Do more. That’s the mantra of the Enactus Windsor team from the University of Windsor.
Through seven community development projects, Enactus Windsor has helped create 127 business ventures, create 39 new jobs, expose 2,347 people to entrepreneurship as a viable business option and impact the lives of 9,167 people – this year!
These efforts were celebrated at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition – Central Canada where Enactus Windsor was crowned regional champions in every single competition, four in total.
During the event, student teams showcase their community development projects and business leaders, serving as judges, determine which Enactus teams will be named champions
At the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition held on March 11, the team was crowned regional champions in the Capital One Financial Education Challenge, Scotiabank EcoLiving Green Challenge, Scotiabank Youth Empowerment Challenge and the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge.
These accolades were well deserved as is demonstrated by the success of their flagship project, CityThrive. CityThrive is a 12-week program that helps individuals on social assistance start or develop their own small business through one-on-one mentorship. The project has lifted 11 people off social assistance and saved the city of Windsor $330,000 this year alone.
Through the team’s seven community development projects, Enactus Windsor has directly empowered 1,717 people through financial education where individuals are paired with students and industry professionals to learn skills like budgeting and bookkeeping as well as business concepts such as competitive analysis and financial statements.
“What’s so powerful about Enactus is how we are bringing everyone together to change our community,” said Peter Corio, Co-President, Enactus Windsor. “Between our student members, community partners, corporate sponsors and faculty advisors, we are coming together to empower our clients, and improve Windsor’s economy. And to me, collaboration amongst the community is vital to us growing and succeeding in Windsor.”
There are 67 post-secondary teams like the University of Windsor in the Enactus Canada community, which is part of a 36 country network operating under the global Enactus brand. Last year, Enactus Windsor was in the top three teams in the country and, once again, they are dialed in to win.
The team will now move on to the national level of competition taking place May 2-4 at the 2016 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario.
Feature photo: Sophie Harrington
