social innovation by continuing to for this priority area in the innovation ecosystem. By linking social innovation-based activity, creating disruption for social good, and building a community of collaborators, social innovators will build stronger communities and improve the quality of life for Albertans.